Causes and Implications of Religious Conflicts in Nigeria’s Political System

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