The Interplay of Politics and Religion in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic: a Case Study of Adamawa State
CHAPTER ONE
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The major objectives of the study are:
- To ascertain the effect of politics and religion in Adamawa State
- To ascertain whether interplay of politics and religion brought togetherness in Adamawa State
- To ascertain whether politics and religion influence each other in Adamawa State
- To ascertain the relationship between politics and religion
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Religion and politics
Religion has been an indispensible phenomenon in Nigeria. It had become an important factor in political discourse (Adigwe and Grau, 2007). The influence of religion is not only limited to politics but its power influences virtually all other facets of life. Political power affects economic prosperity, social relation, educational advancement, and the psych of the society. There are three dominant religions in Nigeria: African Traditional Religion, Islam and Christianity. All these religions and their ideologies allow for interaction between religion and politics. The traditional religion of a society is a systematic reflection of their socio-cultural orientation, history and legacies on elemental forces, which in turn produces a belief in a supreme cosmic power that created heaven and earth. To this power belong all things in their social psych. Thus, traditional politics of the people has a strong linkage to belief in theocracy. To the Yorubas, Oba (king), the political leader of the people, is only holding his office in trust for Olodumare (the Supreme Being). More so, before an Oba is selected or appointed, as the case may be, the Ifa oracle must be adequately consulted for spiritual approval. Therefore, politics and religion in traditional society are intertwined and have direct influence on each other. This is still the situation, even at the close of the 20th century (Laguda, 2008). Also, Islam as a way of life dictates and governs the totality of life of Muslims from cradle to grave. Consequently, his political interest, economic considerations, social values and interaction are often given Islamic interpretations based on the Holy Quran, prophetic practices and other sources of law recognized in Islam. These virtues are expected to permeate the socio-political structure of any Islamic state. In fact, Prophet Mohammed was the spiritual as well as the political leader of his people during his lifetime. After his death, the Caliphs emerged and still held on to the same principles. Regardless of the nature of the society, Islam encourages Muslims to hold on to its principles by allowing the Holy Quran and the Sunnah to be their guide. We can conclude here that Islam allows for a spiritual relationship between religion and politics (Akintola, 1997). Similarly, Abubakre (1984), writing from an Islamic perspective, suggests that Islam is a way of life, which dictates the political ideology and practice in any Islamic society. He points out that the ideals of Islam are good and are meant to guide political conducts, however, the practices of such ideals are usually influenced by the socio-cultural institutions in the society, including politics. For many Muslims, Islam is a total way of life. It is not correct, according to this viewpoint, to speak of religion and politics but instead religio-politics. Islam is believed to be relevant and integral to politics, law, education, social life, and economy. These are not viewed as secular institutions or areas of life but as aspects of the Islamic religion. Thus, religion and society are interrelated. Laguda (2008) argues that Christians in Nigeria would rather not get involved in politics but the fact remains that Jesus Christ did not discourage political participation for the faithful. However, Laguda’s argument is unconvincing due to the fact that there are many Christians who are involved in politics and that have won political seats as governors, senators and honourable. In Judaism, which provided background to Christianity, the God of Israel, Yahweh, is the God of war (Josh. 6:20), economy (Ex. 16), obedience and moral virtues (Num. 21:4-8).
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research design
The researcher used descriptive research survey design in building up this project work the choice of this research design was considered appropriate because of its advantages of identifying attributes of a large population from a group of individuals. The design was suitable for the study as the study sought to the interplay of politics and religion in Nigeria’s fourth republic: a case study of Adamawa State
Sources of data collection
Data were collected from two main sources namely:
Primary source and Secondary source
Primary source:
These are materials of statistical investigation which were collected by the research for a particular purpose. They can be obtained through a survey, observation questionnaire or as experiment; the researcher has adopted the questionnaire method for this study.
Secondary source:
These are data from textbook Journal handset etc. they arise as byproducts of the same other purposes. Example administration, various other unpublished works and write ups were also used.
CHAPTER FOUR
PRESENTATION ANALYSIS INTERPRETATION OF DATA
Introduction
Efforts will be made at this stage to present, analyze and interpret the data collected during the field survey. This presentation will be based on the responses from the completed questionnaires. The result of this exercise will be summarized in tabular forms for easy references and analysis. It will also show answers to questions relating to the research questions for this research study. The researcher employed simple percentage in the analysis.
DATA ANALYSIS
The data collected from the respondents were analyzed in tabular form with simple percentage for easy understanding.
A total of 133(one hundred and thirty three) questionnaires were distributed and 133 questionnaires were returned.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain the interplay of politics and religion in Nigeria’s fourth republic: a case study of Adamawa States
In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of interplay of politics and religion in Nigeria’s fourth
- Summary
This study was on the interplay of politics and religion in Nigeria’s fourth republic: a case study of Adamawa States. Four objectives were raised which included: To ascertain the effect of politics and religion in Adamawa State, to ascertain whether interplay of politics and religion brought togetherness in Adamawa State, to ascertain whether politics and religion influence each other in Adamawa State, to ascertain the relationship between politics and religion. In line with these objectives, two research hypotheses were formulated and two null hypotheses were posited. The total population for the study is 200 members of APC party of selected local government in Adamawa State. The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for this study. A total of 133 respondents made up ward chairmen, ward elders, ward secretaries and ward legal advisers were used for the study. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies
5.3 Conclusion
In conclusion, religion has been used and is still being used to induce violence and has caused stunted growth to our political stability and sustainable development. The relationship between religion and politics in any society should be mutual, and if properly managed, bring about tranquility and development. On the other hand, if the relationship is not properly managed, it could generate conflict. This is because religion is about personal experience and access to divine powers, while politics is all about gaining political power for personal reasons. Since these are mutually and exclusively related, there is constant need for symbiotic relationship. Hence, religion can either bring conflict or peace, development or destruction, growth or retardation, stability or instability, security or insecurity. It depends on how it is made use of along with politics. The mixing of both religion and politics is not a problem, but the level of moral standard, patriotism towards the country and proper understanding of religion are the determining factor
5.4 Recommendation
The government should give more power to the National Religious Advisory Board and the Nigeria Inter-religious Council in promoting inter-religious dialogue and religious tolerance through organizing seminars and workshops for religious adherents which will help in building sustainable political development. Haynes (2009:68) argues that when interfaith dialogue is skillfully organized and pursued, it can encourage those who have personally involved in conflict to work together towards peace accommodation
REFERENCES
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- Adigwe, H., and Grau, I. (2007). When God Says Yes – Who Can Say No? Religion as a Factor in Political Discourse in Nigeria since the 1960s. Stichproben. Wiener Zeitschrift fürkritische Afrikastudien Nr. 13/2007, 7. p. 81. Retrieved from http://www.univie.ac.at/ecco/Stichproben/Nr13_ Adigwe_Grau.pdf.
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