Tackling theChallenges ofNigerian Politics and Governance as a Measure of Sustainable Development: Religious approach

Abstract

Politics in Nigeria is faced with a number of challenges at all levels of administration. These challenges emanate not only from the rulers but also the ruled and are the core reasons why the nation is backward in her development. The most significant among these are corruption, egocentrism, vandalism, religious-bigotry, ethnicity, nepotism and economic recession. These challenges have caused a lot of damage to the country’s growth and development economically, socially and politically and also hindered her attainment of sustainable development. The situation has been aggravated to the extent that corruption, which is a major cause of the challenges has become a cankerworm in the nation. This paper therefore examines the nature of the challenges of Nigerian politics and governance since the attainment of independence till the present political era and proffers solutions to them via religious polity as a mechanism for growth, development and advancement of the country in all facets of life. The paper adopts an analytical, historical and expository method. Secondary data were employed for effective analysis. The paper recommends that government should provide for the needs of the citizens with justice. Academicians should also intensify their efforts in sensitising government on the need to cater for the needs of the nation in totality.

Keywords: Governance, Nigerian politics, Religion, Sustainable development, Challenges