International Research Journal of Commerce and Law Volume 8 Issue 9, September 2020 ISSN: 2349-705X Impact Factor: 5.486 Journal Homepage: http://ijmr.net.in, Email: irjmss@gmail.com Double-Blind Peer Reviewed Refereed Open Access International Journal 29 International Research Journal of Commerce and Law http://ijmr.net.in, Email: irjmss@gmail.com CHARACTER OF THE STATE AND RELIGION IN A DEMOCRATIC STATE: A CASE ON NIGERIA. Saidu Tunenso Umar Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Adamawa State University, Mubi- Nigeria Abstract The character of a nation is known by the nation’s ability to enact strong laws and to abide by it. On the opposite, when these enacted laws are weak and trampled upon, it signifies the pattern of its strength and growth. Democracies where laws are only seen on paper and not followed may experience retrogression and subsequent collapsed. The character of a state is embedded in laws. Stability, peace and security of the country is significantly determine by the attitudes of the both the leaders and the citizens. The state character and religious manipulations constitute a stumbling block to peace and security in the country. Laws in Nigeria are strong and have the capacity to usher in stability and security. However, enforcement of these laws has been a problem due to the character of the state as institution of governance. There have been many cases of gross violations of these laws based on self- interest. The paper reveals that failure of the countries to achieve set objectives mostly stems from the character of the state and the attitudes of the citizens towards the state and the laws. The paper recommends that the character of the state and the manipulation of religion by both the state and the citizens should be discouraged. This stand is a key to national security and good governance `Introduction The character of a nation is known by the nation’s ability to abide by the Laws of the country. On the opposite, when these laws are weak and trampled upon, it signifies the pattern of its retrogression and subsequent collapsed. The character of a state is embedded in laws. Stability, peace and security of the country is significantly determine by the attitudes of the both the leaders and the citizens For instance, Nigeria as a Political entity is witnessing a deteriorating internal security situation since the return to democratic rule in 1999. Added to these unfortunate events has also been the continuous resistance through militancy. Seemingly, there are also occasional incidences of ethnic and religious violent (Sanda, 2014 in Mugono 2016). Importantly, the provision of these essential imperatives rest upon how well secured a nation is. It is an established fact that only capable states with right character and attitudes both as actors on the corridor of power and individuals as citizens can promote collective mandate. The capability or otherwise of the state apparatuses can be measured on the basis of effectively discharging its duties of delivering security, peace, and prosperity to the citizens( Mohammed,2015).. Apparently, there has been well known crimes ranging from