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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Religious Factor in Nigerian Politics: Implications for Christian-Muslim Relations in Nigeria
Author:Opeloye, Muhib O.ISNI
Year:1989
Periodical:Journal of the Institute of Muslim Minority Affairs
Volume:10
Issue:2
Period:July
Pages:351-360
Language:English
Geographic term:Nigeria
Subjects:Christianity
Islam
political conditions
Religion and Witchcraft
Politics and Government
Ethnic and Race Relations
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
Muslim-Christian relations
politics
External link:https://doi.org/10.1080/13602008908716127
Abstract:This paper examines the role religion has played and is still playing in Nigerian politics and its effects on Christian-Muslim relations. Religious politicization has its roots in the preindependence era, but it started to pose serious problems to the unity of the country only within the last decade. A historical examination of the relations between State and Christianity, and between State and Islam, is followed by a discussion of the National Muslim League (NML), a religious political party which was formed in Lagos around 1955 in order to champion the cause of the Muslims in the Western Region. These regarded the Action Group, the party in power, as an agent of Christianity. In present-day Nigeria, Christian-Muslim relations are characterized by dissension, acrimony, rancour, discord, rivalry, and hostility. This strained relationship has led to religious crisis situations which have occasionally plunged the country into chaos and disorder. The issue which has generated the most heated controversy and has caused serious bitterness between Muslims and Christians is the status of the 'Shari'ah' legal system within the Constitution. In conclusion, the author proposes some ideas for the resolution of the religious crisis with a view to creating a harmonious relationship between Muslims and Christians. Notes, ref.
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