Abstract
The philosophy of civil liberties and democracy in Nigeria represents a dynamic interplay between universal moral principles and the country's cultural realities. Grounded in ideals such as human dignity, freedom of speech, the right to a fair trial, freedom of assembly, and the right to privacy—core components of any democratic society—the Nigerian experience reveals the challenges of fully implementing these rights in a diverse and often divided nation. As a result, violations of these rights remain persistent, impeding the country's democratic progress and societal development. This paper employs a descriptive method to explore the Ziibalogzii philosophy as a potential solution to the enduring challenges facing civil liberties and democratic governance in Nigeria. Ziibalogzii, literally translated as "the state of being in an interconnected web," emphasises interconnectedness, communal harmony, and ethical leadership. The study argues that Ziibalogzii provides a framework to address systemic issues such as political corruption, human rights violations and weak democratic institutions. By examining the principles of Ziibalogzii in relation to Nigeria's socio-political landscape, this research underscores its relevance as a guiding philosophy for fostering inclusive governance, reconciliation, and respect for human dignity. Adopting a Ziibalogzii-based approach could encourage Nigerian authorities to prioritise dialogue over repression, ensuring that dissenting voices are heard and respected. In turn, empathy and mutual understanding could help cultivate a culture where human rights are upheld and inviolable.
Introduction
Civil liberties are the cornerstone of any democratic society, ensuring that individuals can live with dignity, freedom, and equality. These liberties, which include freedom of speech, the right to a fair trial, freedom of assembly, and the right to privacy, form the foundation for democratic governance and social justice (Kanu & Ndubuisi, 2020, p. 45). They empower citizens to participate in the political process, hold authorities accountable and safeguard personal autonomy. Civil liberties are guarantees and freedoms that governments commit not to abridge, either by constitution legislation, , or judicial interpretation due process. Though the scope of the term differs between countries, civil liberties may include the without freedom of conscience freedom of press freedom of religion freedom of expression freedom of assembly the right to security and privacy, the right to equal treatment under the law, liberty freedom of speech, the right to and due process, the right to a fair trial, and the right to life. Other civil liberties include the defend oneself, and the right to bodily integrity. right to own property the right to
Content
Rooted in Mill's utilitarianism, the marketplace of ideas argument defends civil liberties like free speech as essential for truth-seeking (Peschke, 2004, p. 15). The unrestricted exchange of ideas allows societies to challenge errors and refine their understanding, fostering intellectual and moral progress. Civil liberties are integral to democracy, enabling participation, dissent, and accountability. Philosophers such as Jürgen Habermas emphasise the role of communicative action in protecting these rights, arguing that open dialogue and public reasoning are vital for democratic legitimacy (Popkin and Stroll, 2009, p. 105). Aristotle's concept of eudaimonia (human flourishing) provides a foundational argument for civil liberties. Freedom of thought, expression, and association are seen as prerequisites for realising one's potential and contributing to the common good (Popkin and Stroll, 2009, p. 106). Postcolonial philosophers, such as Frantz Fanon, critique the imposition of Western civil liberties on non-Western societies (Deezia and Kilani, 2023, p. 265), arguing that these frameworks often ignore indigenous values and histories. They advocate indigenous understandings of freedom that reflect communal and cultural priorities.
