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HUMAN NATURE: Between Reason, Morality and Conflict-Inuwa Waya

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Inuwa Waya
Inuwa Waya

 

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Inuwa Waya

In its general sense, nature refers to the physical world and everything in it that is not made or caused by humans. Rainfall, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and climatic conditions are all part of what is often called Mother Nature. Scientifically, nature includes both living and nonliving things. Philosophically, nature may be defined as the inherent or essential quality of something — that which truly represents its being. In the case of human beings, human nature refers to what mankind is capable of doing or becoming in any given situation.

Definition of Human Nature

In simple terms, human nature refers to the fundamental traits, qualities, and behaviors inherent in human beings. It is a set of inborn tendencies and capacities — mental, moral, and emotional — that shape how people think, feel, and act. Over centuries, philosophers have examined and debated the true meaning of human nature from different perspectives.

Philosophical and Psychological Perspectives

Aristotle emphasized reason as the distinguishing feature of humanity and the key to achieving a flourishing and virtuous life. Thomas Hobbes, on the other hand, believed that human beings are driven primarily by self-interest, fear, and the desire for survival. He concluded that human nature is fundamentally selfish, competitive, and security-seeking.

Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis viewed human nature as a conflict between three forces — the Id (instinctual desires), the Ego (rational self), and the Superego (moral conscience). Similarly, evolutionary theorists explain human behavior in terms of genetically inherited traits and the struggle for survival. Modern science has since recognized that human nature is complex, flexible, and adaptive.

Karl Marx, from a materialist standpoint, argued that human nature is best understood through practical and material conditions of life, which are revealed in the progression of history. For Marx, the economic and social structures in which people live fundamentally shape their consciousness and behavior.

Human Nature and the State of Nature

From these analyses, it is evident that human nature encompasses both good and evil, since human beings are born with the potential for either. Which of these dominates depends largely on human behavior and choices, particularly after emerging from the so-called state of nature.

The contrasting theories of Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679) and Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778) are significant in understanding human nature within and beyond the state of nature. In his famous work Leviathan (1651), Hobbes argued that life in the state of nature was a “war of every man against every man,” where existence was “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” To escape this chaos, human beings entered into a social contract, surrendering some of their liberties to a powerful sovereign in exchange for peace and security.

Rousseau, in contrast, believed that human beings were naturally good, gentle, and compassionate. He saw the state of nature as peaceful and guided by pity and empathy. For Rousseau, it was the rise of society, the acquisition of property, and the emergence of inequality that corrupted and enslaved mankind by replacing natural compassion with jealousy and ambition.

Religion and the Moral Dimension

Long before philosophical debates about the state of nature, religion had already offered guidance on human behavior. Despite differences in belief systems, all the major world religions provide moral codes and ethical principles for harmonious living. They call upon humanity to avoid corruption, evil, selfishness, deceit, and violence, and to embrace righteousness, justice, compassion, honesty, and respect.

It is not in the true nature of mankind for the powerful to oppress the weak or for the rich to exploit the poor. In the modern world, humanity celebrates constitutional democracy, freedom, and human rights, including the right to acquire property. Yet these must be exercised with responsibility and moral restraint.

It appears, however, that human beings have not learned enough from the first human transgression in the Garden of Eden, as described in both Islamic and Judeo-Christian traditions. Selfishness, lies, greed, deceit, and the lust for power and wealth continue to shape the character of humanity in the 21st century.

Human Nature in History

The craving for domination and control has led human beings to destroy one another purely for selfish or parochial reasons. Militarism, imperialism, and the desire for conquest led to the death of almost 100 million people during the First and Second World Wars.
In 2003, false claims about Iraq’s possession of weapons of mass destruction led to the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths. In the United Kingdom, journalist Andrew Gilligan resigned from the BBC, and government scientist Dr. David Kelly died by suicide amid the controversy surrounding the war.

