KOENIGSTEIN, Germany -- Tensions between Muslims and Christians have become more acute in Nigeria because of the politicization of Islam and perhaps of religion in general, says a Church official.

"Islam came to Nigeria around the year 1000 and Christianity, even though younger in Nigeria, has existed side by side with Muslims and there has been a very natural and human relationship for so long," said Father Obiore Ike, vicar general of the Enugu Diocese, during a recent visit to the Germany-based charity Aid to the Church in Need.

"Recently, however, we noticed rising aggression and violence," said the priest, whose diocese is located in southern Nigeria. "We notice a rising politicization of Islam and perhaps of religion."

Father Ike went on to explain: "The most fundamental and critical politicization of Islam was the 1985 registration of Nigeria by the military government as an Islamic state.

"Nigeria has been registered -- by a Muslim president -- as one of the countries belonging to the organization of Islamic countries. Of course, Christians protested, but Nigeria remained a member of the Islamic countries."

The priest continued: "Added on top of that is -- and this has been underplayed -- that 12 states in Nigeria have decided to make the Shariah the overriding rule in their territory. This contradicts the federal constitution, which says that Nigeria is a secular state and no religion shall be considered as state religion."

Citing the example of Kaduna state, which "has imposed the Shariah and has 70% Christians and no Muslims," the vicar general asked: "So, how do you impose Shariah over people who don't want it and even impose Shariah in those states, over the Nigerian Constitution?"

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