Conclusion
The thrust of this paper is the attention it has drawn to the problem of civil liberties and democracy in Nigeria, highlighting the key challenges that undermine democratic consolidation and the protection of human rights. The philosophy of civil liberties in Nigeria is a dynamic interplay between universal moral principles and local cultural realities. While grounded in the ideals of human dignity, freedom, and equality, the Nigerian experience highlights the challenges of implementing these liberties in a diverse and often divided society. Instances of police brutality, media suppression, electoral fraud, human rights abuses by the military, ethnic and religious violence and gender inequality are just some of the ways in which civil liberties have been violated in the country. These challenges threaten not only the protection of individual rights but also the democratic fabric of Nigeria. Ziibalogzii provides more than just a philosophical ideal; it offers a practical roadmap for addressing Nigeria's civil liberties and democratic challenges. The study proposed that that Ziibalogzii philosophy offers a holistic, ethical framework that can address many of the problems facing Nigeria today, particularly in relation to civil liberties and democracy. Its emphasis on interconnectedness, mutual respect, and collective responsibility provides a foundation for more inclusive governance, social justice, and the protection of human rights. By adopting Ziibalogzii, Nigeria can create a society where civil liberties are respected, democracy is strengthened, and the welfare of all citizens is prioritised. In other words, Ziibalogzii provides a rich and nuanced perspective on civil liberty, highlighting the interconnectedness of individual rights and communal responsibilities. By framing civil liberties within a context of mutual respect, dignity, and collective well-being, Ziibalogzii offers a holistic approach that can enrich contemporary discussions on human rights. It challenges us to view freedom not as individual autonomy alone, but as a shared endeavour that uplifts the entire community, fostering a more just and compassionate society. Adopting Ziibalogzii's principles can help Nigeria build a society where civil liberties are not only protected but also understood as essential for collective f lourishing. By embracing this African philosophical framework, Nigeria can chart a path toward justice, equality, and peace. While the integration of Ziibalogzii into democratic practices offers significant promise, it requires a cultural shift that emphasises collective well-being over individualism. Societies must balance traditional values with modern governance systems, ensuring that the principles of Ziibalogzii do not undermine individual rights or lead to groupthink.
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across-nigerian-cities/
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educational psychologist's approach. In I. S. Nwanaju & S. O. Anyanwu (Eds.),
Religion and the media: Religious conflicts and dialogue initiatives in Nigeria (pp.
153–166). Abakaliki: Ginika Graphics & Press.
Amnesty International. (2015, August. 5). Nigeria: Still no accountability for human rights
v i o l a t i o n s
( M a r c h
2 0 1 5
https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/afr44/1230/2015/en/
R e p o r t ) .
Annan, K. (1999, October 10). Global integrity in a changing world. Message to the 9th
International Anti-Corruption Conference, Durban, South Africa, pp. 2-15.
Asemah, K. S. (2011). Selected mass media themes. Jos University Press.
Deezia, B. S. (2018). Media and religious censorship: A philosophical re-definition of the
dividing line. In I. S. Nwanaju & S. O. Anyanwu (Eds.), Religion and the media:
Religious conflicts and dialogue initiatives in Nigeria (pp. 167–192). Abakaliki:
Ginika Graphics & Press.
Deezia, B. S. (2023a). The philosopher king and leadership in contemporary Nigeria:
Towards a new space of philosophical thought. In A. Epelle, D. Harry, & P. I.
Kalagbor (Eds.), Leadership, public service and administration of tertiary
institution in Nigeria: Festschrift in honour of Dr. Samuel Bererememamn
Kalagbor (pp. 101–116). Port Harcourt: C. W. Gbekee Ventures
Deezia, B. S. (2023b). Ziibalogzii: Towards the interconnected humaneness – Ogoni
African philosophy. In B. O. Igboin (Ed.), Religion and everyday life in Nigeria: A
festschrift for Professor Olu E. Alana. Germany: Galda Verlag.
Deezia, B. S., & Kilani, A. O. (2023). Artificial intelligence and the implication for a
Ziibalogzii's worldview: The contentions and alternatives. Jos Journal of Religion
and Philosophy, 4(2), 262–279.
Deezia, B. S. (2024). Ethico-cultural implications of artificial intelligence and the question
of human agency for Ogoni society (PhD thesis). University of Port Harcourt,
Department of Religious and Cultural Studies, pp. 170-205.
Deflem, M., & McDonough, S. (2015). The fear of counterterrorism: Surveillance and civil
liberties since 9/11. Society, 52(1), 70–79. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12115-014-9850
0