The Srebrenica massacre of July 1995, where over 8,000 Bosnian Muslims were killed, and the wider Bosnian War that claimed around 100,000 lives, revealed how ethnic hatred can override humanity’s moral compass. The perpetrators, including Ratko Mladić and Radovan Karadžić, were later convicted for genocide and war crimes by the International Tribunal.
Similarly, ethnic conflict in Rwanda in 1994 led to the genocide of over one million Tutsis and moderate Hutus at the hands of Hutu extremists.

The Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970) claimed an estimated two million lives, mainly due to famine and conflict. At its conclusion, the Nigerian government adopted the policy of “No victor, no vanquished” and introduced programs of Reconstruction, Reconciliation, and Reintegration to rebuild national unity.

On September 11, 2001, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks were launched against the United States by 19 al-Qaeda members involving four hijacked aircraft. Nearly 3,000 people were killed. In response, the U.S. invaded Afghanistan, overthrew the Taliban regime, and began a war that lasted twenty years, costing around 200,000 lives.

The Korean War (1950–1953), fueled by ideological and imperial rivalry resulted in over two million deaths, both military and civilian.

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The Gaza conflict represents another contemporary manifestation of human selfishness and struggle for dominance. Rooted in territorial occupation, political control, and ethnic-religious tensions, the conflict has caused immense suffering, displacement, and loss of lives for decades. Civilians, particularly women and children, often bear the heaviest toll, highlighting the enduring capacity of human ambition and aggression to override compassion and justice. This modern conflict underscores how disputes over land, power, and ideology continue to produce cycles of violence reminiscent of humanity’s long history of selfishness and moral failings.

These examples illustrate that war and violence are enduring manifestations of the darker side of human nature. They remind us that human progress in knowledge and technology does not always translate into moral advancement, — evidence that the struggle between virtue and vice continues.

The Modern Face of Human Selfishness

The selfish tendencies of humankind have not only expressed themselves through wars and political domination but have also taken subtler, more sophisticated forms in the modern age. Today, the pursuit of profit and power often overrides compassion and moral responsibility even in fields meant to preserve life and promote well-being.

The defense industry, for example, has grown into one of the world’s most profitable enterprises. Nations invest billions of dollars annually in weapons research, arms production, and military technology, often at the expense of healthcare, education, and social welfare. Conflicts that could be resolved through diplomacy are prolonged because warfare sustains economic interests. In many cases, peace becomes less profitable than war.

Similarly, the pharmaceutical industry, which should exist primarily to protect and improve human health, has been increasingly driven by the logic of profit rather than compassion. Many pharmaceutical companies have been accused of exploiting human suffering by setting exorbitant prices for life-saving drugs and producing medications that encourage dependency. Instead of focusing on preventive healthcare and affordable cures, they prioritize products that ensure continuous consumption and sustained revenue. Human health, rather than being a moral duty, has become a lucrative commodity.

The medical profession, once regarded as a noble calling, guided by ethics and empathy, has also been affected by commercialization. The rapid privatization of healthcare has created a system where access to quality medical care is often determined by wealth rather than need. In many parts of the world, hospitals and clinics operate more like profit-oriented corporations than humanitarian institutions. The spirit of compassion that once defined medicine is steadily being replaced by economic calculation and institutional bureaucracy.

Nowhere is the selfish dimension of human nature more visible than in the political sphere. In Europe and the United States, for example, politicians and governments often struggle to separate national interest from self-interest, especially in the realm of foreign policy. The situation in Africa is particularly concerning. In many countries, independence and the adoption of democratic governance have been overshadowed by the rise of self-serving political elites, whose personal ambitions and appetite for power outweigh their commitment to public welfare. For such leaders, governance becomes not a sacred trust but an avenue for personal enrichment and control. Resources intended for education, healthcare, and infrastructure are diverted into private hands, while the wider population continues to endure poverty, inequality, and social decline. Elections, instead of being genuine expressions of the people’s will, frequently become arenas of manipulation, intimidation, and violence. In such environments, individuals who lack integrity, competence, and vision are elevated to positions of power, not because they reflect the hopes of the people, but because they serve the interests of those who control the machinery of the state.

