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- ItemTHE INTERPLAY OF RELIGION AND CONFLICT: PATHWAYS TO SUSTAINABLE PEACE BUILDING IN NIGERIA(WUKARI INTERNATIONAL STUDIES, 2025-06) Akeem, A. A., *Tawakalitu, B. Y.,* & Sheu, L. O.,ABSTRACT Religion serves a dual function in societies, sometimes acting as a source of conflict, while also being a powerful means for fostering peace. In Nigeria, where religious diversity is significant, tensions between major faith groups, especially Christianity and Islam, have often led to violent conflicts. These tensions are frequently compounded by political, ethnic, and economic factors. Despite this, religion has also played a crucial role in peace-building efforts through interfaith dialogue and reconciliation initiatives. This study i) investigates the intricate relationship between religion and conflict in Nigeria, ii) It also evaluates the contributions of religious leaders, faith-based organizations, and interfaith dialogues in promoting reconciliation, social cohesion, and peace-building efforts, iii) identifies key factors that shape the interplay between religious identities and conflict dynamics. The research is qualitative, employing thematic analysis of data and the perspectives of respondents selected through purposive sampling. The study therefore recommends that inclusive, faithsensitive approaches are essential for effective peace-building in pluralistic societies. It offers pathways for using faith as a tool for peace, emphasizing the importance of inclusive, community-driven strategies in achieving long-term stability in Nigeria. The study offers practical insights for policymakers, religious leaders, and peace practitioners seeking to harness the positive potential of religion in resolving conflicts and building lasting peace
- ItemReligion and Political Development in Nigeria: A Complex and Interconnected Relationship(hĨps://internationalpolicybrief.org/international-journal-of-innovative-research-in-education-technology-and-social-strategies-volume-12-number-2/, 2025-11-02) Araba, A. A., *Yusuf, T. B.*, & Amao, A. IAb str a c t he i n t e rs e c ti o n o f fa i t h a n d g o v e r n a n c e i n N ig e r ia's p o lit i ca l T de v e lopme n t i s a c omplex a nd m ult i fa c et e d i ss ue . R e li g ion pla ys a signi ėcant r ole in the countr y , w ith the popula tion almost evenly div ided bet w e e n I sla m a nd Chr i s t ia nit y , alon gside a s m al l pe r c e n t a g e ad he r in g to traditional religions. ĉese religious affiliations have historically inĚuenced governance and political dynamics, particularly as the British colonial policies shiě ed the religious landscape signiė cantly by the time of Nigeria's independence in 1960. ĉ is study i) examines how religion beliefs, and institutions inĚuence political decisions, leadership and policymaking, ii) It aĨ empts to discern and interrogate how intersection shapes the nation's political landscape and development, iii) to examine the impacts of religion actors and ideologies on governance. ĉe research is qualitative, utilizing thematic analysis of data and the opinions of purposively selected respondents. ĉ e study therefore recommends that Policymakers should consider the inĚuence of religious factors in decision-making processes to promote more inclusive and effective governance. Religious actors and ideologies on governance to provide insights for policymakers on how to navigate religious dynamics in political decision-making
- ItemLOCALIZED PEACE IN A WEAPONIZED ENVIRONMENT: INTERROGATING COMMUNITY-DRIVEN PEACEBUILDING MECHANISMS AGAINST ARMED BANDITRY IN NIGERIA'S NORTHWEST(Centre for Democracy, Peace and Conflict Resolution (CDPCR), Federal University Dutsin-ma, Katsina State, 2026-02) AKANNI, Waliyu Oladotun; YUSUF, Tawakalitu BolaThe protracted armed banditry and its associated threats to peace and security are gradually turning Nigeria's Northwest into another regional theatre of violence. There is palpable tension and heightened fear of possible replica in the magnitude of Boko Haram insurgency attacks in the Northwest if decisive and urgent steps are not taken. Although State-level peace efforts have had some initial success in the areas of weapon surrendering and releasing of kidnapped victims, these have however not mitigated the threats that the recurring armed banditry poses to peace and security desired by the region. As a qualitative research, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and Key Informant Interview (KII) were conducted with relevant non-state actors on the application of community-driven peacebuilding and conflict transformation approaches and their successes in this current dispensation. Data generated from the field were complemented by reviewed literature. As the epicentre of the armed banditry, the focus of this paper was consciously restricted to only Zamfara State in order to interrogate community interventions in a more context-specific manner. Among other things, this paper underscores the relevance of localised peace as a veritable tool for building sustainable peace and tackling conflict at its source by recommending solutionist strategies to state actors and others alike, just for the sake of peace in Zamfara State and the Northwest as a whole. The study emphasizes in its conclusion that security challenges in the region have deeply local roots and therefore require community conflict transformation efforts and traditional peacebuilding interventions as alternative methods of building sustainable peace and promoting peaceful co-existence in a weaponized environment like Nigeria's Northwest. Key Words: Armed banditry, peace, violence, conflict, Northwest
- ItemEffects of Political Violence on the Contemporary Nigerian Democratic Process(Al-Hikmah Journal of Education, 2015-12) Araba, Akeem AyandaViolence is human and it is as well present in the political process in contemporary Nigeria. This paper seeks to address the effects of political violence on the democratic process in Nigeria. The paper investigates the overview of political violence in Nigeria and also discusses the nexus between political violence and the democratic process. The psychological theoretical perspective is adopted for the study to determine the problem. It is discovered that political violence has brought series of military interventions in Nigeria. And other vices like killing innocent and maiming innocent Nigerians, stealing, social unrest, among others, always accompany political violence. The paper, therefore, recommends that there should be a need to de-emphasize the premium placed on the acquisition of political power. It also calls for an effective investigation by the relevant authorities to look into several cases of political violence and related human rights abuse in the process of elections. It is part of our recommendations that all stakeholders in the political process should be mandated to sign a treaty of peace which they must maintain before, during, and after the political process, particularly during the electioneering period.
- ItemRESURGENCE OF MILITARY COUPS IN WEST AFRICA: EFFECTS ON EFFORTS AT ESTABLISHING RESILIENT DEMOCRATIC ORDER(University of Africa Journal of Governance and Politics (UATJOGAP), 2024-06-30) LUKMAN OMOMEJI SHEHU; ABDULRASHEED HAMZA BAMIDELE PhD; TAWAKALITU BOLA YUSUF PhDThe resurgence of military coups in West Africa has raised concerns about the impact on the establishment of resilient democratic orders in the region. This paper delves into the factors contributing to the prevalence of military coups, analyzes the effects of these coups on democratic institutions, and provides suggestions to curb their recurrence. Drawing on analytical research method, the study explores two key theoretical perspectives, praetorian and conflict theories, to explain the resurgence of military coups in West Africa. By examining recent cases of military coups in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the paper highlights the political instability, security challenges, and dissatisfaction with governance that have fueled these coups. The analysis reveals a complex interplay of factors such as weak political institutions, military independence, conflict situations, corruption, bad governance, and economic problems as underlying causes of recurring military coups in West Africa. Ultimately, this research aims to shed light on the critical issues surrounding military interventions in the region and offers insights to support the maintenance of democratic stability and governance in West Africa.