Papers by Muhammadu Mustapha Gwadabe
Literature and Popular Culture: Ques for Humane Development, A Book in Honour of Professor Abubakar Aliyu Liman at 60, Ahmadu Bello University Press, Okunoye, O. (et. al.)(ed.) , 2022
Northern Nigeria is predominantly Muslim. Islam was introduced into the area since about the 11 t... more Northern Nigeria is predominantly Muslim. Islam was introduced into the area since about the 11 th century. By about the 15 th century most of the empires and Kingdoms of the region have not only accepted Islam, but have started using it as a state religion. By the 19 th century, especially with the Islamic reform movement of Sheikh Uthman Ibn Fodio, a community of Muslims was put in place governed by the laws of Islam. Referred to as the Sokoto Caliphate this community made up the political unit called northern Nigeria. The conquest of the area by the British during the colonial interlude marked the first interference or challenge. The most disturbing challenge came up from within the Muslim community itself, from the late 1970s. This was when prominent members of the community noted to be very close to corridors of power championed an ideological discourse around the thought of Muhammad Ibn Abd al Wahab (1703-1792). This paper is hypothesizing that like the experience of the Arabian peninsula of the 18 th century which established Wahabi Islam and created division in Islam, the challenges of instability (insurgency, banditry etc) in the present northern Nigeria and the Islamic religious crisis facing it can also be traced to the so called religious reforms championed by the likes of Mallam Mahmoud Abubakar Gumi (d. 1992).
At the crossroads of major trade routes and characterised by intense human circulations, the area... more At the crossroads of major trade routes and characterised by intense human circulations, the area that encompasses northern Nigeria and southern Niger is a privileged space to study transnational religious dynamics. Islam is, indeed, an essential feature of this region assuming today new forms in terms of discourses, practices, and modes of dissemination. In order to capture their changing complexity and diversity, regional Islamic dynamics need to be observed from both sides of the Niger-Nigeria border, where religious patterns echo each other but also obey different socio-political injunctions. While studying the processes of religious renewal and mutation, it is necessary to pay attention to the varied forms these processes take, to their direct and indirect effects and to the channels of transmission used. An interdisciplinary team of seven researchers from Niger, Nigeria, France and the United Kingdom was set up to conduct this transnational study; all authors carried out ethnographic fieldwork in both countries while constantly exchanging, comparing and discussing their respective findings with each other. Thus, this book provides first-hand material collected in the field, that contributes to enrich the reflexion on contemporary transformation dynamics in the Islamic landscapes of Niger and Nigeria, but also reflects the relevance of a transnational and comparative approach of these phenomena. Finally, it showcases the collaborative work of African and European scholars from Francophone and Anglophone countries - a type of scientific partnership rarely encountered.
Kasar Kano, like other parts of Hausaland before colonial rule, presented a dynamic set up, espec... more Kasar Kano, like other parts of Hausaland before colonial rule, presented a dynamic set up, especially in the field of administration. From about the beginning of the 10th century when the settlement was established administration of land and labour was based on the general needs of the community. Under this setting, therefore social relations were mostly communal with little or no stratification, especially at economic levels. From about the 15th century striking changes took place that ushered in the transformation of the society and economy, and as a result produced a new socio-economic setting of a highly stratified society of the Uban Kasa (Sarki- King) and Attajirai (merchants). As a result, the administration of land and labour in Kano became centralised and monopolised. The 19th century Jihad in Hausaland further enhanced this transformation by institutionalizing aristocracy with full powers of control over land and labour.
Transnational Islam, 2020
At the crossroads of major trade routes and characterised by intense human circulations, the area... more At the crossroads of major trade routes and characterised by intense human circulations, the area that encompasses northern Nigeria and southern Niger is a privileged space to study transnational religious dynamics. Islam is, indeed, an essential feature of this region assuming today new forms in terms of discourses, practices, and modes of dissemination. In order to capture their changing complexity and diversity, regional Islamic dynamics need to be observed from both sides of the Niger-Nigeria border, where religious patterns echo each other but also obey different socio-political injunctions. While studying the processes of religious renewal and mutation, it is necessary to pay attention to the varied forms these processes take, to their direct and indirect effects and to the channels of transmission used. An interdisciplinary team of seven researchers from Niger, Nigeria, France and the United Kingdom was set up to conduct this transnational study; all authors carried out ethnographic
This book is about the administration of land, labour and taxation in Kumbotso district of coloni... more This book is about the administration of land, labour and taxation in Kumbotso district of colonial Kano. Previous studies on colonial Kano have tended to lay much emphasis on the relationship between British colonial authorities and the emirate level administrative structures and officials. While there can be no doubt as to the importance of this level of relationship in the wider structure of colonial rule, the reality is that the effectiveness of that rule depended on the capacity of the system to control a society made up of widely dispersed small scale producers. It was in order to achieve this that the British established a system which decentralised important administrative functions to the district and village levels and required the physical re-location of District and Village heads in their respective Districts and Villages. Looking at colonial administration especially at the district level, this study shows that the administration of Land, Labour and Taxation at that lev...
The Social and Political Thoughts of Malam Aminu Kano, 2019
xxvi.
