Doctrines Of Social Reconstruction

It was quite insightful reading “Odilism As Leadership Philosophy in Nigeria”, written by one Dr Temple Uwalaka, a research associate in the University of Cambera, Australia; (ref. The Tide: Friday, 13/8/2021).
Close associates of the former Governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili, recognised quite easily the philosopher in him, demonstrated practically in a charismatic, even though wily, manner. What Uwalaka personalised as a philosophy is embodied in what is universally known as Reconstructionism.
When Queen Katharine, wife to King Henry VIII of England, was divorced because the King found a greater love in Anne Bullen, the Queen’s maid, Griffith, Gentleman-Usher to Queen Katherine, made a memorable statement, to comfort the out-going Queen. He said: “Noble Madam, men’s evil manners live in brass; their virtues we write in water.” Yes, people usually see and exaggerate the faults in others, but ignore their noble qualities.
Reconstructionist philosophy is an upbuilding, bridge building, pacification project, which seeks to heal old wounds. As a young man and even before the creation of 12 states from the old regional structure, Dr Odili understood what it is to come from an extreme minority zone of the country. But rather than look for godfathers or lick boots, he learned early in life to be a bridge builder, such that he was a welcome guest anywhere he went. His relationship with people not only depicted his mindset but also showed him as a bridge builder.
Reconstructionist philosophy would say that no human being or human situation, including activities, is perfect; therefore, there is always room for continuous improvements in every field of endeavour. Those who allow the ridicules of ill-disposed persons or the fear of making mistakes to hold them back from doing what they believe in, are advised to rise from such inhibitions. It is better to make a mistake with a good volition than to do nothing because of fear of making mistakes.
Desirable social changes should be brought about through gradual but systematic process, rather than allow vanity and prevailing fashions become the determining factors. Imitation or “copy-cat” mindset should not play a role in social reconstruction, rather indigenous values, culture and aspirations should make fundamental input in the contents of desired changes. Existing indigenous values and structures should not be destroyed and discarded for what is new, rather, they should form the basis and stepping stones in the reconstruction process.
Appropriate starting point for a social reconstruction is the mind, thinking process or attitude of the people. We can hardly build a nation without first building the people; neither can we build the people unless we have an effective hold on their mind, thinking and perception. Effective social reconstruction requires that the larger majority of the population should be carried along. This would demand mass enlightenment, mobilisation and motivation of the masses through earnest, patriotic and transparent leadership.
Without an exemplary, people-oriented leadership, characterised by accountability, honesty and transparency, the masses can hardly be carried along in any effective reconstruction. Rather, what the masses observe is the practice of buying personal favour and patronage through the installation of factional paid agents, by leaders and political parties. Genuine social reconstruction should be a non-partisan mass movement, with a long-time agenda, arranged in phases to allow for mass adjustment of the people. It would be necessary to start from experimental pilot phase of simpler nature and then expand gradually.
As a large-scale, long-time project, social reconstruction demands joint involvement, support and participation of the masses, with the establishment of a forum for the interaction of stakeholders, for the sharing of information, ideas and opinions. Reconstruction is a healing and rebuilding process, with emphases on appeasement of damages, bruises and humiliations inflicted on the masses or any sections of the society in the past. Bad governance, tyranny, failed promises and corruption are realities which must be corrected with honesty, not denied.
Human capacity building must begin with an honest transformation and rehabilitation of past negligences, especially in building up the faith and confidence of estranged sections of the population. Human beings are more productive and perform better if they are in a state of happiness which demands a mass healing process of appeasement and rapprochement. Obviously many Nigerians are not happy.
Like what happened in South Africa after the apartheid regime, Nigeria must admit that the nation’s challenges go beyond corruption but also include exclusionist practices. A widening class system cuts across regions and political parties, but manifests in increasing hunger among the masses. Without that phenomenon being addressed honestly, any talk about reconstruction or restructuring would be a mere sham. The situation is more precarious because productivity and integrity are not the determinants of wealth. Would it be wrong to say that there are crimes and corruption behind every great wealth?
A principal doctrine in the reconstructionist social philosophy is that a crime-inducing or corrupt political economy breeds insecurity and instability. When can a nation’s political economy be described as crime-inducing or corrupt? It is when wealth is not the result of hard and productive labour but associated with a system of patronage and sinecure. Then a “Robin Hood” culture is enthroned whereby looting, hostage-taking and ransom payment become the means of re-distribution of wealth.
If public funds are looted to build private fortunes, there are two options to balance imbalances, namely: give back to the society via philanthropy, and then Nemesis via activities of fraudsters and bandits. To call a leader “Governor Donatus” means that the masses love cheerful givers, same as God does. Second doctrine of reconstruction: Pay lots to go scot-free, rather than hoard and perish. Plea bargaining also wins, not eating alone.

By: Bright Amirize

Dr Amirize is a retired lecturer from the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.