HYPOTHESIZING LEOPOLD SENGHOR'S POSTULATIONS, REALITY AND MYTH IN NIGERIA

Alexander I. Dike

Abstract


This paper provides insights into ideological doctrine of negritude for African socialism. Negritude is rooted in the political philosophy that presupposes collective orientation and spirit of pan Africanism. There is widespread acceptance among intellectual thinkers that negritude offers the front of African unity and drive towards African spirit which offers leverage for African decolonization. Negritude drives collective desire for Africa development. Against this background, this paper examines negritude as model for united Nigeria. The model provides reconstruction of African socialism and root of Nigeria unity. Literature materials for the work were derived from historical archives and official documents. The paper outlined doctrine of negritude as pan Africanism and spirit of collective consciousness for Africa development. Senghor’s postulation of negritude was African socialism which found place in African democracy and united Africa. Negritude designated spirit of pan Africanism and it was symbol for political philosophy in Africa. Africa negritude was formed in the mind of Africans and held as belief system. Yet, Nigeria lacked potential for negritude that rallies multi ethnics for united Nigeria. This paper concluded that drive for Nigeria negritude and spirit of collective orientation place Nigeria on the path of balance development. The prerequisite for Nigeria negritude is a drive towards civil nationhood. This cut off doctrine from ethnic nationalism and drives to true nationhood. Negritude for Nigeria should reconstruct the tide of current federalism which skews development.


Keywords


Negritude, Pan Africanism, Multi Ethnic, Nigeria, Development

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References


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