Causes and Implications of Religious Conflicts in Nigeria’s

Political System
Uwadi, M. E.
Ezebuilo, P. C.
Nwaonu, K. C.

ABSTRACT
The aim of this work is to identify the causes and implications of religious conflicts in Nigeria’s
political system as well as proffer strategies to avoid future occurrence. This study adopts the
survey research design. The population of the study comprises all Christians and Moslems
living in Zaria, Kaduna State in Nigeria. Personal observations and questionnaire were the
major means of data collection. Out of the 65 copies of questionnaire engaged in the study,
only 56 copies were retrieved and used for the analysis. To achieve the aim of the study, two
research hypotheses were formulated. While data collected for the study were presented on
tables and responses taking the form of a five point likert scale, the hypotheses were tested
using one way analysis of variance. Major findings of the study reveal that the causes of
religious conflicts in Nigeria include failure to move with change, conflicting doctrines, methods
of conversion, utterances of religious leaders, and clothing of political objectives with religion,
among others. The implications of religious conflict as reveal by the study include creation of
mistrust among federating units, low productivity, job insecurity, migration, over population.
Based on the foregoing, it is proposed that the issue of religious conflicting doctrines should
be addressed by religious bodies who should meet on regular bases. Also, government should
respond quickly to curtail conflicts and should not ignore any act that might cause conflict.
Keywords: Religious conflict, Nigeria, beliefs, doctrines

INTRODUCTION

Conflict is a natural phenomenon or an inherent part of social existence unavoidable in

human interaction in any society. It could be disagreement resulting from different
interests, opinions, ideas, ideologies, attitude, orientations and so on. It could result as
a mere differences of ideas, interest, viewpoints or it could manifest in the form of
violent demonstration, riot or war. Conflict becomes a problem when it is based on
religious beliefs which manifest in violence. This results from the inability of the religious
parties to respect and accommodate each other and failure to resolve differences
amicably. In Nigeria, there are two major religions with a proportional strength of
followers which have been in competition for superiority. These religions are Christianity
and Muslim. They have different signs and symbols, methods of conversion and other
clear differences which has brought hatred among its members and the nations at
large. According to Olupona (1992), these individual religions are characterized by

Uwadi, M. E., Ezebuilo, P. C. and Nwaonu, K. C. are Lecturers in the Department of Public
Administration, Sure Foundation Polytechnic, Ikot Akai, Ukanafun, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected].
sharp subdivision of the world into clear cut dichotomies; the “good” and the “bad”;
the “we” versus “they”; the “saved” and the “lost”; the “brethren” versus the rest of the
“world; and the “fidels” versus “infidels”, who are expected to share in the life hereafter.
Fellow believers are seen as co-heirs to the heavenly kingdom and the peace of paradise,
non-believers are seen as condemned people who are automatically destined for hell-
fire and eternal damnation. Olupona went further to say that religion is potent
brotherhood in Nigeria, displaying rather efficacious acquired family relationships on
earth. Like exclusive clubs, cliques or cults, members offer each other immediate help,
favours and considerations. There is truism in the postulations of Olupona as religious
differences and fanaticism hampers mutual trust and confidence among members of
each group. Such fanaticism brings confrontations, threat and clashes which makes
national objectives unattainable.

The crux of the belief of Christian and Moslem religions

According to John in Watch Tower (1990) all religions believe that man cannot stand
alone. He is vitally related with and even dependent on powers in nature and society
external to himself. Dimly or clearly, he knows that he is not an independent centre of
force capable of standing apart from the world. An important feature of religion is a
longing for value in life, a belief that life is not accidental and meaningless and this
search for meaning leads to faith in a power greater than human, the universal
consciousness. This is the only way to maintain spiritual health and lead man closer to
God. Going further, Watch Tower (1990) posits that the principal objective for the
emanation of Moslem religion is the confession of faith, or the shahadah which every
Moslem knows by heart. “La ila illa Allah; Mohammed rasul Allah” which means, no
god but Allah and Mohammed the messenger.” These teachings are in the Quran and
the Hadith. Where Mohammed example was not sufficient, the Quran advocates a
holy war or Jihad. Sura 9:5 in Watch Tower (1990) said that where ever the idolaters
are found, they should be slain, lay in ambush for them, but if they repent and take to
prayer and render the alms levy, allows them to go their way. On the other hand, the
Bible, the book of Christians in Watch Tower (1990) teaches that Jesus was born of a
virgin; His birth was instigated by the Holy Spirit. He was both man and God (Mathew
1:23) this depicts that the aim for the emanation of Christianity is for redemption through
a mediator between God and man. Olupona (1992) postulates that religions are potent
brotherhoods, displaying rather efficacious acquired family relationships on earth. Like
exclusive clubs, cliques or cults, members offer one another immediate help, favours
and considerations.

