Below is a web link that shows how religion is being used explicitly in Nigeria's political campaigns. As someone interested in what is out there in the real world, I believe both major parties do this and the others too. It is scary though that the Vice President can make such statements publicly. In this case, in addition to the analysis there is a video that shows the Vice President of Nigeria speaking in Hausa. Some here may understand Hausa. In the video clip, he is rubbishes President GEJ as a token Christian heading the country but otherwise, the VP, the Party Chairman of PDP etc are all Muslims and therefore their party is more Islamic.
And then he analyzes the APC as essentially a Christian party and Buhari is just a token Muslim at the top. He said the Chairman of APC and the VP of APC are Christians and one of them is even a minister. For God's sake why all this really divisive ideas as platform for being elected? Are there no other ways to mobilize people that are more inclusive? Why do our leaders have to campaign this way when we are fighting a group that uses religious language to justify its violence.
In my personal assessment, even if someone is an atheist, if he or she is a Nigerian citizen and they do not break the law and they do their job without interfering with anyone's business, PLEASE LEAVE HIM OR HER ALONE. But this attempt to use religion when religion is everywhere but no where to be seen in public morality and ethics, is very hypocritical.
For those who understand Hausa, watch the video, while others can read. I promise myself that anywhere someone uses religion to colonize the public square I will reveal it, whether it is Muslim or Christian. People can be religious but they should not use it to diminish the humanity of another person. It looks like Nigerian elites have not made up their minds on whether all Nigerians have the freedom to choose their faith or not to choose, and that their citizenship rights and human dignity are not based on their faith declaration. If the leaders have the keys to paradise, they should hold it and when they go to heaven they can stop those people who are not members of their religion from passing through the gates of heaven; but for now, they cannot use that privilege to exclude others. Ours is a liberal democratic society and not a theocracy. We are tired of being deceived.
Samuel Zalanga
Department of Anthropology, Sociology & Reconciliation Studies
Bethel University, 3900 Bethel Drive #24
Saint Paul, MN 55112.
Office Phone: 651-638-6023
Department of Anthropology, Sociology & Reconciliation Studies
Bethel University, 3900 Bethel Drive #24
Saint Paul, MN 55112.
Office Phone: 651-638-6023
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