MARXISM AND THE NIGERIAN STATE

Abstract

Marx theory has continued to be a source of hypothesis to many theorists in the world, and which has created a “theorizing puzzle†in the realm of social reality. The quest to solve the puzzle has led to divergent paradigms of Marxism. The reasons for these are twofold; (1). Ideology: which according to George Ritzer (2000) and Mihaly Vadja(1981) whom I shall continuously refer to in this thesis; was the nature of the ideology and not the existence of ideology as such that made many social theorist to have a strand on Marxism. Marx radical ideas and the social changes it professes at the early time does not fit into the social order and reality of time, this was because conservative to the disruptions of the Enlightenment and French Revolution and its dislocations (2). The capitalist West was uncomfortable with Marx theorizing as it hinges on the oppressiveness and emancipation of the masses (proletariats), of the emerging modern capitalist system been brought about by the industrial revolution of the 19th century in Europe, and the overthrow of the system. The capitalist (bourgeoisie), sought therefore, to develop counter theories that would demystify Marx paradigms. In view of the above, Marx prepositions were too dangerous and stood in contrast to Western bourgeois ideology and the interest it represents that professes conservative reforms and orderly social change in the system hence the urgency to tame the theory.