Causes of Religious Conflict in Nigeria

Several factors lead to religious conflicts in Nigeria. Some of them are:
Failure to move with change: The real tragedy of religion is that it fails to move
along with times. It is not progressive as it is driven by displeasure for modernization.
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For instance here is the Boko Haram which is against Western culture, blaming the
spread of materialism and capitalism as a major cause for decrease in morality in
religion.
Conflicting Doctrines: The views of Islam and Christianity is radically different.
They both have two different Holy books and two founders. Islam permits polygamy
and makes provision for contract marriage while Christianity voids polygamy. This is
one of the divergent views of their radical differences.
Methods of Conversion: Religion goes extra mile to evangelize for converts so as to
have a dominant population. The desperate style to convert people can lead to conflict.
Sometimes a particular religion can be imposed on people without credence to their
faith. Agence France Presse (1991) says that there were violent riots in Kano on
October 14, 1991. The riots were reportedly sparked off by Muslims demonstrators
in protest against a visit by a German preacher Reinhard Bonnke who had allegedly
managed to convert some Muslims to Christian Faith. As many as one hundred people
reportedly died and house and vehicles were burnt down during the rampage.
Utterances of Religious Elites: Reckless utterances by religious elites or leaders
can spark off conflict. The recent utterance credited to Apostle Suleiman of Omega
Fire Ministry to kill any Fulani Herdsman trying to attack his church is enough to
trigger violence. In Yalmaturu Deba of Gombe State, a religious leader accused a
Muslim of deviating from expectancy by marrying many wives. According to him, it
was a sin. The utterance brought maiming and burning of houses. The bloody clash
claimed over two hundred lives.
Clothing/Political Objectives with Religion: Elites and other religious nationalists
view religion as closely tied to their lives and any threat to it is a threat to their existence.
These groups of people seek a political forum to hide and perpetrate evil so cheerfully
due to their conviction. This shows how people find it difficult to separate religion from
politics.
Illiteracy: The majority of religious fanatics are not schooled and this makes it easy
for them to be bent. Believing whatever they are been told, and ready to do whatever
they are been tild to do.
Signs and Symbols: Religious signs and symbols are always used to forward ethnic
cause. Yusuf (1982) says that hypocrisy, corruption and religious bigotry have all
conspired to rob Nigeria of any regional leprosy. The misuse of religious signs and
symbols can be a major cause of conflicts.
Poverty: This is a persistent problem that brings all types of evil in the society as a
poor man does not have regard for any law governing the society. The poor is always
unhappy and can brazenly destroy lives and property. The rich which is the “HAVE”
can easily influence the poor or “HAVE NOT” to act under religion to implement their
will.
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Fight for Dominance: Christians and Muslims fights regularly to dominate or suppress
each other. They use every available radical means as a necessary tool to silence those
they see as their opponents.
Delay in Federal Government Management of Conflict: The way Government
manages conflict can either lead to more conflicts or less conflict. They are slow most
times in response or entirely ignore actions, acts or speech which might bring about full
blown conflict. In January 2008, some Shi’ites blocked the convoy of Emir of Zazzau
in Zaria, Kaduna State because they were celebrating their New Year. Federal
Government did not respond immediately until it resulted into an ugly situation. Peter
(2012) says that to remove discrimination for one group may affect rights of another
group; simply replacing the rights of one group with the rights of another is no solution.
It perpetuates discrimination in ways where the reconciliation of opposing demands is
seen to be of interest to all groups as well as the general concern of the State.

Implications of Religious Conflicts in Nigeria Federalism

Innocent (2013) posits that religion with its moral principles and values are expected
to direct societies and the lives of its adherents. Christianity and Islam, the two adopted
alien faiths in Nigeria, have from their entrant into the society made social welfare
services and educational development an important component of their activities. What
is worrisome as he noted is the violence associated with this proselytizing religions.
From Maitasine uprising of the 1980s to Boko Haram of today, it has been violence
associated with religious beliefs that is almost bringing government to her knees, while
peace and security remain elusive. Ezenwaji (2003) observes that religion has tried to
undermine and make a joke of the country’s constitution and in the process create a
state of confusion and lawlessness in the country. The implications are discussed
hereunder;

Mistrust among the Federating Units: Nigeria which has thirty-six (36) federating
units or States has a high level of intolerance. It has wounds that cannot be healed. Any
move by any religious group irrespective of how sincere it claims to be, is easily
misinterpreted because everyone is suspicious of each other. This has affected free
flow of communication due to the fact that any information sent out might trigger crises.
Muslim States now associate with one another, and non-Muslim or Christian States in
turn associate with their kind. Olupona (1992) opines that religious differences have
high potentials for separating people from one another, many times, a certain fanaticism
is associated with religious beliefs which exclude social relations with people of different
religion, or hamper mutual trust and confidence when such relations happens to exist.

