CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS ENGAGEMENT AND THE STRUGGLE FOR CIVIL LIBERTIES IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Religion in Nigeria is both a political force and a moral authority. Christianity, one of the two dominant religions, has historically spoken with the state on issues of rights, justice, and governance. The role of religion in the human rights arena is sometimes seen as problematic, as religious and secular human rights actors may disagree in certain areas. Since independence, civil liberties in Nigeria, including freedom of religion, expression, association, and due process, have been debated. A major religion, Christianity, has always been a critic and collaborator in this struggle with the state. The study sets out the historical context of Christian engagement, how Christians have engaged in civil struggle, with a focus on key cases and issues, the challenges facing Christian religious engagement, and the impact of civil engagement, opportunities, and strategies for effective civil engagement. This article examines Christian religious engagements and their role in the struggle for civil liberties in Nigeria. Based on historical and doctrinal analysis, constitutional law, and secondary literature, it argues that Nigerian Christian institutions and leaders have engaged in prophetic advocacy and have served as critics, mediators, and mobilisers in the defence of freedom of religion, speech, assembly, and association. This engagement has led to democratic accountability, but it has also created tensions with the state and conflicts among religions. The paper concludes that for civil liberties to be preserved, the engagement must move from sectarian defence to pluralistic defence of rights for every citizen regardless of faith. It also advocates for a pluralistic rights-based approach to Christian public engagement to secure the liberties of all Nigerians.