That Inflammatory Rhetoric Of  Islamic Cleric

Nigerian history is replete with issues of religious intolerance. Perhaps,  the metaphysical nature of religion makes it to be easily manipulated and dragged into other issues of our  public life. To say that it has encumbered progressive change in our country, is an understatement. The issue of religious intolerance has indeed encumbered Nigeria s effort towards positive change and development in the areas of security and social stability, economic prosperity, democratic transformation and consolidation, integration of  values and national unity. Of late, the dimension of this national enigma,  by the so-called religious leaders, has grown in severity,  leading to tragic occurrences of violence and acts of terrorism, and has become a challenge of concern to the international community as a whole. our  country, Nigeria,  is  one known for its multicultural and multi-religious nature. Thus, religious diversity has long been its  hallmark.
Regrettably, this diversity has not always translated into harmony, as instances of religious intolerance persist.    Recall that in 2018, Kaduna State experienced a violent clash between Muslim and Christian communities, resulting in numerous casualties. The conflict was fueled by longstanding tensions, illustrating how religious differences can escalate into tragic confrontations. Also, on May 12,  2022, Deborah Samuel Yakubu, a second-year Christian college student, was stoned to death by a mob of Muslim students in Sokoto, Nigeria, after being accused of blasphemy against Islam. Perhaps the most notorious example, the Boko Haram insurgency has inflicted widespread suffering. While the group’s primary motivation is political, its actions have significant religious implications, as it targets both Muslims and Christians who oppose its extremist ideology.
This highlights the complex interplay between religious and political factors in the Nigerian context.   Reports of religious discrimination in employment practices have also surfaced. In some cases, individuals have claimed to face discrimination based on  their religious affiliations, hindering their  career prospects and contributing to a sense of marginalisation. Recently, the troubling specter of religious intolerance has reared its ugly head once again in Nigeria as a prominent Muslim cleric has made a disturbing call for the killing of Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s first  lady, solely based on her Christian faith. This divisive rhetoric has understandably sparked off widespread concern and condemnation. The call by the Islamic cleric to take the life of Senator Oluremi Tinubu is not only morally reprehensible but also a stark violation of the principles of coexistence that Nigeria strives to uphold.
Its implication is far-reaching as religious freedom is a fundamental human right, and any call for violence based on one’s faith undermines the very fabric of our  pluralistic society. It is however, imperative to recognise that such extreme views do not represent the stance of majority of muslims, who embrace values of peace and coexistence. The public’s  response to this call for violence has been swift and robust. Most importantly, leaders of various religious and political backgrounds have condemned the cleric’s statement, emphasising the need for unity in the face of divisive rhetoric. Civil society organisations, religious leaders, and citizens alike have also called  for a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure that justice was served. In a commendable display of leadership, Governor Nasir Elrufai’s son has come forward to denounce the call for violence against Senator Tinubu. His statement emphasises the importance of tolerance and understanding among Nigeria’s diverse religious communities.
This response serves as a reminder that responsible leaders have a crucial role in promoting unity and discouraging inflammatory rhetoric. The incident highlights the urgent need for efforts to foster religious harmony in Nigeria. Meanwhile,  interfaith dialogue, educational initiatives, and community engagement can play a pivotal role in breaking down stereotypes and building bridges between different religious groups. Political leaders, religious figures, and citizens alike must work collaboratively to create an environment where diversity is celebrated, and intolerance has no place. The call for violence against Senator Oluremi Tinubu is a stark reminder of the challenges Nigeria faces in building a society that embraces its rich diversity. The reactions from various quarters, including the measured response from Governor Elrufai’s son, demonstrate that there is a collective will to stand against religious intolerance.
It is thus crucial for the nation to prioritise unity, understanding, and dialogue to ensure a peaceful coexistence for all its citizens. While religious intolerance in Nigeria remains a complex and deeply rooted issue, addressing this challenge requires not only legal measures to protect religious freedom but also a broader societal commitment to fostering understanding and tolerance. Initiatives promoting interfaith dialogue and education can play a pivotal role in breaking down stereotypes and promoting unity in a nation rich with diverse religious traditions. As Nigeria navigates these challenges, it is crucial for citizens, community leaders, and policymakers to work collaboratively toward a more inclusive and tolerant society, where individuals can practise their faith freely without fear of persecution.
Suffice it to say that, for Nigerians to experience progressive change in public life, religious adherents across religious divides must demonstrate genuine attitude of tolerance towards believers of other faith traditions in the country.

Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi