What role does religion play in politics in
Nigeria?Do you believe the commitment
to a secular government and self-determination from both parties (candidates)
is genuine?Why or why not?
Politicians use religion as a means of consolidating their support, since the people are more likely to vote for someone with a similar religion. After all, as Gambo noted in the article, "you can never divorce the religious sentiment from the typical Nigerian." I do not think that the candidates' commitment to a secular government is genuine just yet, since it is such a powerful tool for politicians to use to gain control. However, as the people become "better educated," they will "see beyond the tricks of the candidates," and this practice may eventually die off, so that the people may elect those who really want secularism and self determination.
Religion is often times the key determinant for voters for which candidate to choose when they are nearly equal in their other policies. This is illustrated with the northern region of Nigeria, dominated by a Muslim population, prefers Buhari, a Muslim candidate, while the southern region, primarily Christians, prefers Jonathan, a Christian candidate. The interviewees from the BBC article, such as Okwori, wants to make his decision purely secular, however he is afraid that “a Muslim leader who may not guarantee freedom of religion”. He is choosing in preference of Christianity but rather against Islam because of potential implementation of Sharia. Citizens want Nigeria to become more secular to avoid violent oppression that one religious group might have against another, like what the Boko Haram is doing to northern Nigeria and the violence that followed the 2011 elections that had the cost of 800 lives when Buhari lost.
I do not believe the two candidates’ commitment to secularism is genuine because religion is the easiest way to obtain votes. Majority of the voters are “hungry not very educated people on both sides” that both parties can easily exploit because religion is not a matter of reason but “a heart matter and carries with it huge emotions”. Though there are violent consequences when there is not a separation between church and state, officials are desperate to obtain power.
One of the roles that religion plays in the Nigerian elections is seen in the fact that Nigeria is “a microcosm” of different religious background. As seen in the violence caused by the outcome of the previous elections there are those who are passionate about their religious background and feel that a president of the same background would be optimal for the nation. Due to the fact that the split in candidates is Christian and Muslim I do believe it plays a role in terms of what the candidates are arguing or how what they stand for can be perceived. However, as seen in the article lots of people do want the person who will bring Nigeria back to its previous state of “harmony.” I do not think the commitment to a secular government is genuine but rather constructs a factor that will be conducive in acquiring votes.
I agree with this because people in Nigeria are mainly Christian or Muslim which will lead candidates to use their policies to appeal to the certain groups. The commitment to a secular government may seem genuine, however, the candidates will still be heavily influenced by religion to gain the most votes and win the election.
In Nigeria, religion plays a large role in the politics. In the BBC News article on Nigerian elections, one guy that was interviewed says he would not vote for a Christian candidate without good leadership skills solely because he is Christian but when there is a choice between a Christian leader and a Muslim leader he would choose the Christian candidate. This man’s response goes to show the effect of religion on Nigeria’s politics and how religion in a way controls peoples’ decisions. The abundance of strict Muslims and Christians in one country causes politics to always be an issue when each religion strives to be the majority and superior to the other. People of Nigeria are aware of this corruption going on in their country, a mother, interviewed in the article, longs for a country where two religions can stand side by side in peace. Both Muslim parties and Christian parties demonstrate a commitment to a secular government and self-determination. I do not believe that this is a genuine commitment because the article shows people who directly side with one candidate just because of their religious views. If both religious groups wanted a secular government then religion would not be brought up in times of elections and the elected candidate would win solely on their leadership skills. This is not the case in Nigeria, instead, self-determination is hindered by the negative responses to religious actions such as the response Nigerian Christians have towards the Islamic prayer being called out during the day. Secular government is also prevented since the article even says that candidates use religion to receive votes and gains in the election.
Religion plays a significant role in politics in Nigeria. In both the 2011 and 2015 national elections, a Christian candidate from the south and a Muslim candidate from the north are pitted against one another. Many people regard religion as a deciding quality for who to vote for, favoring politicians that share their views and geography (shocker). I do not believe that the parties' dedication to secular government and self determination is sincere because religion remains an important factor in gaining and maintaining support. When the voting population becomes educated enough to base their politics off of more than similar beliefs in God, then the government will be forced to look to another identifying belief, possibly one that deals with actual policy. I do not expect this to be happening any time soon, but if it does, Nigerian politicians will have to adapt. Until then, religion remains a significant part of political identity and support.
