National Security and Good Governance in Nigeria: The Hermeneutical Imperative

Abstract

Nigeria is plagued with developmental problems and security challenges. Religion no doubt contributes a significant percentage to insecurity, despite its positives; and portends a grave danger which is highly inflammable. This is why any meaningful discourse on national security and good governance must consider the religious perspective as pivotal. The objective of this paper, therefore, is to examine how religious hermeneutics can contribute to national development, good governance, and security. Data were sourced using the qualitative phenomenological method, wherein the study seeks to investigate the religious lived experiences within the backdrop of religious hermeneutics. This paper adopts the antithesis of the philosophy of orthodoxy that does not present interpretations that fit in with the changed conditions of the world. The methodology of dynamic hermeneutics philosophy submits the findings that individuals or groups in specific historical situations can interpret their sacred texts in a way that facilitates violence and insecurity. The recommendation is that contemporary religious hermeneutics should at all times engender peace, security and good governance.