PEACE AND SECURITY IN ENUGU STATE: BUILDING ON THE BEDROCK OF CONVERSATION

Rev. Fr. Emeka Chikezie Ngwoke (PhD)

Abstract


There are three competing theories of peace namely: peace as the absence of war (Hobbes), peace as a divinely order of harmonious existence (St Augustine) and peace as the result of rational human ordering of affairs which needs to be continually nurtured, protected and defended (Kant). The third theory which seems to be dominant in international affairs and diplomacy also seems to be the most plausible since it stresses human agency and responsibility for the world we create. Thus, peace is never the result of mere happenstance. The peace and security of lives and property which Enugu state has enjoyed for the past five years is not a product of chance. Rather, it is the result of deliberate action, of a sustained commitment to the politics of constructive engagement anchored in conversation and a moral vision which needs to be sustained and strengthened for the greater common good of the citizenry.

Keywords


peace, security, chance, deliberate action, commitment, conversation, constructive engagement, moral vision.

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