Religion and Federal Practices in Multicultural Societies: A Comparative Analysis of Nigeria and India

Abstract

This paper probed, among others, the phenomena of ethnicity and religion as fundamental problems to federal practices in Nigeria and India; the impact of religious sentiments on socio-political environment of Nigeria and India; and the capacity of both federal regimes to
contain and manage ethno-religious crises. The comparative, historical and descriptive methods were adopted for the study. Data drawn mainly from existing sources were subjected to qualitative analytical discussions leading to empirical deductions. Findings revealed
significant similarity in the dynamics of religion in the Nigerian and Indian federations serving as instrument of domination, oppression and self-preservation for dominant ethnic nationalities. As vital element of politics in both federations, religion configured within the
ethnic banner, have, maximally provided the drive for establishment of powerful central government consciously structured to drive sectional interests at the expense of national interests. This scenario stultified federal practices, thus cogently explicating the failure of
these states’ regimes to objectively manage ethno-religious crises and other unresolved challenges that have diluted the efficacy of federalism. From these findings, it was recommended that a functional national dialogue of ethnic nationalities be convened to address problems of inter-ethnic and religious relations prior to the amendment of the 1999 Constitution. To stem the tide of religious conflicts, citizens of Nigeria should, by constitution, be accorded full rights as indigenes wherever they reside irrespective of their ethno-religious and parental origins. Orientation and enlightenment agencies should be strengthened to aggressively educate Nigerians in order to change their mental disposition and inculcate in them the need for peaceful coexistence, tolerance and accommodation. On the other hand, the Indian Constitution (1976) should be amended to assert its supremacy, redefine state’s secularity and play down on the BJP Party /Hindu influence. People of other religions should be integrated into power-sharing, political leadership and other distributive endeavours for purposes of equity, fair-play and stability.