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Religious Conflicts in Nigeria and its Implications for Political Stability
Abdulrasheed A. Muhammad

Abstract: Religion suggests an attempt by man to work out a relationship with a super-ordinate being often epitomise in God. Implicit in this is an interaction between religion and the society within which it functions. This occur first, at the level of the state/social institutions and second, at the level of individual relations. Consequently, because of its tendency to colour relationships, religion has become a major influence in politics, playing significant roles in the entire societal process especially in multi religious societies such as Nigeria. This study interrogates the interaction between religion and society in Nigeria. It is realised that the high sentimental attachment to it by people of different culture and background makes it a politically active instrument in both national politics and the country`s external relations which at times assume a destructive dimension. This situation obviously poses some threat to social, political and economic stability of the country. It is thus concluded that although the country may not have experienced a full-blown religious war, nothing seem to suggest that such will not occur given the trend and character of religious conflicts in the country. Stemming this tide therefore, requires that the issue of religion and harmonious interfaith relation be given more than a passive attention by both the government and the entire citizens at large.

How to cite this article
Abdulrasheed A. Muhammad , 2008. Religious Conflicts in Nigeria and its Implications for Political Stability. The Social Sciences, 3: 121-125.

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