Yet, despite this bleak reality, hope remains. Across the continent, there are leaders who embody the nobler side of human nature — leaders who view power not as entitlement but as responsibility. They pursue policies based on justice, accountability, national development, and the renewal of civic trust. Their example demonstrates that while selfishness is undeniably part of human nature, so too is the capacity for empathy, wisdom, and moral leadership. The struggle between these two tendencies continues to shape the political destiny of nations.
The media, which should serve as the guardian of truth and the voice of the people, has also become entangled in the web of human selfishness. In many societies, media institutions no longer act as neutral observers or platforms for balanced discourse. Instead, they are often influenced by political agendas, economic interests, and ideological alliances. Information is selectively reported, exaggerated, suppressed, or distorted to shape public opinion in ways that serve particular interests. As a result, the media has become a powerful tool for both enlightenment and manipulation. Rather than fostering critical thinking and unity, it can inflame divisions, reinforce prejudice, and distract societies from genuine moral and social challenges. When truth becomes negotiable and reality becomes a matter of narrative, the moral compass of society becomes blurred, and the cycle of selfishness persists under the guise of information. In his scientific and moral judgement, Stephen Hawking ( 1942 – 2018) warned about the consequences of mankind’s selfishness and the moral failure. In his” Brief Answers to the Big Questions (2018), the late physicist argued that if human beings continue to be driven by greed, aggression, and the reckless pursuit of power, the earth my eventually become uninhabitable for humans.

Conclusion

From the first human transgression in the Garden of Eden, as described in both Islamic and Judeo-Christian traditions, to the complexities of the twenty-first century, the journey of humankind has been marked by the constant struggle between virtue and vice. We are beings capable of wisdom, compassion, courage, and sacrifice — yet we are also capable of greed, aggression, and the pursuit of power at the expense of others.

The same intellect that made scientific discoveries, heal diseases, and creates works of beauty, can also build systems of domination and exploit mankind for personal or political gain. Human progress in knowledge and technology does not automatically lead to moral progress. A society may construct great cities and powerful nations and yet still fail to construct justice, fairness, or respect for the dignity of life.

For human beings to live in peace, the development of society must be accompanied by the cultivation of values. Material advancement must coincide with the creation of social conditions that nurture empathy, restraint, and moral responsibility. Without empathy, there can be no genuine harmony; without justice, there can be no lasting peace.

Ultimately, the fate of humanity depends on a choice renewed in every age: whether we allow selfishness to rule our actions, or whether we elevate conscience above desire. Human nature will remain an unfinished story until mankind turns sincerely toward the values that God has commanded — mercy, justice, humility, and truth. Only then shall we rise from what we are to what we are meant to become.

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Opinion

DSP Barau Jibril: A True Model of Progressive Politics

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December 5, 2025

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By Dr Usman Sarki Madobi

In an era when public trust in political leadership often fluctuates, the example set by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibril stands out as a refreshing demonstration of what progressive politics entails. His approach to governance and representation reflects a blend of humility, inclusiveness, and unwavering dedication to the public good showcasing the qualities that have earned him admiration across party lines and among citizens who yearn for purposeful representation. Today, DSP Barau Jibril became a treasure in the political arena of Kano state and the country at large. His politics, representation and leadership style has made him a distinguished politian worth of supporting for every elective position both at state and national levels.

At the heart of Senator Barau Jibril’s political philosophy is selfless service. His actions consistently demonstrate a commitment to the welfare of his constituents and the nation above personal or political gain. This people-first mindset is a cornerstone of progressive leadership, where decisions are guided by the desire to improve lives, uplift communities, and strengthen democratic institutions. His reputation for placing public interest before personal ambition has made him a dependable figure in the political landscape of Kano and Nigeria as a whole.

