Re-Religious Bigotry at Rivers State University
“For your information, there is no plot for Christians to erect a building in BUK”. 07033838573 “Your write-up on religious bigotry at Rivers State University is beautiful but do us well by telling both Kano and Jigawa state governments to build churches in NYSC camps in Kano and Jigawa states. It is unfair for these two […]
“For your information, there is no plot for Christians to erect a building in BUK”. 07033838573
“Your write-up on religious bigotry at Rivers State University is beautiful but do us well by telling both Kano and Jigawa state governments to build churches in NYSC camps in Kano and Jigawa states. It is unfair for these two state governments to have built mosques in those camps without building churches”. 08065727350
“Your write-up on Rivers State University is ideal but open your eyes, and without bias, do the same investigation in BUK, UDUS and many other northern universities. The discrimination against Christians is even worse”. 08056625424
“Hello Dr M. U. Ndagi. I agree entirely with you on this matter. There should be equity in the provision of land and facilities for the building of worship places in the country. But it is not always the case. Please ask your friends on Kongo campus of ABU about the land for Catholic Church and BUK (about) land for any church at all. We must work together to ensure justice for all. Thank you sir”. 07060749815
“Think about this: If a (Federal) University of Jos is located in a majority Christian environment has a mosque on campus and offers BA Islamic Studies; what stops (federally-owned) Usman Danfodio University Sokoto from having a church on campus and offering a course leading to BA CRK? A Christian asked me once: why do we complain when we are hurt but don’t when others are? Answer me but I want to remain anonymous for obvious reasons”. 08034015551
“My brother, your piece in today’s weekend (sic) Trust refe (sic) worrisome problem but we should try to be fair and balanced. Like you, I’m a Muslim but facts have no religion. RSUST isn’t the only guilt party. At Usman Danfodio University Sokoto, Christian students worship in classrooms and lecture theatres. Intrigues and other forces have combined to ensure that no church is built for them. Why won’t TRUST investigate and publish this? I wish to remain anonymous”. 08034015551
“Jazaka-llahu Ya Ndagi! That’s how we Muslims are suffering. In the whole of South-South, Muslims don’t have a building that can contain 800 people that can be called a mosque. We only block the road and spread our mats on Fridays. When we are praying, non-Muslims pass between our rows (saf) with miniskirts saying: ‘Boko Haram! Una don burn all the church for north. Una get mind to block the road here”. Awwal Jibrin, PortHarcourt. 08036640666
“Sir, do (sic) the Christian community in BUK have freedom of worship? Thank God the Muslim students in Rivers State University are alive. Their counterparts (sic) in Kano were shot and killed under trees. I pray for you to make a case on the BUK issues. God bless you”. 08051466606
“Salam. After the employment of these civilized, measured and mature approach to resolving the crisis; if the university continues to deny our Muslim brothers the right to worship, a contempt charge should be filed. The attention of NUC; Federal Ministry of Education, National Assembly, Jama’tu Nasril Islam and the Supreme Council for Islamic affairs in Nigeria should be brought to the case”. Mukhtar Funtua, Kaduna. 08033850358
“Your write-up at (sic) today’s Weekly Trust is not only commendable but quite courageous, impressive and inspiring. Please sustain the tempo”. Champion, Paiko. 08034506291
“Mallam, I’m ashamed and embarrassed each time I read Daily Trust. You people think all are fouls (sic). How many churches exist in BUK; UDFU; UNIMAD (sic)? Southerners/Xtians are really civilise (sic) otherwise Nigerian (sic) would have gone by now”. Ihiabe A; Kubwa, Abuja. 08052600219
Preparing for Ramadan:
This year’s Ramadan is just two or at most three days from today. The past one week witnessed series of pre-Ramadan lectures, symposia, conferences and workshops across the country. At these gatherings, Muslim clerics were reminded of their moral responsibility as peace makers and trouble shooters. This column further cautions preachers, instructors, prayer leaders and scholars who conduct commentaries (tafsir) of the holy Qur’an against using offensive language in their preaching, sermons and commentaries during and even after Ramadan. Seditious, provocative or defamatory expressions against fellow Muslims and followers of other religions must be avoided.
Prices of goods and services are already on the high side. State and local governments which are closer to people than the federal government are encouraged to intervene with measures that could ease the ever-increasing hardship confronting most Nigerians. Ramadan is a period when the demand for certain commodities increases. Dealers in such commodities including sugar and fruits are advised against taking undue advantage of the season. Zakat Commissions (where they exist) could purchase and distribute essential food items at subsidized rate or even at no cost to those in need. Those who have the wherewithal are equally exhorted to organize public breaking of fast (iftar Jama’i) at designated centers such as motor parks, hospitals or schools for the benefit of the underprivileged.
In view and in the interest of the sacred month of Ramadan, government is urged to extend sincere hands of dialogue and reach out to members of the Jama’atu Ahli Sunnah Li-Da’awati Wal Jihad for a workable peace deal. The latter on the other hand is persuaded to accept the dialogue offer from government. May Allah see us through a blessed Ramadan, amin. Ramadan Kareem!