RELIGION IN NIGERIA POLITICS

                       RELIGION IN NIGERIAN POLITICS.

Who brings religion to politics? And how does politics come into Nigeria Religion? To me these are not one and the same question because in Nigerian political arena they are interchanged. Religion, that essential part of all humanity has tremendous influence on all people irrespective of tribe. 

To me the crucial issue is Right to freedom of worship as distinct from Religious tolerance which is the focus of Nigeria and Nigerians. Unfortunately, politics have destroyed the sacrosanct role of religion in the Nigerian society.

Years ago in this country, religion and religious people who belong to the three well known religions, Christianity, Islam and traditional African Religions were epitome of conscience driven persons in all that they do. The clergy and Priest of these religion symbolizes then all that was ‘light and True’ of God. Now it is difficult to predict what some religious leaders can say in very clear situation where light and truth is required because of politics. And these politics is not to serve but to acquire power, wealth and fame. 

The truth is that religion in any society can solve all problems. But not religion in politics or playing politics with religion. This is because the doctrines of virtually all universal religion is focus on the Almighty God, the creator and giver of all life. That is why no religion accepts, stealing, killing, falsehood, adultery and fornication as good practices. But still all those who are arrested and fingers pointed at for criminality are all members of one of the three universal religions in Nigeria. And their religious leaders have never being heard to say or take any action to right the wrongs of their members.

If religious leaders in this country would live in the light and truth of their religion they will have the moral strength and courage to correct their members escapade in public offices of corruption and abuse of power. If all of us religious people will ask the right questions on our public office representatives for evil doing and appearance of evil on their part. Then our religiosity will be a blessing in our polity.

Ike Ake  Esq.