THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GOVERNANCE AND RELIGIOUS EXTREMISM IN AFRICA

History and International Studies

Religious extremism affects Nigerians in many diverse ways. The effect on national development can be viewed at the level of the individual, the family, the community and the nation. The frequency and destruction of human and natural resources has become so rampant in Nigeria, such that, people often run for their lives, while the economic life of the society suffers. Religious extremism has great consequences on Nigerian society. Due to harmful effects of this malady in Nigeria, certain norms of cultural discrimination and civil disabilities have been imposed on some citizens, because of their religious affiliations. Some zealous Muslims for instance have corrupted the original koranic meaning of the Jihad and introduced the principle of holy war in order to spread Islam by the sword and forced conversion. Furthermore religious extremism with its divisive and destructive nature is the greatest danger to political stability. This is particularly so in Nigeria, a secular polity with a religiously pluralistic setting which can only be sustained in a healthy atmosphere of religious freedom and respect for human rights and the principle of the political secularity of the Nigerian nation and polity. A remarkable consequence of all religious extremism including religious conflict, is the hostile environment unfavorable for investment. Apart from the fact that the society is declared a security risk nation, the socioeconomic infrastructure that create enabling environment for investments and developments are destroyed during the violent conflicts. Thus, growth and development would be regarded as growth and development can only take place under a peaceful atmosphere.

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