Another hallmark of his leadership is his refusal to discriminate between party members and the opposition. In an environment where political divides sometimes hinder national development, Senator Barau Jibril proves that collaboration is possible and paramount. His inclusive style ensures that all voices, regardless of political alignment are respected and considered in the pursuit of common goals. This rare quality fosters unity, reduces partisanship, and encourages a healthier democratic process that facilitate human and Societal development.

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DSP Barau Jibril also exemplifies a dignified brand of politics that rejects violence, intimidation, and thuggery. He further promotes peaceful engagement and issue-based politics that helps in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic culture. His stance sends a clear message stressing that political success should be achieved through ideas, integrity, and service to the people not coercion or unrest. This commitment to civility contributes to a safer and more respectful political environment.

As a member of the Senate, his dedication to purposeful representation is evident in the seriousness with which he approaches legislative responsibilities. His purposeful representation made him to understand the needs of his constituents and work relentlessly to address them through meaningful legislative action. He also champion the formulation of policies that support national growth, equity, and stability. DSP Barau Jibril’s commitment in this regard underscores his credibility and effectiveness as a true representative that can transform Kano within a limited time if given the chance.

Perhaps one of the most profound aspects of his political character is his consistent respect for his party leadership, fellow members, and for humanity as a whole. True progressiveness is grounded in humility and empathy, and Senator Barau Jibril embodies these values through his conduct. His respect for others fosters cooperation, reduces conflict, and reinforces moral leadership qualities essential for building strong political institutions.

In conclusion, DSP Barau Jibril stands today as a true model of progressive politics, not only because of the offices he holds but because of the values he upholds. His selfless service, inclusive leadership, insistence on peaceful politics, commitment to meaningful representation, and deep respect for people form a powerful blueprint for the kind of leadership Nigeria needs. In him, many see a compelling example of how politics can indeed be a noble instrument for societal transformation.

Dr. Usman Sarki Madobi

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Opinion

Insecurity: Was Badaru’s Exit a Voluntary Resignation or a Disguised Dismissal?

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3 days ago

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December 2, 2025

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Governor Badaru

 

 

_By Abba Dukawa_

 

Whether former Defence Minister Muhammad Badaru Abubakar resigned or was quietly removed by the President, one thing is certain: the Defence Ministry urgently needs an experienced and capable leader, especially amid today’s escalating security crises.

In the Tinubu administration, citing “health grounds” has become the political equivalent of “ dog ate homework” a polite euphemism for someone who has essentially been dismissed.

The truth is that Badaru had no business being Defence Minister in the first place. He brought no relevant experience to the role, and his temperament was ill‑suited to a nation facing a deepening security crisis. His appointment baffled anyone genuinely concerned about Nigeria’s stability and survival.

Before his exit, Badaru had already exposed himself as hopelessly confused and entirely unfit to lead the Defence Ministry – the institution responsible for overseeing Nigeria’s military.

In a BBC Hausa Service interview *before his unceremonial departure* from the cabinet, he revealed glaring deficiencies in his understanding of security challenges. He even made a shocking claim: that the Nigerian Air Force cannot eliminate terrorists hiding in forests because some hideouts are “too thick for bombs to penetrate.” He said:

_“In this kind of war, from time to time there will be relief; sometimes they will do something that will shock everyone on the ground, although I have heard some say their whereabouts are known and who they are. It is true that their whereabouts are known, but they are people you cannot attack, or they are in the forests where our bombs cannot reach them.”_

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His remarks reveal not only a lack of resolve to confront insecurity but also a habit of offering puerile excuses to justify failure. Under his watch, Nigeria witnessed some of its bloodiest days, as terrorists and bandits unleashed violence on defenseless citizens across the Northeast, Northwest, and North‑Central regions. During this period, terrorists abducted and publicly executed Brigadier General Uba and three of his men in Borno State.

