Suntai’s answer to the religious question
Everyone is ensuring that they are getting their religious sensors out and using it well in politics, the economy and other aspects of daily existence. Every event now begins with the mandatory and very sensitive “Christian” and “Islamic” prayers. Someone has to make the dangerous decision of which of the faiths take the first shot […]
Everyone is ensuring that they are getting their religious sensors out and using it well in politics, the economy and other aspects of daily existence. Every event now begins with the mandatory and very sensitive “Christian” and “Islamic” prayers. Someone has to make the dangerous decision of which of the faiths take the first shot at the opening prayers. It is a sensitive matter.
But I really don’t blame us as a people. After all, didn’t someone say that religion is the opium of a people? When everything else is failing, religion is the last refuge, I understand. And with the general elections rolling in, desperado politicians have found a veritable tool in religion. It is already being manipulated and deployed to serve nefarious purposes. Many politicians will do anything to ensure that they use it to deal with opponents, intimidate voters and blackmail the general populace. It is disheartening that men (and women) who do not even know where God lives are now mouthing Him in all their businesses. But I digress.
In Taraba, the helmsman there, Pharmacist Danbaba Danfulani Suntai has a different approach to the issue of religion. In fact, if his colleagues emulate him, I’m sure we would be able to make some sense out of the current predicament. First, Suntai believes that there must be a clear distinction between religion and politics. He simply doesn’t understand how the two can mix. Take this drama for instance. When some clergy men came to him recently and professed their wish to assist him with his campaign should he so desire, he shocked them. He politely thanked them. Then in his trade mark gentle ways, he calmly told them off! He told them politics was the exclusive preserve of politicians. He admonished them as religious leaders to stick with what they know how to do best: win souls for the kingdom of God. According to him, no religious leader should preach politics on his pulpit or in the mosque. Hear Suntai, “Politics is an unholy business and we politicians could be really bad people. What we expect is for you the religious leaders to save our souls from this corruption which politics has induced in us.”
At another forum, Gov. Suntai recently tongue lashed religious leaders, warning them to stick to their callings. Politics, he insisted, was not a convenient ambience for them. In fact, as far as Suntai was concerned, even civil servants should steer clear of politics. He said, “Only few things could be as shameful as a permanent secretary or any civil servant joining the game of politics. I thought the call of a civil servant is higher than that of a politician. Why should a permanent secretary be campaigning? I don’t see the point. But if you insist and say you want to become a politician, then drop your garment and join us in this thing. There is no point combining the two.”
Another way Suntai is dealing with the religious question in Taraba State is by ensuring he maintains a cordial relationship with both faiths. He gives both religions equal and unbiased attention. Even his worst critics will readily attest to this. A committed Christian, many outsiders still think he is a Muslim by virtue of his name and disposition. Recently, the Nigerian first lady who visited the state in her acknowledgement mistakenly thanked one “Alhaji” Danbaba Suntai for his hospitality. When I drew the attention of the governor to the obvious gaffe, he chuckled and said, “Well, she is not wrong. I have been to the Christian pilgrimage before!”
Besides, the governor’s family, like many in Taraba is multi-religious. If you walk into any household, chances are that you would be confronted with many Muslims and Christians- all co-habiting. It is hard, if not impossible, to make any meaningful distinction between the faithfulls. This writer’s uncles are Muslims. I have got friends whose parents practice other faith. Someone put it like this recently, “We can’t have a religious crisis in Taraba.
The day it starts, fathers will kill mothers and wives murdered by their husbands. Children will also be slaughtered by their parents and vice-versa.” Now, in that kind of close-knitted society, we have no option but to live together in harmony.
Speaking of harmony, Suntai built two major edifices for both Christians and Muslims. The twin centres are a befitting testimony to how he has deftly navigated through the turbulent sea of religious disharmony. Built by the same architect, both centres are well equipped with conferencing facilities. And though they are called Christian/Muslim centres, many non-religious events take place there. In fact, many Christians prefer the Muslim center because of its additional aesthetics! Some Muslims sometimes hire the Christian centre for social event.
No one even makes the distinction! When fiery preacher, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, came into Jalingo last week for the Maulud event, he was delighted. To paraphrase him, what he said in essence is that if any Christian leader could build this sort of edifice for Muslims, then he deserves their sympathy and prayers. I totally agree with him.
Bello is Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Suntai on media/publicity.