Low Productivity: Religious laws and crises are so severe that it affects workers
motivation in Nigeria. People are no longer productive because they are not in a safe
environment. This is altering organizational goal and Nigeria as a whole is suffering the

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repercussion in the form of recession. Productivity is now low in the nation and the
masses are suffering from such religious recklessness. Even able bodied men and women
who would have contributed to the productivity of the nation are killed in religious war.
Kassam (2010) says that violence leaves us with various forms of retardation and
underdevelopment resulting from the destruction of lives and property.

Job Insecurity: Christians and Muslims find it difficult to relate with each other. They
do not find it funny to work in an office with each other. Thus, each employer of labour
of any of the religion prefers to employ people of their faith, thereby waving competency.
According to Odey (2000), during the heat of organization of Islamic Conference,
people like Tam David West, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi and others who did not support
the signing in of Nigeria into the conference of Islamic Nations as a member country
were all prematurely retired. Any slightest religious provocation or unresolved argument
leads to loss of job. Most recent is the close down of Federal Government University
in Dutsin-ma in Katsina State as a result of riots arising from accusation of employment
of more Christians in the institution by the former Vice Chancellor. This incident has
caused serious tension in the State. This perhaps is due to the fact that the two religions
see themselves as being loyal to different Gods. If they see themselves as being loyal to
same deity or God there would not have been much problem as it is experienced
today.

Migration: As a result of consistent conflict, people in order to save their lives, migrate
to more or relative peaceful States or places. The conflict zones become thinly
populated. This affects their level of manpower. The remnants that refuse to migrate
from such conflict zones or States become uncultured because they are not mixed up
with other cultures, and it is a known fact that when a man becomes too far from
reality, he becomes a beast. Whenever he travels out, he becomes culture shock as he
or she will be surprised to find out that things are done in a way far different from their
way of life.

Over Population: Migration from conflict zones to nearby or relatively peaceful States
or places makes such states over populated and unhealthy, slums are built. Those
migrant who do not have a readily source of income might turn to bandits and elude
their host community or state of sleep. Their frustrations will be so visible that one
wonders why they should transfer their aggression on those who in no way contributed
to their woes. Again, more weight will be added to the existing social amenities of the
host State. This type of migrant are not good citizens and vandalizing government
property will be to them a way of getting back to government who refuse to be there
for them when they were persecuted.

Lack of Trust in God: Since religion tends to fail man in showing him the part to
God, mankind in Nigeria tends to lose confidence in religion and God. This is the
major reason for crimes, corruption and the like. Religion has created two sets of men,
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those aspiring for saintliness and the other majority pursuing inhumanity and terrorism.
The majority pursuing inhumanity and terrorism has produced so much massacres and
conflicts than the goodness produced by those pursuing saintliness.
The theoretical framework of analysis is the conflict and Group theory. Gluckman
and Coser postulated the conflict theory. They conceptualize conflict as normal,
widespread and a little positive to change or cause some change while not displacing
the social order as such. The theory is divided into Marxian and Non Marxian. The
conflict theory played a major role in this work due to the level of struggle for superiority,
conversion, existence, and so on of both Christian and Moslems in most part of northern
States. Group theory of Grift is the bringing together of people on a place or conducting
people in some way as man only exist in groups of its kind. Group theory advocates
for struggle where a stronger group pulls the weaker one to their side depending on the
largeness or strength of coercion of the dominant group. It is the group theory that
causes conflict in northern part of the nation. In the light of the foregoing, this study is
set to look at the causes and implications of religious conflicts in Nigeria. The following
hypotheses were formulated to guide the study.
H01: Harsh method of conversion by religions is not a cause for religious conflict.
H02: The use of diplomacy in handling religious matters cannot help in curbing
Religious conflict.

