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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Religion and the Crisis of National Unity in Nigeria |
Author: | Nwosu, Nereus I.A. |
Year: | 1996 |
Periodical: | African Study Monographs |
Volume: | 17 |
Issue: | 3 |
Pages: | 141-152 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Nigeria |
Subjects: | Christianity Islam Church and State Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Religion and Witchcraft nationalism Ethnic and Race Relations Politics and Government Muslim-Christian relations politics |
External link: | https://jambo.africa.kyoto-u.ac.jp/asm/normal/asm_17-3.html |
Abstract: | The multireligious nature of Nigeria has adversely affected national unity. This negative impact comes mainly from the Christians and the Muslims. The divisive tendency of religion in Nigeria was manifested during the drafting of the 1979 and 1989 constitutions, notably when members of the Constituent Assembly debated the issue of whether or not to include the Federal Sharia Court of Appeal. The absence of religious tolerance in Nigeria has become increasingly noticeable and was evidenced during the 1980 Maitatsine Kano and the 1982 Maitatsine Maiduguri riots, in 1986 at the University of Ibadan, in 1987 at the College of Education Kafanchan, in 1992 in Zangon-Kataf in Kaduna State, and most recently in Osogbo and Kaduna in 1996. Religious plurality in Nigeria has also affected the country's external relations. An example is Nigeria's relationship with Israel during the First Republic. Another example is the decision of the Babangida regime to join the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) as a full member. The Nigerian government has often found itself entangled in these religious crises. It has tried to play the role of umpire, even though occasionally it has been accused of bias by one or the other religious group. Bibliogr., sum. |