NIGERIA AND THE ORGANISATION OF ISLAMIC COOPERATION, 1986-2011

SOURCE:

Faculty: Arts
Department: History & International Studies

CONTRIBUTORS:

Uhere, C.I;
Chukwu, D.O;

ABSTRACT:

There is the principle if inter-dependence. This is informed by the fact that no country has made it alone in the international community. There has always been the principle of inter-dependence. This principle informed Nigeria’s membership of different international organisations including the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Nigeria’s membership of the OIC, unlike Nigeria’s membership of other international organisations, has generated controversy among the Nigerian people due to the fact that Nigeria possesses a secular composition. This research therefore examines the different dimensions and implications of Nigeria’s membership of the OIC on her internal and external relations. The main objective of the study is to bring to focus the factors that brought about the controversy that has characterised Nigeria’s membership of the OIC. In fact, the psycho-cultural theory is used in this study to buttress the possible reason(s) that informed the reactions of Nigerian Christians and Muslims towards the OIC. The study also adopts analytical, descriptive and chronological approach aimed at addressing the OIC question in Nigeria. It thus makes use of qualitative data drawn from both primary and secondary sources to actualise this objective. Parts of these sources have been generated directly and few conducted through third parties by reliable informants. Also, special government documents from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja are used. Some of the findings and conclusions drawn from the study include, first, that Nigeria’s registration into the OIC violated constitutional provisions as such registration was, unilaterally done by the military. Secondly, that Nigeria’s membership of the OIC popularises Islam against other religions. Thirdly, that the incessant attacks in some parts of Northern Nigeria by insurgents are not unconnected with Nigeria’s involvement with the OIC. Finally, the work concludes that Nigeria is a secular state and as such, should be de-registered from the OIC.