Tiv Principle Of Power-Sharing, Ya Na Angbian, In Tiv Social And Political Philosophy

ABSTRACT

The Tiv concept of power-sharing, ya na angbian, is a socio-political philosophy that the Tiv

have been practising since the pre-colonial era. However, little effort has been made to explore

the philosophical element of thisphilosophy. In this exposè, the researcher traces the roots of ya

na angbian from the ethico-metaphysical perspective, narrowing it to the Tiv cosmology and

ontological order, Tiv ethics and established the point of departure for the practice of the

principle. The Tiv concept of justice has been treated elusively using the concept of power and

Tiv notion of justice giving a background of justice as it relates to Tiv ontology. The Tiv concept

of ya na angbian is treated in totality tracing its practise since pre-colonial time; angbian as a

component in sharing and further the impact of colonial rule on the guiding philosophy taking

cognizance of the establishment of the Tor Tiv institution; ya na angbian in the context of

colonial electoral politics and in the post-colonial Tiv society. At this juncture, the need arose for

the evaluation of ya na angbianphilosophy. This is done and the philosophy is applied in

Nigerian politics, establishing its link with the federal character principle and zoning. It is on this

plane that the researcher concludes: ya na angbian as an altruistic and cohesive philosophy

transcends zoning and power-sharing to a realization of a holistic development, which can only

be established if those produced by the duo of zoning and power rotation turnout as competent

leaders. Also, that respect for elders who are custodians of Tiv culture has deluded with the

adoption of western practices, which can be termed westernization of the Tiv society. The

introduction of the centralized system of government in Tiv nation has brought about a class

society, constituting the ex-servicemen and educated as elite/ruling class while farmers, workers

and unemployed now exist as the ruled. Another conclusion is that the introduction of centralized

system of government and the creation of many traditional chieftaincy and political positions has

expanded the circle of sharing from only the ya, compound in the pre-colonial time to cover the

entire Tiv society. This has brought about a replacement of communal resources that were

hitherto shared. This study offers critical recommendations that when a position is zoned to a

sect or community and they are unable to produce a competent candidate, the position should be

zoned out to another using the loan system to carryout the principle of ya na angbian. Most

importantly, the federal character principle as contained in section 14(3) of the Constitution of

Federal Republic of Nigeria should be amended to lucidly capture the rotational and zoning

philosophy ofya na angbian.There is ardent need for re-enactment of the lost traditional values

like sacredness of human life, virginity and chastity, respect for elders, honesty, and promotion

of common good and the spirit of brotherhood in Tiv society. Notwithstanding, the legal arm of

government, judiciary should be used to ensure strict adherence to the practice just as elders with

the help of the spirits were made the custodians of Tiv culture and tradition. The philosophy of

altruism, stability, cohesion, peace, progress and development should be enshrined into the

educational syllabus and taught pari pasu with human rights in institutions of learning. Political

leaders at all levels should be guided by this philosophy to shun undemocratic spirit of looting,

greed, corruption and nepotism.