METHOD

The principal aim of this research is to examine the causes and implications of religious
conflicts in Nigeria’s political system. The survey research design was employed in the
study. The population of the study comprises all Christians and Moslems living in Zaria,
Kaduna State, Nigeria. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 65
respondents from the population. Personal observations and questionnaire were the
major sources of data for this study. Out of the 65 participants administered
questionnaire, only 56 copies of the questionnaire were successfully filled and returned
giving a response rate of 86.15%. The responses were structured using a five point
likert scale of agree, strongly agree, indifferent, disagree and strongly disagree. Also,
Yes or No response patterns were used to address certain issues in the questionnaire.
Data collected for the study were presented on tables using frequency count and simple
percentage. A one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was also used to treat the
hypotheses formulated for the study.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

From the table 1, there is inequality in the sampling unit. Christian respondents are
37.5% of the returned questionnaire and the others are Muslims with 62.5% of the
respondents. From the analysis on table 2, 25% of the respondents strongly believe
that the stipulated factors are causes of religious conflict. While 50% of the respondents

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agree with the stated factors, only 16% and 9% of the respondents respectively disagree
and strongly disagree. This simply implies that the majority of the respondents agree
with the factors stipulated on table 2 as causes of religious conflicts in Nigeria. Table 3
shows that 76.76% of the respondents strongly agree, 7.14 % agree that there are
known implications of the stipulated variables while another 7.14% were indifferent.
5.36% of the respondents disagree and 3.6% strongly disagree with the stipulated
factors. The implied position is that 84% of the respondents agree that Low productivity,
job insecurity and lack of trust in God, mistrust among federating units, migration and
over population are the known implications of religious conflicts in Nigeria’s political
system.
The analysis on table 4 shows that 84% of the respondents are of the opinion
that the use of modern technology in religion, enactment of strict laws, regular meetings
of religious bodies, solving the problems of conflicting doctrine and the use of diplomacy
are possible the steps to be taken to curb religious conflict in Nigeria. On the other
hand, less than 10% of the respondents have divergent opinion. However, this implies
that if the stated steps are judiciously followed, religious conflicts in Nigeria will be
managed effectively and efficiently. As shown on table 5, 78.57% of the respondents
are not aware of any clear cut method adopted to curb religious conflict in Nigeria,
while only 21.43% say they are aware of defined method adopted to curb religious
conflict. The implication as revealed on the tabulation depicts that the method used to
curb religious conflict in Nigeria is not successful, hence, the constant re-occurrence of
religious conflict in the nation.

Table 1: Religious Classification of participants

Religion Frequency Percentage (%)
Christians 21 37.5
Muslims 35 62.5
Total 56 100
Source: Survey, 2016

Table 2: What are the causes of religious conflict in Nigeria?

Variables SA A Ind D SD Total
Conflicting doctrines, reckless F 14 28 - 9 5 56
utterances by religious leaders, poverty % 25 50 - 16 9 100
and harsh method of conversion
F = Frequency; % = Percentage; SA = Strongly Agree; A = Agree, Ind. = Indifferent,
D = Disagree and SD = Strongly Disagree Source: Survey, 2016

Table 3: What are the implications of religious conflict in Nigeria Federalism?

Variables SA A Ind D SD Total
Low productivity, job insecurity and F 43 4 4 3 2 56
lack of trust in God, mistrust among % 76.76 7.14 7.14 5.36 3.6 100
federating units, migration and
over population.
F = Frequency; % = Percentage; SA = Strongly Agree; A = Agree, Ind. = Indifferent,
D = Disagree and SD = Strongly Disagree. Source: Survey, 2016

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Table 4: What are the possible steps to be taken to curb religious conflict?
Variables SA A Ind D SD Total
Use of modern technology in religion, F 43 4 4 3 2 56
enactment of strict laws, regular % 76.76 7.14 7.14 5.36 3.6 100
meetings of religious bodies, solving
the problems of conflicting doctrine
and the use of diplomacy.
F = Frequency; % = Percentage; SA = Strongly Agree; A = Agree, Ind. = Indifferent,
D = Disagree and SD = Strongly Disagree.
Source: Survey, 2016

Table 5: Curbing Religious conflicts in Nigeria

YES NO Total
Has there been any defined method F 12 44 56
adopted to curb conflict in Nigeria? % 21.43 78.57 100
Is the method used to curb religious F 27 29 56
conflict in Nigeria Successful? % 48.21 51.79 100
F = Frequency; % = Percentage
Source: Survey, 2016

