Influence of Religion on the Nigerian Democracy (1960 – 2012)
Influence of Religion on the Nigerian Democracy (1960 – 2012).
ABSTRACT
The thrust of this work, “Influence of Religion on the Nigerian Democracy” discussed the impacts of Religion on the Nigerian society which is being run under democratic governance.
Historical research method was used in this thesis. The data collections, among other sources, were comprised of two major sources: primary and secondary sources.
These data collections were analysed socially, critically and descriptively. It was found that positively, religion was credited with the following: the provision of African identity and political unity, curbed of evils, uplifting the human development of the society through education and health care sectors and other developments.
Above all, it rehabilitated, restructured and reconstructed the society especially during and after the Nigerian civil war.
Religion was and is still responsible for the following: some of the crisis in Nigeria, social instabilities, some irremedial evils, economic stagnation, derogation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, insecurity of lives and property and the apparent shaky condition of Nigerian secular state.
By these implications, it appears that religion has failed in its function in Nigerian society. In conclusion, the researcher advocated that religious personnel should endeavour to live out practically ethics of their religion.
Ultimately, some synergies of actions are absolutely required between religious bodies (particularly between Christianity and Islam) and largely between religion and government in the society.
This filial collaboration will enhance attainment of true democracy and more positive impacts of Religion in Nigeria.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE ……………. iii
CERTIFICATION…… iv
REQUIREMENT………….. v
APPROVAL………… vi
DECLARATION ………………….. vii
DEDICATION………………… viii
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS……………. ix
ABSTRACT…. xi
TABLE OF CONTENTS…………… xii
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS .xv
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study ……….. 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem …….. 9
1.3 Objective of the Study ………… 11
1.4 Significance of the Study…………… 11
1.5 Scope……………….. 12
1.6 Methodology……………… 12
1.7 Definition of Related Terms ………. 13
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Formal Education ………………… 20
2.2 Health Care and Life……. 25
2.3 Infrastructure and Agriculture/ Horticulture/Development……. 27
2.4 Spiritual and Pastoral Services ……………. 28
2.5 Social Influence of Religion …………. 31
2.6 Destruction of Cultural Values ……….. 35
2.7 Disunity, Disintegration, Competitions, Corruption & Materialism… 37
2.8 Riots, Violence, Wars and Squabble …….. 39
Summary of the Literature Review….. 40
CHAPTER THREE: THE SCIENTIFIC EFFECTS OF RELIGIOSITY ON THE NIGERIAN DEMOCRACY
3.1 Religious Influence on the Nigerian Democracy ………….. 42
3.1.1 Spiritual Impact before Independence……… 42
3.1.2 Spiritual Influence of Religion at a Glance ………….. 45
3.1.3 Cultural Influence ……….. 48
3.1.4 Prophetic Role …………………….. 49
3.1.5 Individual’s Influence (Impact) ……… 53
3.2 Political Influence of Religion on the Nigerian Democracy …… 58
3.2.1 Religion and Concscientization for Civic Duties ……… 59
3.2.2 Religion and the Making of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (i.e Religion as the Super Structure).. 61
3.2.3 The Use of Religious Belief (Politicization) on Nigeria’s Democracy…….64
3.2.4 Religion: Monitoring and Sanitization of Election in Nigeria ………. 65
3.2.5 Use of Religious Concept and Sentiments by the Nigerian Politicians….. 68
3.2.6 Religion as an Agent of Division on Nigerian Democracy……… 70
3.2.7 Other Influences of Religio-Political Unrest (Riots) ….. 71
CHAPTER FOUR: THE IMPACT OF DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA
4.1 Political Impact of Democracy in Nigeria …….. 76
4.2 Educational Impact of Democracy in Nigeria ………………. 86
4.3 Impact of Democracy on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) …. 93
4.4 Social Impact of Democracy in Nigeria ………. 95
4.5 Economic Impact of Democracy in Nigeria ………… 101
4.6 Impact of Democracy on Infrastructure………… 106
4.7 Impact of Democracy on Agriculture ……… 112
4.8 Security Impact of Democracy in Nigeria …………… 116
4.9 Impact of Democracy on Transport and Tourism …….. 119
CHAPTER FIVE: INFLUENCE OF RELIGION ON THE NIGERIAN DEMOCRACY
5.1 Social Influence of Religion on the Nigerian Democracy………. 123
5.2 Educational Influence of Religion on the Nigerian Democracy…….. 130
5.3 Economic Influence of Religion on the Nigerian Democracy………… 136
5.4 Moral Influence of Religion on the Nigeria Democracy……. 142
5.5 Health – Care influence of Religion in Nigeria ………….. 146
5.6 Agricultural Influence of Religion on the Nigerian Democracy….. 149
CHAPTER SIX: SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
6.1 Summary of the Findings ………………… 152
6.2 Contributions to Knowledge……… 153
6.3 Recommendations ….. 156
6.4 Suggestions for Further Research…………… 158
6.5 Conclusion ……………. 158
REFERENCES……………….. 161
ORAL INTERVIEW……… 179
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Nigeria is the largest country of the black race in the world. It is also the most multi-religious among the countries in Africa. This is in line with the view of Akumu et al (2006:3) who opined that, “Nigeria is the most populous African state and one of the world’s most ethnically diverse societies being made up of over 250 ethno-linguistic groups.”
The Nigerian ‘ethnic nationalities’ before the amalgamation, in 1914, comprised two separate geo-political zones: Southern and Northern protectorates. These two geo- political zones which constituted the ‘One Nigeria’ consisted of various cultures each with different traditional religions. Makozi in Okere (1988:9) asserted that:
Nigeria as one entity was born in 1914 when the two protectorates of Northern and Southern Nigeria were amalgamated by Sir Fredrick Lugard.
The name “Nigeria” derived from the River ‘Niger area’ was proposed by Miss Flora Shaw in an article she had written as a press correspondent to ‘The Times’ in January, 1897, that is fourteen years before the amalgamation.
One would then be right to say that Nigeria as a country is an artificial creation of Lord Lugard. The “artificiality” in making up the country is a fundamental problem besetting Nigeria as a state in all facets of life (religiously, economically, politically, geographically, and so on).
REFERENCES
Achebe, C. (1958). Things fall Apart London: Heinemann Educational Publishers Ltd. Achife C. (2013). “Enugu Airport goes International. Daily Sun, Friday, August 23, 2013.
Achunike, H.C. (2002). Dreams of Heaven, A Modern Response to Christianity in North Western Igbo, 1970 – 1990, Nimo: Rex Charles and Patrick Prints.
Adeboboye, T. (2014). “Why Good Infrastructure must be Sustained in Lagos, by Commissioner.” Daily Sun Wednesday, July 23, 2014.
Adibe, G.E. (2009). Igbo Issues: Values, Chi, Akala Aka, Ikenga, Magic, Agwu and Manipulation of Divinities. Onitsha: Midfield Publishers. Ltd.
Adigun et al (2006). “Democracy and Governance Assessment of Nigeria” Retrieved on 25/10/2012 from www.usaid.gov.
