THE CHURCH'S INVOLVEMENT IN THE CHALLENGES TO LASTING PEACE IN NIGERIA

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY: The political instability, strife, and unpredictability in Nigeria present significant apprehensions for both local inhabitants and foreigners in the vicinity. Nevertheless, Nigeria continues to be beset by political sabotage, profound economic inconsistencies, social disparities, and a significant risk of violence stemming from the politicisation of identity (International Crisis Group, 2006a). The country is afflicted by, among other things, human rights violations, insecurity, religious, ethnic, and communal strife, and organised crime. Nigeria has been beset by critical events that have undermined her coexistence since 1999.

Five stages comprise the dynamic phenomenon that is conflict: inception, escalation, managed maintenance, reduction in intensity, and cessation or resolution (Sandole 1993: 8). Church leaders have issued numerous statements in support of peace in recent decades. On certain occasions, they have issued more general appeals for peace in response to particular circumstances; in other instances, they have issued more comprehensive statements concerning the necessity of peace and the methods to attain it. Consistently, adherents of Christianity, whose doctrines are derived from the Bible (the word of God), are admonished to promote social harmony and peace.

Christian leaders have consistently advocated for social harmony and peace in public and opposed acts of violence. The prevailing consensus is that violent conflict poses a significant obstacle to the progress of Africa as a whole, with Nigeria being a prime example. Human sufferings are caused by this phenomenon, including mortality, the destruction of livelihoods, ongoing displacement, and insecurity (Barash, 2000). Violent conflict disrupts the production process, fosters the exploitation of a nation's resources, and redirects their utilisation from development objectives to support armed conflict. Therefore, it can be argued that violent conflict is the primary cause of ongoing suffering and inadequate progress in both Nigeria and the entire continent (Adetula, 2006).

Peace is a universal phenomenon that all individuals long for and hope to perpetually experience. Diverse societies, cultures, religions, and traditions do advocate for distinct approaches to achieving and appreciating peace. The presence of harmony is often accompanied by progress and an extended lifespan (Salawu, 2010). In pursuit of this objective, Christianity, a globally prevalent faith, imparts the instruction of peace and advocates for all its followers to actively seek harmony and coexist harmoniously. The aforementioned assertion has become increasingly dubious in light of the escalating intra-state, inter-state, and ethno-religious conflicts that are occurring across the globe. Aside from the fact that the majority of Arab and certain European nations experience intra-religious conflicts, Nigeria faces both inter-religious and intra-religious strife. Nigeria, widely recognised as the most populous black nation in Africa, currently accommodates an estimated 170 million individuals representing over 250 ethnic groups. While Christianity and Islam continue to hold significant influence in the country, the African Traditional Religion (ATR) continues to be practiced.

The definition of Christianity is "followers of Christ" or "Christ-like." Thus, Christians are individuals who embody and demonstrate the teachings of Christ in every aspect of their lives. Peace is a pinnacle of Christianity and a Christian virtue. The Bible instructs Christians to accept and coexist harmoniously with their neighbouring people. The following biblical passages attest to this: "Depart from evil and pursue good deeds; seek and pursue peace" (Psalm 34:14). Matthew 5:9 states, "Blessed are those who make peace; for they shall be called children of God." Permit him to avoid evil and prosper; direct his pursuit towards harmony and achieve it (1 Peter 3:11). Adhere to holiness and harmony with all people; without these qualities, no one can see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). To the extent that it is within you, strive to coexist harmoniously with every man (Rom 12 vs 18).

The term 'peace' as it is understood in Christianity originates from the Hebrew word 'Shalom', a pivotal term in the Bible that signifies God's ideal way for humanity to exist on this planet. One of the primary gifts that Jesus came to bestow upon humanity was peace, and according to the aforementioned biblical verses, he expects us to live in peace. Jesus not only preached but also embodied the virtue of peace; this is often referred to as "pacifism" among scholars. Despite being arrested by the Pharisees and having one of his disciples cut the priest's ears, Jesus refuted the disciple and declared, "Those who live by the sword shall die by the sword" (Matthew 26:52, NKJV). In a different location, Jesus instructed the people not to exact vengeance for wrongs committed against them, as was formerly the case: an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth; if struck on the right cheek, turn the other cheek (Mathew 5:38-39, NKJV); rather, they were to forgive those who wronged them without condition; and he commanded them to forgive their neighbours even seventy times seven (Matthew 18:22, KJV). By adhering to the church's scriptural teachings, Christians are expected to coexist harmoniously and peacefully in society.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Communities in Nigeria have been bedeviled by numerous development challenges including: severe economic, political and social crises, decline in the standard of education, moral and infrastructural decay, cultural crisis predicated on the fact that traditional values in the people’s cultures have been heavily impacted by materialism, science and technology and ideologies. Health facilities are in total decay (Emeka, 2018). All these problems call to question the role of the Church in still contributing to the provision of needed succor in these problem areas. In view of these problems and issues, the big question is the relevance of the Church in the present situation confirmed by (2 Cor. 9 vs 8) which says “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work”. Since relevance is an important feature of any meaningful phenomenon, event or institution, especially in the sphere of human life, the Church’s role in the solution of problems in the 21st century Nigerian society may be definitive in the justification of its existence among the Nigerian people. Moving from the great signs of vitality and great contributions of the Church to community development since the advent of the early missionaries to Eastern Nigerian, this work will look at the role of the Church in Nigeria today and set how it can help address itself to several problems of poverty and other social problems facing the people and see how it can further join the government and other stakeholders in bringing sustainable development among the people for which it was a source of hope in the past.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The specific objectives of the study include:

1. To examine the role of church in ensuring peace and harmony in the Nigeria.

2. To determine to what extent the Church has been vital and relevant in maintaining peace and unity in Nigeria.

3. To examine the dictates of the church as regards peace and harmony.

4. To identify the factors disrupting peace and harmony of the society.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What is the role of church in ensuring peace and harmony in the society?

2. To what extent has the Church been vital and relevant in maintaining peace and unity in Nigeria?

3. What are the dictates of the church as regards peace and harmony?

4. What are the factors disrupting peace and harmony of the society?

1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

The validity of the following hypotheses are tested in this study:

Ho: The church plays no significant role in ensuring peace and harmony in the Nigeria.

H1: The church plays significant role in ensuring peace and harmony in Nigeria.

Ho:Church has played no vital and relevant role in maintaining peace and unity in Nigeria

H2:Church has played a vital and relevant role in maintaining peace and unity in Nigeria

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The following are the significance of this study:The findings of this study will be useful for the government, church leaders and the general public on the role of the church in ensuring sustainable peace and harmony in the society.It will provide valuable insights into existing relationship between the government and the church in providing peace and unity in our rural communities.This research will also serve as a resource base to other scholars and researchers interested in carrying out further research in this field subsequently, if applied will go to an extent to provide new explanation to the topic.It will add to existing knowledge and equally serve as a benchmark for further studies.

1.7 SCOPE/LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

This study will cover the role of the church and Christianity in general as regards the issue of societal peace and harmony.

1. Financial constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

2. Time constraint: The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.