The truth is that Badaru was unfit to be Defence Minister long before his exit. His comments suggest a Nigeria permanently at the mercy of bandits, yet these criminals were allegedly never apprehended because their locations were “too remote” or “too difficult to attack.”

Thankfully, President Bola Tinubu has responded with a sweeping overhaul, replacing the Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs. He has now nominated General Christopher Gwabin Musa as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, citing his ability to “further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.”

General Musa, 58, is a highly decorated soldier who served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 to October 2025. His distinguished career includes appointments as Theatre Commander of Operation, Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps, and recipient of the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012. President Tinubu expressed confidence in General Musa’s leadership, describing him as a “tested professional capable of strengthening Nigeria’s security framework.

The former Defence Minister’s defeatist comments have sparked widespread criticism and demoralized troops on the frontline. The focus now shifts to President Tinubu’s administration and General Musa’s ability to restore confidence and security across the nation.

Challenges ahead for General Musa as defence minister, Strengthen intelligence gathering and surveillance systems to combat terrorism and banditry.

Improve barracks conditions and support for military personnel. Accelerate efforts to tackle Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other insurgent groups. Strengthen partnerships with global security agencies. Overhaul procurement processes to ensure transparency and efficiency.

Emphasizing innovation and technology will be crucial: advanced surveillance, AI‑driven threat analysis, and regional cooperation can make guerrilla warfare more predictable and attackers more accountable. With his extensive experience and proven track record, General Musa is well‑positioned to bring positive change to Nigeria’s defence sector.

Dukawa write it from Kano,can be reached at abbahydukawa@gmail.com

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Opinion

When Former Commissioners, LG Chairmen Endorse DSP Barau

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December 2, 2025

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By Abba Anwar

Politics, at whatever rate, is a matter of choice and process selection. When political actors, become impregnated with uncertainties, double speak/standard, coordinated lies and enduring loose ends, result will be goofed end.

Agreed, All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano has been in disarray, immediately after the Supreme Court judgement of 2023 gubernatorial election result. But nothing or very little is being done to genuinely and honestly ameliorate the situation. The major crisis is that of disunity, mistrust and master-servant relationship between and among leaders and followers.

Another major dilemma, as far as party cohesion is concerned, particularly among leaders, is who becomes flagbearer of gubernatorial ticket come 2027, at the expense of all other elective positions. This, creates an ocean of gap between gubernatorial aspirants and their supporters. Genuine or fake supporters.

From the Supreme Court judgement of 2023 gubernatorial election result, to date, almost all the aspirants, including the then flagbearers, Gawuna – Garo ticket, came to know, who their real and genuine people, within the party, are. From that time to date, individual choices are examined and partitioned according to their political needs and engagement.

Switching over across political preferences, overtly or covertly, are fast manifesting. Loyalty, both divided and unwavering, are taking more shapes and directions. This is also a fact, attached to party leaders, elders and all other stakeholders. From ward level to local government level up to state level.

Looking at the political space, within the context of APC in Kano, we have gubernatorial aspirants in the persons of the current Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Barau I Jibrin, CFR, the 2023 gubernatorial candidate, His Excellency Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna and his running mate, His Excellency Murtala Sule Garo, AA Zaura and others who are being lured in a deceitful manner, to join the race.

It appears to many recently that, the space is becoming clearer and gloomy to some. As 2027 is fast approaching, many things started evolving from within. While leaders and stakeholders are using the situation to cash out, few others see more opportunities for enduring political choice. Created by the current situation and time.

It is from the standpoint of this scenario, enduring political choice, that former Commissioners and former local governments Chairmen, decided to take a queue towards the direction of DSP Barau. Though immediately after the Commissioners visit to the DSP, and after DSP’s Facebook handle revealed that, the former Commissioners were at his office for a solidarity visit, one of the former Commissioners, Mutari Ishaq Yakasai, was on air blaming that disclosure as misleading and concocted lie.

