Honestly, I do not feel right to write something on prompt. But I will try to put all what I have been thinking on it down as it comes sequentially. So enjoy at your own...
These last few days have seen the horrendous things pertaining to the religious extremities of some people and the true colours of some political bigots have begun to show, further depicting the fact that the lives of the masses are nothing but of really low value compared to their ambitious goals. Don’t let me derail too much already. The death of that lady is a sorrowful one indeed because I could not imagine that happening in a students’ community. And more excruciating because up till now the culprit(s) have not been apprehended and I think its been politicized now!
At times, speaking historically, I find it funny and worthy of note how some foreign religions have found their way into our lives and become a part and parcel of our existence. And it has largely displaced the status quo – the traditional religion which our fore fathers practiced for ages. Well, I say kudos to those who brought them even though not all were introduced by mere persuasion but other inhumane forms such as wars, deceit etc. That, still, is notthe story for today.
But what baffles me and every other sensible member of this country is how this has now become a thing that wreaks havoc to our national unity. First, I believe this stems from being a religious fanatic. I know not everybody is directly involved because, at times, it is what have been instilled in a young child even before birth; they may just (not) grow up to it. When you believe your religion is better than that of others and you would go at any length to prove your point, I bet that was never why it was shown to you – or your ancestors. I added the ancestors because that is where it trickled down from. I believe any religion that exist normally should show tolerance for others as long as it does not adversely affect the lives of others alien to it. At least, our traditional religion tolerates the foreign ones up till now. So, what’s the stress in there now that the outsiders in this case can not do some sensible things and co-exist together.
Another key area here is something I do wonder too pertaining to this topic. Say, if you believe your religion is the best, shouldn’t it be your goal to persuade other persons to join in? Would you force them? Against their will? At least this is not some year in the 4th century. So, it is really a worrisome sight that in this modern era, a thing as bad as that can even happen let alone it happens and practically no one is brought to book! The elders will say “... N’ilu to l’oba to n’ijoye” (A society which has a king and chiefs) – those in charge of the societal affairs. And things are happening under their watch. So unfortunate!
Now, considering even the legal aspect. In the north, they have Sharia law, right? Even though the deceased was said to be a christain which means she may not be subject to that law but she could have been given a fair hearing if that law was meant to hold. But some set of bigots resolved to settle for jungle anarchy and cut short a promising life. Well, it is not their fault. It is because the rule of law does not hold for everyone in this land. Some are actually above it, the law is for the poor masses and un-connected!
Has a war ever resolved anything? How about we look back in history? The civil war? No, it has never. It only destroys the little left. What if those who practice the religion of the deceased decide to retaliate somehow, won’t that degenerate to a full-fledged religious war? We say our religion proclaims peace, where does it show? Because it seems it is not obvious at all.
Anyway, what morcan I say? Who am I? A mere son of man ...
I think I will just end this here because I may not end this till the Lord comes! I rest my case!