Religious Intolerance In Politics As Rule For Underdevelopment, The Niger State Allegory
POLITICS DIGEST- Excellence, performance and service are religion-blind. There are countries, individuals and groups that have changed the course of history by redefining technology, humanity, politics, medicine, architecture, engineering, etc., while keeping at bay the contentious and divisive idea of religious hatred. Hatred is poison. So, it goes without any doubt that talent, productivity, innovation and all the great indices of development have zero tolerance in matters of religious discrimination.
Religious intolerance is an antidote to development. On the other hand, tolerance is the essence of humanity; the conveyor to realising our hopes and dreams. Religion, to put it in proper context, is how we worship our Creator. This explains why there are many religions in the world as there are colours of our skins or the tones of our languages and tribes. Religion therefore is not, and should never be a barrier in determining human or governmental relations or affairs. Little wonder therefore that Dubai, an Arab country, a purely Muslim country, is today incontestably the hub of many influential, powerful and rich people of divergent religions across the globe, who converge/flock to Dubai for leisure, honeymoon, tourism, business, etc.
Additionally, on the economic front, China today, is the second largest economy in the world, outgrowing even the United States of America. China is a non-Muslim and non-Christian country. If it were about religion, China and Dubai would not have been this successful. It is regrettable how, in Nigeria, when it suits our purposes, we play the religious card exclusively out of egoistic, personal and primordial sentiments. This mindset, retrogressive and polarising as it was/is and as it played out in the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections, must stop.
Now, we are headed for the Governorship and State Assembly elections nationwide come March 18, 2023. Alas, the same sentiment is brewing again. Niger State, for the records, is the most viable in terms of religious tolerance and harmony. In one family, for example, you can find followers of Christianity and Islam cohabiting. In fact, you can find blood brothers split between Christianity and Islam. In some cases, you find both parents cleave in their religious inclinations. Yet, they coexist for ages in tranquility and respect for one another. In this respect, no quarrels, no fighting and no brawls occur based on religions lines.
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As we approach the Governorship and State Assembly elections, it should be unequivocal that Niger State is too big to be drawn into segmentation of backwardness. The pedigree and record of performance of the candidates should be the basis upon which we form opinions on who to vote for and the party to vote for. Now, what is the stake? Rt. Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago of the APC is seeking to be elected as Governor. His Deputy Governorship Candidate, Comr. Yakubu Garba, was selected for his competence, integrity and experience, but is incidentally also a Muslim. No way does the story start or end with his faith. The question is: who is the best among all the candidates from all the political parties? This mystery, if at all it is, cannot be difficult to unravel. Rt. Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago of the APC is the best, the most competent and tolerant of them all. Even the birds can tell this narrative. He is so amiable; likeable by all shades of people from all religions. In both his personal and public affairs, this champion of one-people-one-destiny does not distinguish between Christians and Muslims. He has friends and admirers, many of whom are Christians. This highly respected people’s representative cultivates an atmosphere where equity, justice and dignity for mankind are his guiding principles throughout his legislative sojourn. He is radically different from other parliamentarians.
Late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto who was also the Premier of the Northern Region in the First Republic, was the most striking example of a leader who did not believe in religious repression. He loved all the Northern Christians and Muslims and held them equally. Sir, Sardauna of Sokoto conducted his affairs without the slightest level of showing difference against the Christians though he was their Muslim political leader.
Some of Premier Sardauna’s top Ministers were Northern Christians. Few among them were Michael Audu Buba, Dr. R.B. Dikko, George Ohikere, D.D. Dalong, Chief Ajayi, among others. On account of the late Sardauna’s zero tolerance for religious discrimination, Northern Nigeria was very monolithic and united. The strength in togetherness shown by the late Premier made the North to prosper. Till date, his legacies live on; he is the most referenced personality in the politics and governance of Northern Nigeria.
Great people of Niger State, politics should not come in-between Muslims and Christians. We must sieve and separate a better qualified candidate from his religious standpoint. It is wrong to be judgmental on religious grounds rather than on service record. Hon. Bago is an excellent person who is willing, able and ready to be our Governor; the people’s Governor. He will treat all manner of people based on his Oath of Office and Oath of Allegiance. The provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will be adhered to by the people’s hero, Bago.
Dear very good people of Niger State, history has adjudged us to be our brother’s keeper; we lived/live and liked/like one another and shared all moments of joy and sadness together. It is pertinent that we continue cruising in this trajectory of unity and tolerance. Our best and only option is to vote for Rt. Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago of the APC as our Governor regardless of the faith-based combination of the ticket. I implore us not to allow irrationality or debased emotion from the decision of who we will vote.
Mallam Salman Yusuf
Secretary, Media and Publicity Directorate,
Rt. Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago
Gubernatorial Campaign Council, 2023.
