Percieved Effect Of Religion On Political Adminsitration In Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Politics and religious-related violence has dealt a lot of catastrophic blow to many countries in the world today. In Nigeria for instance, where Islam and Christianity are the religion of the majority of the populace, precious lives have been lost, properties worth billions of dollars have been destroyed, and millions of people rendered homeless due to clashes of political interest among its adherents. Political observers, as well as democracy advocates, are putting most of these blame on the inability of government to separate between politics and religion, which has ultimately pave the way for the politicians with the support of some religious leaders to manipulate the people using religious sentiment to appeal to their emotions. In order to put an end to these incessant killing of innocent souls and some other corrupt practices in the name of religion, some stakeholders in Nigeria are now calling for the separation of state from religion as a way of checking these abnormalities. They believe that mixing the two together is responsible for most of those atrocities. However, Muslim Scholars and some religious observers disagree with the idea of separating religion from politics, because in Islam for instance, politics is part of the religion. Muslims believe that Islam is not just a religion but a total way of life. As such if politics is to be built on the sincerity of purpose, religion must take a center stage. While looking at politics and religion as well as its prospect and challenges, this work tries to establish a direct relationship between politics and religion, by examining numerous cases on the relationship between politics and religion. It disagrees with those who call for separation of religion from politics seeing it from the angle of the sincerity of religious practice, a prerequisite for fear of God that will make the leader to be accountable to those who are led. And on the other hand for the Muslims Umma (Muslim community), the core of their religion believe is to always put God first in all their affairs. However, it supports the separation of the institution of government from that of religious institution. It also calls for the promotion of professionalism and dedication ahead of religious sentiment. It advises the religious leader in the country to focus more on their spiritual role in the society, instead of unnecessary interference in the political arrangement of politicians. It also supports the call for the regulation of religious institutions in manner that religion will be to promote peace not the other way round. It concludes by suggesting to the government the need to strengthen religious institution in as such way that it will be practically impossible for the politician to manipulate them for selfish political gain and to reward dedicated and hardworking citizen ahead of partisan politics and religious sentiments.