The Manipulation of Religion in Nigeria 1977-1987

In this provocative work, The Manipulation of Religion in Nigeria 1977-1987, Yusufu Bala Usman critically examines the role religion plays in Nigeria’s political landscape. He argues that religion is used by the political elite as a tool for division, obscuring the true nature of Nigeria’s socio-economic and political realities. Rather than serving as a genuine force for unity or moral guidance, religion is manipulated to entrench the dominance of a powerful intermediary class that seeks to preserve its privileges.

The book explores how religious rhetoric has been exploited by the political class to divide and distract the masses, thus hindering their collective awakening and stalling national progress. In a country that has been hailed as “the most religious on earth,” the disconnect between the religious values espoused by the people and the cynical use of religion by those in power is starkly revealed.

With sharp insight, the author reflects on how the manipulation of religion has influenced elections, national security, economic relations, and social cohesion in Nigeria, contributing to the widespread corruption that has plagued the country. This book is a critical examination of the interplay between religion and politics in Nigeria and a call for citizens to recognize and challenge these manipulative forces.