FUNCTIONAL RELIGIOSITY, A PANACEA TO THE DIVISIVE AND MILITANT FORMS OF ETHNICISM IN NIGERIA

Abstract

By nature, human being is a social being who desires to interact and enjoys companies of other fellow beings. Most often, this interaction adversely affects other beings within the society. Undoubtedly, Nigeria seems to be synonymous with deep divisions that have caused and continues to spark off major socio economic and political issues. These issues are often vigorously and violently contested along the lines of intricate ethnic and regional divisions. The real problem associated with ethnicism rears its ugly head when there is a contact among different ethnic groups. The desire to dominate and the fear of being dominated by other ethnic groups dominate thoughts and ideologies of many people. This thought often leads to outright declaration of hostilities resulting inexorably in the loss of lives and property. This study investigates the history of ethnicism, its features and implications on the survival of Nigerian nationhood.