JOURNALS

ABSTRACT

This paper examines J. S. Mill's utility principle in order to show why it should be embraced as a guiding principle in Nigeria to control selfish attitudes among leaders in Nigeria. My interest in the application of Mill's utility principle to the Nigerian situation is provoked by the incessant selfish attitudes of Nigerian leaders which manifest themselves in various ways such as: embezzlement of public funds, vote buying, ballot box snatching, militarization of electoral processes and so on. Nigerian leaders involve themselves in these acts for their own selfish interests at the expense of the welfare of the general public. These selfish attitudes of political leaders in Nigeria and their apparent manifestations have posed serious threat to peace and security in Nigeria. Mill’s utility principle lays emphasis on the promotion of the general interest. It is Mill’s belief that those who are happy are only those who have their mind fixed on the happiness of others, on the improvement of mankind and some other ideal ends other than their own happiness. Mill's utility principle recognizes man as a social being; hence, it controls man's selfish tendencies and make man become conscious of the well-being of others. This paper argues that if political leaders in Nigeria embrace Mill's utility principle, it will enable them to pursue things that will favour general interest such as building quality hospitals, schools, roads, water supply and creating job opportunities for all. When leaders in Nigeria become selfless and provide these necessary amenities for the general interest, there will be peace and everyone will feel secured. However, in this paper, one does not say that Mill's utility principle is perfect; thus, one makes promise to pinpoint some of the weaknesses of this principle to enable us take some cautions in its application.