“Who Is My Neighbour” in Relation to Governance in Nigeria

Abstract

The paper explores the principle “who is my neighbor” in relation to governance in Nigeria from the Biblical and legal perspectives. Biblically, a neighbor is the person who shows mercy to another in need of help.  Central to the legal perspective of a neighbor is the duty of care. Both perspectives form one unity and indivisible form of law known as “who is my neighbor.” The study is anchored on the systems theory propounded by David Easton which explains the relationship between political processes with other aspects of social life. The study explains that while the legal perspective seeks to prevent the neighbor from harm, the Biblical seeks to redeem or cure. Therefore, the neighbors in relation to governance in Nigeria are the various organs of government and authorities and persons exercising legislative, judicial and executive functions. These organs owe Nigerians the duty to conform to, observe and apply the principles of justice and equity in order to achieve good governance and welfare of all citizens.

Keywords: Governance, Neighbor, Duty of Care, Citizens, Welfare