Contemporary Pleonexia: The Birth Root of Nigeria Corruption and Social Instability

Abstract

Nigeria has been described in recent time as the hub of poverty in the world. This came to many as a surprise because of the human and natural resources Nigeria as a nation has, if well harnessed she can occupy a central stage not only in Africa but the world at large. This article through discursive analysis tried to examine pleonexia, a psychological disposition that encourages people into an insatiable desire to amass wealth or community goods and services at the expenses of others. The findings of the study suggest that greed could be the main reason why corruption has become part of the Nigerian society with all its consequences often felt by the common man. The study recommends that change of lifestyle through education, prosecution of public servants that are found guilty of embezzling public funds and the public mentoring of the younger generation could be the way forward for a better Nigeria.