JORAS - Nigerian Journal of Religion and Society

The thesis which propounds that the manipulation of religion in Northern Nigeria is responsible for violent conflict is a dominant one and has shaped the analysis of conflicts in the region. It is taken for granted that politicians manipulate religion for their obnoxious ambitions. Consequently, whenever there is a conflict religion is usually not given due consideration in the process of analysis. It is simply taken for granted that it is not a causal factor. This thesis is shaped by the social scientific outlook, which readily dismisses religion as an influential factor in moulding public opinion. Another thesis exists that addresses the reason why religion is subject to manipulation and is also contributory to violent conflicts. This thesis, shaped in the field of humanities, contends that religion remains relevant and does indeed engineer conflicts. The evidence for this assertion is readily available in the upsurge of religious fundamentalism. This article attempts to highlight the latter perspective. While accepting that politicians manipulate religion, it is important to note that religion is not an innocent bystander. The actors in violence and the politicians seek legitimacy from religious texts and religious leaders. The research subtly brings out the role played by religious leaders and counsels the need to take religion more seriously to sustain our corporate co- existence. Three areas are relevant in this respect. We need to focus our search light on religious leaders, balance religious freedom and religious responsibility, and redefine the concept of secularity to make it true to actual practice.

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