The destruction of culture

However, it seems that in these times of “modernization” and “urbanization” the indigenous culture of the people of Northern Nigeria is no longer held in esteem.  Either by design or by coincidence, or by self-immolation, the traditional rulers have fallen into disrespect. In a recent article in a leading newspaper it was stated: “But today, […]

However, it seems that in these times of “modernization” and “urbanization” the indigenous culture of the people of Northern Nigeria is no longer held in esteem.  Either by design or by coincidence, or by self-immolation, the traditional rulers have fallen into disrespect.

In a recent article in a leading newspaper it was stated:

“But today, the institution of traditional rulership has really diminished in status and prestige.  The ostentatious and extravagant lifestyles of the rulers, their involvement in shady businesses, the award of dubious titles to undeserving individuals, interference in strictly political matters, their inability to uphold high ethical standards, most of all, the absence of an image of excellence which can inspire emulation are some of the factors that brought about this sorry state of the institution.”

This is part of the reason for the disrespect of the office.  However, there also seems to be a concerted effort on the part of the upper echelons of government to destroy the culture of the North in order to further their ambitions for a “unified” society where there is no culture at all and anything goes.

This manner of disregard for cultural traditions raised its head once again in the recent incidents surrounding the Madalla bombing incident.  The Governor of Niger State in his rush to judgment queried the Emir of Suleja for his absence during the President’s visit to the site.  It has been noted by one columnist that: “The Madalla tragedy has led to a query being given to His Highness M. Awwal Ibrahim, The Emir of Zazzau Suleja.  And …”in this case His Excellency the Chief Servant of Niger State, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, has not enjoyed the benefit of sound administrative advice, because this minor infraction is not the stuff of issuing queries, especially to an Emir who, to the Chief Servant, is a predecessor in office…”

We might add that if the Chief Servant is a Northerner, as he claims to be, he should not be relying on anyone’s advice in this matter.  But, he should of his own knowledge be familiar with the customs and traditions of the North and know that when a tragedy strikes it is not the Emir who should go to the people, but the people who should come to the Emir to express their condolences Yes, he will send a contingent to console the families, but he himself will stay in the palace to receive condolences from his constituents. . And, in fact, there was a large contingent of Emirs from FCT and other areas who proceeded to the palace in Suleja to pay their condolences.  This is the culture of the North.

Is it because of the actions of the Emir of Suleja in the recent election, or rather lack of action, that the Governor feels he can disrespect the office.  As a matter of course Emirs are not supposed to be involved in political matters to the point of joining or endorsing one candidate or one party or the other.  This is what has kept them as the defenders of the people.  They are the parents of all of their people, not one contingency or the other.  In order to maintain this position it is vital that they do not behave in an unseemly manner.  Of course we know that there are some Emirs who have bowed to this pressure and even have taken money from certain quarters.

Another quote from a leading newspaper article:

“But it is not the whole institution that is bad now.  There are still a few that have lived according to the ideals of the society.  They are still being respected.  Those are the ones that no government can dare disrespect because they have maintained strong organic links to the people, have strived to remain above board in their conducts and have stood up to defend the interest of the people.”

We, as Northerners, must defend our culture.  We must not let the “homogenization” of Nigeria bring us to a state where it is “anything goes.” Our culture is too rich and our institutions too sacred to be pushed to the back by anyone.  We can see the writing on the wall with statements like “Boko Haram has infiltrated at all levels of government.”  This is an inflammatory statement to say that if you are a Muslim you are a “Boko Haram” casting Muslims in the mould like the west has done with Al Qaeda.  It has been called in the past “Red Baiting.” It is an old ploy to paint all of a certain group with the same brush.

As a matter of fact, historically, Suleja has been known as one of the most tolerant emirates in the country.  Muslims and Christians have lived side by side in the area for years.  There are more Christian churches in the Suleja emirate than any other emirate council in the Northern part of Nigeria.  They have been protectors of each other and it is only recently that the flames of destruction have raised their heads with the seeds of discord being sown by lackeys who wish to destroy the harmony that existed in this emirate.

We cannot let this happen here.  We must endorse and strengthen cultural institutions.

Lawal Mohammed wrote from Abuja, [email protected]