THE INTRIGUING AGGRANDIZEMENT OF CYBER RELIGION IN NIGERIA: 2023 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION FORETELLING AND FORTHTELLING
Resumen
Empirical evidence based on the experiences shows that religion is seemingly becoming a dispersant than glue in Nigeria. This assertion is informed by the fact that some religious leaders with significant cyber followership employ intrigues in the use of religion for their personal aggrandizement. In recent times, politicians have found ways of cyber manipulation of religion through the recruitment of some religious leaders in their favour at the expense of common good. Cyber religion being used by both politicians and religious leaders has become a divisive portent against the citizens. Using analytical research method, it is discovered that Nigeria is deeply divided on religious lines – Muslims versus Christians and Christians against Christians perpetrated by unscrupulous religious and political leaders for personal gains. The intriguing use of cyber religion for personal aggrandizement exposes the battle of greed against creed. The result of this misuse of cyber religion is endemic corruption, religious perfidy, spiritual stagnation, national division and stunted economic growth. The paper concludes with a recommendation that well meaning Nigerians should unite against the misuse of cyber religion in order to restore the dignity and piety of religion.