In Kaduna, religion is dragged into politics

I’m a Muslim, and I’m from Southern Kaduna, which is why I found the hullabaloo about Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s choice of new running mate ridiculous. She is an accomplished woman, who will bring something to the table, so what does her religion serve? I have uncles, aunties, and cousins who are Christians, and friends as […]

I’m a Muslim, and I’m from Southern Kaduna, which is why I found the hullabaloo about Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s choice of new running mate ridiculous. She is an accomplished woman, who will bring something to the table, so what does her religion serve? I have uncles, aunties, and cousins who are Christians, and friends as well. Maybe that’s why I will never understand bigotry, even though I’ve since deciphered that it is fueled by ignorance and a lack of proper education. Or even something else, just as dangerous: Political misdirection.

Maybe it is as a result of all the things I’ve mentioned that I find disturbing, a development in Kaduna city, the Southern part, precisely Barnawa. Right after the WAI roundabout, right after Living Faith Church, as I drove, I saw something that made my heart almost stop: A billboard. Now, the sign didn’t show gory or vulgar photos, but the image of a man in asuit, with a message that’s ill-fitting for the Nigeria we all occupy today. Or one we should be occupying.

The man on the billboard, also, held up a copy of the Holy Bible, and the big bold letters atop his head said: ‘I’m a Christian and I will vote for El-Rufai’. I could not believe my eyes, or how far down we have fallen in our problems, that religion is LITERALLY used in politics. Yes, I know the governor is having a spot of difficulty with the Southern, mostly Christian part of the state, but whoever came up with that campaign idea and slogan is not doing any favours in the direction of smoothening El-Rufai’s figurative speed-bumps in Southern Kaduna.

People, Christian or Muslim, are not stupid, and can immediately discern when anyone is trying to fleece them. Therefore, campaigns should be respectful of the people’s sensibilities, and not insult the very people it is trying to woo.

The solution? It’s pretty simple, and I’m giving it away for free (even though some may argue that it’s kind of late, as the elections are a few weeks away). Governor El-Rufai should engage Southern Kaduna people, especially the most-aggrieved parts, more head-on and hands-on, with a view to smoothening out whatever issue there is between both parties. He’s a great guy, and I’m sure he can pull it, because I’ve seen him at his best. But honestly, the billboard I mentioned above makes him look his worst, even if I’m certain he didn’t sanction the production or use of said signage.

As for Christians and Muslims of Kaduna State, we should all resist anyone or group using politics to divide us further than unfortunate incidents have done. It’s not very long ago that we all were living in harmony with each other, when our beloved state was one of the best to live in, in Nigeria. I miss those days, and I also miss my Christmas rice and fried goat meat every December. I miss my friends who have ‘crossed to the other side’. I want a Kaduna where all are comfortable to live anywhere they please, and associate with as much of a variety of people as they possibly can. And that is why we should all vote not based on religion, but rather based on the best man or woman who will do the job of steering the state back to the course which it should be on.

Usman-Bawa wrote in from UngwanKanawa, Kaduna.

 

FCT Minister, please wake up on AYA-Nyanya road

I am a little surprised about the silence of the inactive FCT Minister Muhammad Musa Bello on the persistent traffic snarls from the AYA in Asokoro, Abuja to Nyanya/Mararaba through Kugbo, where motorists always spend hours passing through. I thought one of the real reasons for governance is for government officials to act on matters that affect the lives and property of the people. The pains people go through daily along this road should be enough reason for a responsive and active minister to rise to the occasion, instead of pretending not to know as is usually the case with Nigerian administrators, as shameful as that might sound. I urge this inactive FCT Minister to please wake up to his responsibilities.

Gregory Akpa, Durumi, Abuja     

 

Atiku, a clear difference 

Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate, clearly said he would concede defeat if he loses next month’s presidential election if it is adjudged free and fair. He made it clear he conceded defeat when he lost before and sees no reason why this should be different. That is how clear a pragmatic public administrator should sound, and not rigmarolling on a sensitive issue. Though it might be that Atiku will not lose the election, what the electorate want on such a question is a clear answer as did former president Goodluck Jonathan when he was asked a similar question before the 2015 presidential election.

Ahmed Mukhtar, Sokoto

 

On seeking medical treatment during trial

The court has rejected an application by Olisa Metuh, a former PDP spokesman to allow him to travel abroad for medical treatment. Metuh is facing a seven-count charge before the high court for alleged diversion of N400 million from the office of the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki. I am always piqued by the usual complaint of illness by people accused of diverting public funds, why do they always fall ill when on trial? Not only Metu, but check several other public appointees who got arrested over one issue or the other.

Monday Alimi, Okene

 

I don’t support Atiku on NNPC sale

While I back PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar on his way to the Aso Rock presidential villa, I do not agree with him on the idea of selling the state-owned NNPC. At least for now I don’t have enough reason to support him on that subject, except if he succeeds in convincing me later on. Recall that the sale of state-owned enterprices have not produced good results so far-eg, NITEL, NEPA, Nigeria Airways, NICON, etc. So, what does Atiku want to tell me on NNPC that will convince me? I think he better goes back to the drawing board on this before it becomes too late.

Sandra Adamu, Langtang.