The Effect of Christians Participation in Politics; Case Study, Karu LGA of Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Chapter One
Aim of the study
The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of Christians participation in politics; case study, Karu LGA of Nasarawa State Nigeria
Objective of the study
The objective of a study on “The Effect of Christians’ Participation in Politics: Case Study, Karu LGA of Nasarawa State, Nigeria” can vary depending on the specific goals and research questions of the study. However, here are some common objectives that such a study might aim to achieve:
- To assess the level and extent of political participation among Christians in Karu Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State.
- To examine the factors that motivate or discourage Christians from participating in politics in this region.
- To analyze the impact of Christians’ participation in politics on the socio-political landscape of Karu LGA.
- To investigate the role of Christian religious institutions (e.g., churches) in shaping political attitudes and behaviors of their members.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
HISTORY OF POLITICS
The history of politics with Christianity in Nigeria is a complex narrative that spans several centuries. This history can be divided into distinct periods to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between Christianity and Nigerian politics.
Colonial Era (19th – mid-20th century)
In the 19th century, Christian missionaries, including the Church Missionary Society (CMS) and the Roman Catholic Church, began their work in Nigeria. This marked the early intertwining of Christianity with politics. Missionaries played a role in education and established mission schools, which had a profound influence on early Nigerian political leaders, some of whom were educated in these schools.
The colonial administration utilized religious divisions, often pitting Christians against Muslims to maintain control. This strategy indirectly influenced political dynamics as religious identities became intertwined with regional and ethnic identities.
Independence and Post-Independence (1960s – 1980s)
Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960. Christianity continued to play a significant role in politics as Nigerian political leaders often had affiliations with Christian churches. For instance, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, was a Christian. This period was marked by efforts to balance the interests of the Christian south and the Muslim north, which sometimes led to political tensions and the occasional use of religion for political purposes.
Religious Tensions and Military Rule (1980s – 1990s)
The 1980s and 1990s saw increasing religious tensions and conflicts. The introduction of Sharia law in some northern states in the late 1990s raised concerns among Christians, leading to political debates and protests. The military regimes in power during this time were often accused of exploiting religious divisions for political gain.
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
Research Technique
The research design is the basic plan that guides data collection and the analysis phase of any research work. It is regarded as the framework which specifies the type of information to be gathered, the source of the data and the procedures to be used in collecting them.
This study is approached from the audience analytical perspective using the survey research design. Nworgu (1991, p.55) posits that “a survey research is one in which a group of people or items is studied by collecting and analyzing data from a few people or items considered to be representative of the entire group.”
According to Okoro (2001, p. 41) “survey research is the process of gathering data from a target population through the use of questionnaire or interviews and subjecting such data to statistical analysis for the purpose of reaching conclusions on the subject matter of study and providing solutions to identified research problems”. To further buttress this fact, Sobowale (1983) notes that this technique (survey) involves drawing up a set of questions on various subjects or on various aspects of a subject to which a sample is requested to react.
Therefore, the survey design used in this study serves as a veritable tool for collecting empirical data through the questionnaire from a sample of the population under study.
Area
Karu is a Local Government Area in Nasarawa State, central Nigeria. It is close in proximity to the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. It has an area of 2,640 km2. Karu local government has its headquarters in New Karu town. It was originally built to house the capital’s civil servants and lower income families, but had no running water or good sanitation system. Karu has grown in population beyond its original planned capacity. Ensure Administrative convenience and bring government closer to the grass root people, Karshi Development Area was created with its administrative secretariat at Uke
Population of the Study
A population for a research study may consist of a group of individuals taken from the general population, who share a common characteristic such as age, sex, or health condition. It is a target population from which the sample is actually selected.
In this research study, the population used comprises both the male and female Christians in Karu LGA of Nasarawa State Nigeria selected randomly from different places within Christians in Karu LGA of Nasarawa State.
The population of youths in Christians in Karu LGA of Nasarawa State is about 333,800 [National Bureau of Statistics,2021]. If the total population of Karu LGA is 333,800, Christians should be about 134,229 The Christians were selected for this study because they study focusing only on Christians in the study area.
CHAPTER FOUR
PRESENTATION OF DATA, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The data analysis is based on the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered.
For this study, 398 copies of the questionnaire were distributed to respondents of which 370 were returned 21 were discarded for several reasons including incomplete data or unnecessary information. The analysis of this study is based on 349.
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study on the effect of Christian participation in politics, with a focus on the case study in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria, has shed light on the multifaceted dynamics of religion and politics in the region. The findings of this research reveal several key takeaways that are integral to understanding the broader implications of Christian political engagement in this specific context.
First and foremost, it is evident that the role of Christians in Karu LGA’s politics is significant. They are active participants in the political processes, both as voters and candidates. This involvement reflects their desire to influence the governance of their communities and shape policies that align with their values and beliefs. Moreover, the research has illuminated the interplay of religion and politics, showing how faith-based motivations often drive Christians to engage in the political arena.
Secondly, Christian political participation in Karu LGA has had far-reaching implications for governance and development. The presence of Christians in various political roles has led to a greater emphasis on issues that concern their communities, such as education, healthcare, and social welfare programs. This has contributed to the overall improvement of the quality of life in the area, while simultaneously fostering a sense of unity and social cohesion among the Christian population.
The effect of Christian participation in politics in Karu LGA of Nasarawa State, Nigeria, is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. While Christians have played a significant role in shaping local governance and development, it is crucial to navigate the fine line between religious engagement and the preservation of a secular, inclusive political system. This study offers insights into the dynamic relationship between religion and politics, which will continue to evolve in this region and provides a foundation for further research in this field. Ultimately, a collaborative approach that respects religious diversity and promotes effective governance will be essential to harness the positive aspects of Christian political participation for the greater good of all residents in Karu LGA and beyond.
Recommendation
Based on the findings of this study on the effect of Christian participation in politics in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria, several recommendations can be made to guide future actions and policies in the region:
- Encourage ongoing dialogues and interactions between different religious groups to foster understanding, tolerance, and cooperation. Interfaith initiatives should be supported to mitigate potential religious tensions and divisions arising from increased Christian political participation.
- Strive for a balanced representation of various religious and ethnic groups in political offices and decision-making bodies to prevent marginalization. This will help create a more inclusive political environment.
- Invest in civic education programs to increase political literacy among all citizens, emphasizing the importance of informed voting decisions and active participation in the democratic process. This will empower individuals to make well-informed choices, regardless of their religious affiliation.
- Encourage politicians, whether Christian or from other religious backgrounds, to prioritize development and service delivery over sectarian interests. Ensure that public policies and government actions benefit the entire community, regardless of their religious beliefs.
References
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