Politicians use religion as a means of consolidating their support, since the people are more likely to vote for someone with a similar religion. After all, as Gambo noted in the article, "you can never divorce the religious sentiment from the typical Nigerian." I do not think that the candidates' commitment to a secular government is genuine just yet, since it is such a powerful tool for politicians to use to gain control. However, as the people become "better educated," they will "see beyond the tricks of the candidates," and this practice may eventually die off, so that the people may elect those who really want secularism and self determination.
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ReplyDeleteReligion is often times the key determinant for voters for which candidate to choose when they are nearly equal in their other policies. This is illustrated with the northern region of Nigeria, dominated by a Muslim population, prefers Buhari, a Muslim candidate, while the southern region, primarily Christians, prefers Jonathan, a Christian candidate. The interviewees from the BBC article, such as Okwori, wants to make his decision purely secular, however he is afraid that “a Muslim leader who may not guarantee freedom of religion”. He is choosing in preference of Christianity but rather against Islam because of potential implementation of Sharia. Citizens want Nigeria to become more secular to avoid violent oppression that one religious group might have against another, like what the Boko Haram is doing to northern Nigeria and the violence that followed the 2011 elections that had the cost of 800 lives when Buhari lost.
ReplyDeleteI do not believe the two candidates’ commitment to secularism is genuine because religion is the easiest way to obtain votes. Majority of the voters are “hungry not very educated people on both sides” that both parties can easily exploit because religion is not a matter of reason but “a heart matter and carries with it huge emotions”. Though there are violent consequences when there is not a separation between church and state, officials are desperate to obtain power.
One of the roles that religion plays in the Nigerian elections is seen in the fact that Nigeria is “a microcosm” of different religious background. As seen in the violence caused by the outcome of the previous elections there are those who are passionate about their religious background and feel that a president of the same background would be optimal for the nation. Due to the fact that the split in candidates is Christian and Muslim I do believe it plays a role in terms of what the candidates are arguing or how what they stand for can be perceived. However, as seen in the article lots of people do want the person who will bring Nigeria back to its previous state of “harmony.” I do not think the commitment to a secular government is genuine but rather constructs a factor that will be conducive in acquiring votes.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this because people in Nigeria are mainly Christian or Muslim which will lead candidates to use their policies to appeal to the certain groups. The commitment to a secular government may seem genuine, however, the candidates will still be heavily influenced by religion to gain the most votes and win the election.
DeleteIn Nigeria, religion plays a large role in the politics. In the BBC News article on Nigerian elections, one guy that was interviewed says he would not vote for a Christian candidate without good leadership skills solely because he is Christian but when there is a choice between a Christian leader and a Muslim leader he would choose the Christian candidate. This man’s response goes to show the effect of religion on Nigeria’s politics and how religion in a way controls peoples’ decisions. The abundance of strict Muslims and Christians in one country causes politics to always be an issue when each religion strives to be the majority and superior to the other. People of Nigeria are aware of this corruption going on in their country, a mother, interviewed in the article, longs for a country where two religions can stand side by side in peace. Both Muslim parties and Christian parties demonstrate a commitment to a secular government and self-determination. I do not believe that this is a genuine commitment because the article shows people who directly side with one candidate just because of their religious views. If both religious groups wanted a secular government then religion would not be brought up in times of elections and the elected candidate would win solely on their leadership skills. This is not the case in Nigeria, instead, self-determination is hindered by the negative responses to religious actions such as the response Nigerian Christians have towards the Islamic prayer being called out during the day. Secular government is also prevented since the article even says that candidates use religion to receive votes and gains in the election.
ReplyDeleteReligion plays a significant role in politics in Nigeria. In both the 2011 and 2015 national elections, a Christian candidate from the south and a Muslim candidate from the north are pitted against one another. Many people regard religion as a deciding quality for who to vote for, favoring politicians that share their views and geography (shocker). I do not believe that the parties' dedication to secular government and self determination is sincere because religion remains an important factor in gaining and maintaining support. When the voting population becomes educated enough to base their politics off of more than similar beliefs in God, then the government will be forced to look to another identifying belief, possibly one that deals with actual policy. I do not expect this to be happening any time soon, but if it does, Nigerian politicians will have to adapt. Until then, religion remains a significant part of political identity and support.
ReplyDelete