Influence of Religious Belief on Political Participation in South East

Influence of Religious Belief on Political Participation in South East

CHAPTER ONE

Objective of the study

1. To investigate the various ways in which religious beliefs affect political attitudes and actions among individuals in the South East.
2. To analyze the roles of religious leaders and institutions in shaping political participation.
3. To explore how denominational variations and interfaith dynamics influence political choices and engagement within the region.

CHAPTER TWO

REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE

The Place of Religion in Nigerian Nation

Nigeria as a nation is religiously pluralistic. Apart from the three major religions, Christianity, Islam and Traditional Religion, there are several others competing for relevance and recognition. In spite of this reality, in theory, Nigeria is a secular state. This has been indicated in the constitution since independence. For the purpose of emphasis, the word, secular, is derived from the Latin word ‘Secularis’, which means temporal. It is taken to mean ‘of or relating to worldly, as opposed to sacred things or having no particular religious affinities’. Secularism, as a doctrine, rejects religion. It maintains that religion should have no place in civil affairs and civil rules should have no interest in religion. Thus, a secular state is a state where religious communities have no recognized role in politics and no formal relation to the state. This is different from a theocratic or a religious state where religion determines what happen in the state. As stated in section 10 of the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, “the government of the federation shall not adopt any religion as State Religion”. Therefore, in policy formulation, governance, and other governmental activities, religion should not be an issue. By implication, every citizen has a right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. Section 38 is categorical, that: 1. Every person shall be entitled to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, including freedom to change his religion or belief and freedom (either alone or in community with others and in public or in private) to manifest and propagate his religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance. 2. No person attending any place of education shall be required to receive religious instruction or take part in or attend any religious ceremony or observance if such instruction, ceremony, or observance relates to a religion, other than his own or a religion not approved by his parents or guardian, and 3. No religious community or denomination shall be prevented form providing religious instruction for pupils of that community or denomination in any place of education maintained wholly by that community or denomination.

The constitution further emphasizes that national integration shall actively be encouraged. Accordingly, discrimination on the grounds of place of origin, sex, religion, status, ethnic, or linguistic association or ties shall be prohibited, while national ethics shall be Discipline, Integrity, Dignity of Labour, Social Justice, Religious Tolerance, Self-reliance, and Patriotism. Also, membership of political parties is opened to every citizen irrespective of his place of origin, circumstances of birth, sex, religion, or ethnic group. From the foregoing, the religious policy in Nigerian constitution can be understood, theoretically. The legal provisions are made in order to ensure that citizens enjoy religious freedom and that the state or government does not affiliate itself or show preference for one religion. The principle ‘live and let live’ is held and the contribution that religion can make to the life of citizens are recognized, hence the belief in religious tolerance. However, it is a fact that religions are potent brotherhoods; displaying rather efficacious acquired family relationships on earth. Little wonder Takaya (1992) says: Like exclusivist clubs, cliques, or cults, members offer each other unmerited help, favours and considerations. This is what makes the politicization of religion most objectionable in a multi-faith society like Nigeria because the objectivity of “brothers’ in public offices are likely to be blured by religious considerations in serving a heterogenous community. (pp. 111-112). Politicization of religion is a natural outcome of a multi-religious society like Nigeria. This can only be avoided by preventing the conditions that gave rise to it.

and multifaceted.

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

INTRODUCTION

In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.

RESEARCH DESIGN

Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.

CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

INTRODUCTION

This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Introduction

It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain influence of Religious Belief on political participation in South East… 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 influence of Religious Belief on political participation in South East.

Summary

This study was on influence of Religious Belief on political participation in South East. Three objectives were raised which included:  To investigate the various ways in which religious beliefs affect political attitudes and actions among individuals in the South East, to analyze the roles of religious leaders and institutions in shaping political participation and to explore how denominational variations and interfaith dynamics influence political choices and engagement within the region. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from selected residents in Owerri. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).

 Conclusion   

In conclusion, the influence of religious belief on political participation in the South East region is a complex and dynamic relationship. Understanding this influence is essential for comprehending the political dynamics of the region and for policymakers seeking to engage with the diverse and devout population of the South East. Recognizing the nuanced ways in which religious beliefs shape political attitudes and actions provides valuable insights into this intricate interplay and helps to guide future research and policy efforts

Recommendation

Based on the findings of this study regarding the influence of religious belief on political participation in the South East region of Nigeria, several recommendations can be made to enhance political engagement, promote inclusivity, and navigate the complex interplay of religion and politics in the region:

1. To promote informed political participation, governments, civil society organizations, and religious institutions should collaborate to develop and implement civic education and awareness campaigns. These campaigns should educate citizens on the importance of political engagement and provide information about various political parties, candidates, and policies.
2. Given the religious diversity in the South East, fostering interfaith dialogue and cooperation can help build bridges between different religious groups. Initiatives that encourage interfaith understanding, collaboration, and peaceful coexistence can reduce potential religious tensions and promote unity in the political sphere.
3. It is crucial for political leaders and candidates to demonstrate ethical leadership and transparency in their actions and policies. Political leaders should align their actions with the moral and ethical values upheld by religious institutions to gain the trust and support of the religiously diverse electorate.
4. Religious institutions should continue to engage with their communities and promote political engagement as a civic duty. They can organize events, forums, and discussions to facilitate dialogue on political issues, encouraging their members to participate actively in the political process.
5. Political candidates and parties should avoid exploiting religious sentiments for electoral gain. Efforts should be made to uphold the principles of religious freedom and tolerance, respecting the diversity of beliefs in the South East.

References

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