TEST OF HYPOTHESES
(H01) Harsh method of Conversion by religious is not a cause for religious conflict.
Table I Strongly Agree Indifference Disagree Strongly Total
Agree Disagree
14 28 _ 9 4
∑X 14 28 _ 9 5 56
X 14 28 _ 9 5
1.5125 1989 _ 247.5 84 2322

TSS = ∑ X 2 – (∑ X 1 ) n = 2322 – (56)2/5

2

TSS = 1694.8 = X = 56/5 =11.2

TRSS = ∑ nj (Xj – X)2 i.e. j = 1
( (14- 11.2)2 + (28- 11.2)2 + (9 – 11.2)2 + (5 – 11.2)2 )
TRSS = 333.52
ESS = TSS – TRSS = 1694.8 – 333.52 = 1361.28

Source SS df ms F = Ratio
Treatment 333.52 (5 -1)4 83.38
Error 1361.28 (5 -5)1 1361.28 0.061
Total 1694.8 5
F .05 (4, 1) = 0.02
From the table above, it is seen that the F calculated is greater than the F table. As
such, the null hypothesis is rejected. Therefore, the harsh method of conversion by
religions is a cause of religious conflicts in Nigeria.

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 H0 1: The use of diplomacy in handling religious matters cannot help in curbing religious conflict.
To test the hypotheses, question No.5 table VII shall be used.
Table II Strongly Agree Indifference Disagree Strongly Total
Agree Disagree
43 4 4 3 2
∑X 43 4 4 3 2 56
X 43 4 4 3 2
14.975 110 110 90 60 385
TSS = ∑ X – (∑ X ) = 385 – (56) /5
2
1
2
n 2

TSS = 242.2
X = 56/5 = 11.2
TRSS = ∑ nj (Xj –X)2
TRSS = 1
( (43 – 11.2)2 + (4 – 11.2)2 + (4 – 11.2)2 = (3 -11.2)2 + (2 – 11.2)2 )
(1011.24 + 51.84 + 51.84 + 67.24 + 84.64) = 1266.8
ESS = TSS – TRSSS
242 – 1266.8 = - 1024.8

Sources SS df ms F - Ratio
Treatment 1266.8 (5 – 1)4 316.7
Error -1024.8 (5 – 5)1 -1024.8 -708.1
Total 242 5 -1024.8
∑X 2 F . 0.05 ( 4, 1 ) = 0.02

As shown above, the F calculated is greater than F table. Thus, the null hypothesis is
rejected and the conclusion is that the use of diplomacy in handling religious matters
can help in curbing religious conflict in Nigeria.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

So far, there is no visible step taken by Nigerian government to curb religious conflict.
This is why there is reoccurring issues of conflict in the Northern part of the nation. The
aim of religion in Nigeria has been defeated. Some have seen it as money making
venture and others have decided to cling to it to perpetrate their evil act. However,
according to Ahmed in Jonah, et al (2014), we should all allow each other to practice
our religion the way it is in our holy book. Similarly, Kazaure (1998) avers that all
religions should co-exist peacefully with a high degree of tolerance. Nigeria is one and
we should tolerate each religious practice to avoid conflicts and heating up the political
system. Consequently, to curb Religious Conflict in Nigeria, the following are suggested.
- Religious sects must be encouraged to embrace the changing nature of things
as the universe is moving from locus to locus.
- There must be serious laws which spells out adequate and implementable
punishment for anyone who instigates or participate in religious conflict.

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- The issue of conflicting doctrines should be redressed and religious leaders
should be having regular meetings to iron out differences.
- Harsh method of conversion should be discouraged because everyone has the
right to accept or reject any religion.
- Reckless utterances of both political and religious leaders should be guarded
against because of the power in the tongue. There should be employment
opportunities as most of the religious warlords do not have any job to keep
them busy.
- Education should be encouraged and be made compulsory for all and problem
solving should be through an open exchange of information and proper redress
of differences so that none will feel dominated.
- Finally, Government should respond quickly to curtail conflicts and should not
ignore any act that can cause conflict in the political system on Nigeria.

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Ezenwaji, I. U. (2003). Effect of Religious Conflict on Human Resources Management in multi-
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Innocent, U. O. (2013). Ethno-Religious conflicts and the Search for Elusive Peace and Security
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Jonah, A, and Anamesere, I. (2014). Nigerian Sharia Architect Defends Law. BBC retrieved, en.
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Kazaure, Z. M. (1998). Strategies for Promoting Muslim-Christian Tolerance in Nigeria. In Nigerian
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Peter, W. (2012). Understanding Conflict Resolution. India: Sage Publishers.
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