THE IMPACT OF RELIGION ON A SECULAR STATE: THE NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE

Momoh Lawani Yesufu

doi:10.25159/2412-4265/255

Authors

Momoh Lawani Yesufu former study group director, national institute for policy and strategic studies kuru, nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2412-4265/255

Keywords:

Nigeria, constitution, religion, security, colonialism, secularism, secular state, reward, interaction theory

Abstract

Nigeria, in her 55 years of nationhood, is the most populated black nation in the world. She has to her credit a written Constitution being operated for the effective democratic governance of her population, comprising peoples of different religious freedom and cultural backgrounds. In Nigeria, Christianity, Islam and traditional religions are most widely practised. Religion is a faith-based process that is capable of impacting on governance and the behavioural attitudes of every believer. Nigeria is a secular state. Since interaction theory provides avenues for exchanges of nonmaterial goods and materials, we used this theory as the most appropriate in the conduct of this study. This article explores the impact of religion on Nigerians living within a secular state.

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Author Biography

Momoh Lawani Yesufu, former study group director, national institute for policy and strategic studies kuru, nigeria

*Momoh Lawani Yesufu is a retired Brigadier General of the Nigerian Army. A former Commander/Professional Head of Armoured Corps, He was a Faculty member at Ghana and Nigeria Staff Colleges as well as at the National Defence College and National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies. He earned Master of Military Art and Science degree from USA Command and General Staff College and PhD in Sociology from the University of Jos, Nigeria. He is published extensively in professional journals, chapters in 4 books, authored two books, and edited one with a colleague. He is an Independent Consultant and associates with West Africa Network on Security, and Democratic Governance (WANSED). Email: lawani.yesufu2013@gmail.com

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