Explaining further that, they were at DSP’s office to thank him for appointing some of their members, former Commissioners, to position in his office. While he (Barau) also facilitated the appointment of some of them to other positions.

Before Yakasai came on air dismissing Barau’s Facebook post, there were stories everywhere, that one of those who visited Barau in his office, amongst the former Commissioners, rejected DSP’s Facebook post, that they were there for a solidarity visit, as 2027 was fast approaching. But all the stories did not reveal the identity of the very person, who rejected DSP’s revelation. Then came Yakasai’s disclosure.

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Just few hours after that, another former Commissioner who was also there during the visit, Kabiru Ado Lakwaya, went to the air and was carried in many stories, that, they were all there and paid a solidarity visit to the DSP. Explaining further that, they all agreed to support him for his 2027 gubernatorial ambition. When Lakwaya revealed that, there were arguments, from all ends. Some dismissing his claim as misleading and unbecoming of a man of his caliber.

After him, another former Commissioner, Musa Iliasu Kwankwaso, came on air supporting Lakwaya’s submission, in a very clever way. But a good listener, could deduce the main substance of his narrative. That, everyone has the right to support anybody of his choice. Arguing that, it was only a political choice, that all are entitled to.

What gave clearer perspective was a video clip that came from DSP Barau’s media unit, presenting the visit of the former Commissioners, live and direct. In that clip, some of the former Commissioners, whose remarks were shown, were all clear and categorical that, they were at DSP’s office to put their weight behind him. Adding that, part of their appreciation, for his intervention in the survival and development of the party, APC, was to tell him that, they would support him in all his political ambitions.

That clip put a stop to all the debates about what took the former Commissioners to the Deputy Senate President. Nothing was also heard again from either Yakasai or any other person.

Another similar visit was that of the former local governments Chairmen. Who also paid a visit to the DSP. Which the Senator in his own Facebook handle, disclosed that the former Chairmen were at his office to pay him a solidarity visit, towards 2027 elect.

In their own case also, after the visit, there were hues and cries that some of them alleged to have denied that they were there for a solidarity visit. But to the chagrin of all, unlike former Commissioners, none of the former local government Chairmen came to public and denounce what the DSP said on his Facebook handle. That they, were there to put their weight behind him.

The way I see it, is this, that, some people hide behind some teleguided wishes, acting behind the script of self – serving choice, leaving behind outer-wishes and engagement. While Kano APC is still intact, from the periphery , so many important stakeholders, understand why they should roam about and fix themselves into, what they think is better for them.

But the thing is, while unity is paramount and necessary for the party, sincerity of purpose and honest relationship, are prerequisite for victory come 2027. Among the aspirants we have there are very few of them, whom I can vouch that they are not in the race as do or die affair. Yes they have clean mind for it. And they understand its chemistry, opportunities and challenges. So working hand in hand with them, is not only deserving, but necessary.

Agreed, former Commissioners and former local governments Chairmen, are entitle to their political choice, they have a lot to offer in reconciling all parts within the larger body of the party. So also all other former this or former that, who held positions during the reign of the former Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. What we all need is sincerity of purpose, transparent political engagement and unscathed political choice.

While former Commissioners and former local governments Chairmen are probably shifting ground, I want DSP Barau to have it at the back of his mind that, he shouldn’t expect them all to support him at this stage. Some could be waiting for the natural process to take its cause. Not knowing that they are part of the natural process. But at whatever length, former this or former that, have every right to take their political direction, at their own pace, we should all know that, the overall aim is the victory of the party during polls.

Unity of the party is necessary at any cost. As integrity and honesty are necessary from the part of our leaders, followers should know that any tragedy in future, if care is not taken, will be harsher on them, as mere subjects. Take it or leave it. Unity is important to the party, as air is important to life.

Anwar writes from Kano
Tuesday, 2nd December, 2025

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