Abstract
What is Democracy and what is Nigerian Democracy? While this may sound an absurdity, yet... more Abstract
What is Democracy and what is Nigerian Democracy? While this may sound an absurdity, yet it makes sense when critically analyzed. Since independence in 1960 efforts to put in place democratic governance and democratic structures were attempted. So many factors hijacked the process one of which was the military interference. Military interference did not just scuttled democracy but also created a variant Nigerian democracy where by the politician imposed their dictatorship over those who elected them. The very process that produced this form of civilian dictatorship also ensured that political parties were formed without democratic root and radical ideological leaning. The essay argues that while democracy is of variant, this is not Western Democracy; it is certainly not Socialist Democracy. It is at best a Nigerian democracy or civil rule. The journey to liberal democracy is therefore still to be reached; it needs the concern and unity of the oppressed classes, led by conscious desire for change.
Islam is a religion, a belief system, centred on the oneness of Allah, and that Muhammad (PBUH) i... more Islam is a religion, a belief system, centred on the oneness of Allah, and that Muhammad (PBUH) is His messenger. Islam is therefore about the worship of none other than Allah. Though it encompasses all aspects of the lives of its followers, one of its most important rituals is the practice of saying the five daily prayers. More significant also is the exhortation that these prayers should be said in congregation, and in a dedicated, sacred space, the Masjid (Mosque) for this purpose. This makes the mosque a very important place for all Muslims, regardless of ethnicity or culture. The Mosque is simultaneously a universal sacred space and a culturally specific sacred space. It serves as a meeting point where common understanding and unity for community development are shared. Beyond its role in daily prayers, the mosque also functions as a space for the teaching and learning of the basic texts and doctrine of Islam. Thus it is both a sacred and ideological space. The challenge in this essay is therefore to examine and discuss the multiple functions of the Mosque as enshrined in Islam. The essay will be anchored in the history and origins of Islam, its architecture and structural outlook.
Respective Nigerian governments since independence in 1960 have often been judged to have failed ... more Respective Nigerian governments since independence in 1960 have often been judged to have failed the citizens. This is indeed a fact beyond doubt looking at what the country has been blessed with in terms of human and natural resources and the general level of poverty and insecurity in the country. Though the various Nigerian governments might have failed, this paper is positing that in terms of foreign policy towards Africa, especially towards apartheid Southern Africa, the Nigerian state achieved a lot; even under some of its unpopular military regimes. It argued that Nigeria has all through its history of independence taken the side of liberating Africa from all forms of political, economic and social segregations by minority regimes, especially in Southern Africa. Indeed the support for the struggle for the liberation of Southern Africa was so institutionalised and made parts and parcel of the system of governance and a means of galvanising support by especially the military regimes in the country since 1985. As demonstrated in this study, the role of Nigeria in this endeavour was best demonstrated in the quest for independence of Angola. Notwithstanding, Nigeria did not relent until apartheid was dismantled in Southern Africa, with the independence of South Africa in 1994.
Mandyang: Journal of Central Nigeria Studies, Department of History, University of Jos, Nigeria
Researching through the history of religious activities in the north this essay argues that there... more Researching through the history of religious activities in the north this essay argues that there is a relationship between the current state of disunity and conflict in Kaduna state and the Northern Nigeria in general, and the resurgence of the radical reformist religious movements' that developed among both the Muslim and Christian communities. These movements (Izala and Pentecostal) that resurfaced nearly at the same time created tendencies for division and militancy among their followers. Side by side with the international politics and the deteriorating state of the Nigerian economy due to merciless plunder of the national resources by the political elite across the religions and ethnic groups favourable condition for mass recruitment of insurgents becomes very easy. Thus from 1980s Kaduna state started experiencing clashes and continuing growth of enmity and hatred encouraged and financed by the respective local elites and possibly other international financiers. This essay argues that the challenge for peace in Kaduna state must address the excesses of these new religious movements, which produced not only inter religious, but intra-religious contestations and conflict.
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Papers by Muhammadu Mustapha Gwadabe
What is Democracy and what is Nigerian Democracy? While this may sound an absurdity, yet it makes sense when critically analyzed. Since independence in 1960 efforts to put in place democratic governance and democratic structures were attempted. So many factors hijacked the process one of which was the military interference. Military interference did not just scuttled democracy but also created a variant Nigerian democracy where by the politician imposed their dictatorship over those who elected them. The very process that produced this form of civilian dictatorship also ensured that political parties were formed without democratic root and radical ideological leaning. The essay argues that while democracy is of variant, this is not Western Democracy; it is certainly not Socialist Democracy. It is at best a Nigerian democracy or civil rule. The journey to liberal democracy is therefore still to be reached; it needs the concern and unity of the oppressed classes, led by conscious desire for change.
What is Democracy and what is Nigerian Democracy? While this may sound an absurdity, yet it makes sense when critically analyzed. Since independence in 1960 efforts to put in place democratic governance and democratic structures were attempted. So many factors hijacked the process one of which was the military interference. Military interference did not just scuttled democracy but also created a variant Nigerian democracy where by the politician imposed their dictatorship over those who elected them. The very process that produced this form of civilian dictatorship also ensured that political parties were formed without democratic root and radical ideological leaning. The essay argues that while democracy is of variant, this is not Western Democracy; it is certainly not Socialist Democracy. It is at best a Nigerian democracy or civil rule. The journey to liberal democracy is therefore still to be reached; it needs the concern and unity of the oppressed classes, led by conscious desire for change.