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Bridging the Gap between the Haves and the Have-Nots: A Marxist Approach to the Political Economy of Nigeria Joshua Ocheja
A Marxist’s thought is based on daily practice, a philosophy called Dialectics. Thus, Marxism is both a theory and a practice. The theories of Marxism are sometimes called dialectical materialism; to be clear there is no one answers to a question – theory is based on a particular set of conditions that are always finite, and thus, any theory is necessarily limited. To test the validity of theory, Marxists rely on practice as the criteria of truth. Using such a methodology Marx and Engel examined history, which lead them to elaborate theories of the class struggle, the basis of social relations through economics, and the form of society that could follow capitalism. These theories are not immutable truths; they follow something similar to the scientific method. Naturally, there are countless examples of Marxist theories that have been modified, revised, or altogether changed: starting with Marx’s own changes! In this sense, your most important task is to comprehensively understand the method; having accomplished that, you’ll begin to see relevant and up to date answers for modern times.
Karl Marx, one of the founding fathers of sociology can be best described as a controversial scholar because of his stand on communalism. In his life time he hypothesized what the society would turn into if the ideals of socialism were not embraced. Karl Marx advocated a classless society where everybody will be equal and ownership of land not the exclusive preserve of a select few.
All human beings are equal in eyes of God that is what the saying goes. Still we find that there are wide disparities in the society within the country, across the countries and the continents. Is it a God’s creation or a man’s doing? The argument is either way. It is something which would exist for all times to come. Perhaps, human beings across the globe have to come together as a society to bridge the gap.
Human
beings are driven by basic necessities of life, manifest in food, shelter
and clothing. The entrepreneurship, productivity of individuals gives
raise to “Haves” and “Have-nots’. On a larger perspective,
resources of a country coupled with its productive utilization give raise
to countries prosperity.
In essence”Haves” can be categorized as those individuals who are driven by initiatives, knowledge, ambition, entrepreneurship, a desire to contribute to the society, thus becoming a source of further employment for others. In a socialist fabric of the society, the wealth is sought to be distributed amongst all irrespective of whether one is productive or not. In a capitalist fabric, the market forces provide a self correcting mechanism to apply pressure on all sectors of the society to extract the best and effectively improve their productiveness.
On the other hand,” Have-nots” is the one who are on the lower rungs of the society who are categorized as less productive. This could be because they have not had enough exposure to knowledge, skills which they lack or have not enough grasp of both. They may also be a group having knowledge but lacking in initiative and drive to achieve greater tasks and responsibilities, in an unfavorable atmosphere.
At the Country level, the Economic policies of the government, its resources such as human, material and capital fuels its growth. A healthy competition makes it vibrant and such countries dictate the global economy as well.
The Country, based on the economic prosperity wields a significant economic clout and provides an excellent opportunity to its citizens to become economically self dependant. A comparison among various individuals within a country which is economically self dependant and prosperous can still be categorized as “Haves” and Have-nots, based on their individual economic levels. Good Governance of a country and individual aptitude and initiative to make good the opportunity provided by the Government decides the economic well being of a country and the capability of the society to bridge the gap between Haves and Have-nots.
In the contemporary Nigerian society, the gap between the Haves and the Have-nots is seemingly on the increase. This could to an extent be attributed to greed, corruption in high places and other acts inimical to the interest of this country.
Like I earlier posited, the Economic policies of the government and its resources are veritable tools for its prosperity. A country that lacks good governance is heading towards extinction. On the other hand, a country with the aforementioned features, dictates the global economy.
Nigeria should not be an exception. The resources are in abundance, its citizens are innovative, resourceful and exceptional, but the wealth of the nation is in the hands of a few. This trend could be attributed to lack of clear cut leadership drive of our past leaders, the political instability we have witnessed in the country since independence and our being susceptible to the whims and caprices of the industrialized nations.
The Marxist posited that the bourgeoisies will do everything possible to ensure the proletariats remain under their iron fisted rule. The industrialized nations of Europe pass as the bourgeoisies, while the continent of Africa passes as the proletariats. In relation to government, it is a common feature to find officials of sensitive agencies being susceptible to the whims and caprices of these business men from Europe and lately Lebanon, China and India. For example, the epileptic power situation in Nigeria has been largely attributed to the generators and diesel dealers. In some quarters it’s believed that these businessmen are friends and business partners of those in position of authority, as such for their friendship to blossom, their interest must be protected at the expense of national development.
Relative as it may sound, what is perceived as an abnormal practice in some countries is perceived as normal in Nigeria. For instance, the spate of corruption in government agencies in Nigeria is seen as the normal thing.
They have found the Nigerian society a safe heaven to push in their merchandise, standard or sub standard, because they can not sell in their countries and they have willing collaborators in some of us.
The above is just one out of a million; these acts are inimical to the development of the country and indirectly widening the gap between the Haves and the Have-nots.
The implication of the above is a compromised leadership, and when the leadership of a country is compromised, good governance becomes a fantasy because someone somewhere has a powerful interest to protect and further enriching his pocket.
In conclusion, like I said earlier, Nigerians are innovative and resourceful people, but we have a tendency to be compromised at the slightest opportunity for reasons based on materialism.
Some of us have distinguished our selves and some have given us a reason to raise eyebrows.
However, this scourge is not present in Nigeria alone, but the African continent in general.
The wealth of a nation is for its entire citizens, the role the government has to play is to churn out sound Economic policies and create, an enabling environment for its citizens to make good the opportunities provided. In so doing the gap between the Haves and the Have-nots will be reduced and the economy becomes prosperous.
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