Boko Haram, the dreaded Islamic sect currently ravaging the northern part of Nigeria, leaving in its wake, tears and sorrows, has given reasons for their actions.
Abu Qaqa, the spokesman of Boko Haram (Western Education is evil), claiming responsibility for the recent attacks on churches in Kaduna and Zaria, said among other things, that Christians must all ‘convert’ to Islam for peace to reign (see page 6).
Several well-meaning Nigerians have warned against a religious war. Christians have so far been restrained from retaliating which could ignite a religious war. This is perhaps what the members of Boko Haram are looking for.
Due to some reprisal attacks in Kaduna as a result of the latest Boko Haram killings and destruction of churches on Sunday, June 17, 2012, General Andrew George Azazi, the nation’s security adviser has warned seriously against such moves.
His words, ““Whatever is the situation, you have to end up talking. We want leaders to be proactive; we want church leaders to be proactive; we want youth leaders to be proactive to make sure that what you call reprisal doesn’t make sense to anybody.
“What we need to do is to be mindful. Look, somebody kills people in Zaria and you retaliate somewhere in Zonkwa, that is criminality. Things happen, but as a nation, as a people, we must address situations not necessarily by killing each other.”
The Newswriter, your favourite local tabloid, sampled opinions of people in Port Harcourt metropolis in a bid to find lasting solutions. Specifically, people were asked if there would be peace if all Christians convert to Islam, as demanded by the members of Boko Haram.
Most of those asked frowned so much against the question. They felt it is unthinkable that all Christians would convert to Islam, just as it is impossible for all Muslims to convert to Christianity.
Here we present to you only the moderate answers, since we must all avoid whatever would plunge the nation into chaos as apparently desired by the members of Boko Haram.
Eluem Ishmael, a businessman simply said, “Oga, you are not supposed to ask this question. I know that you journalists always like people to comment on issues, but this very one, that all Christians should turn to Muslims for peace to reign, is not worth talking about. Which peace? Did anyone force than to become Muslims? Why Christians are restraining themselves is simply because the bible did not advise them to return evil for evil. That is all and not because of fear. However, the government should do something fast before the patience of Christmas run out.”
Elizabeth Okoroafor, business woman; “These people are gradually making their intentions known to all. We all thought they were against Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, the President. The real reason is that Muslims do not like Christians and they are looking for excuses to Islamize the country. But it will not work. Most of them did not experience the Nigeria-Biafra war. They did not suffer, so they do not know the evils of war. Tell the government to do something fast to stop these killers called Boko Haram. They are dreaming, if they think every person will turn to be a Muslim.”
Festus Olungwe, undergraduate: “That was the most stupid and insensitive statement they have ever made. That all of us should be Christians? Please don’t even repeat it again. Besides, don’t they read? Which country is peaceful just because they are all Muslims or even Christians? Is Irag peaceful? What of Iran, Saudi Arabia and several other Muslims-dominated nations? Are they all peaceful?
“When England was ruled and dominated by Christians and the church reigned supreme, was it peaceful? Which country is peaceful because it has a state religion? Is America peaceful because it has a state of religion? Look countries are destroyed whenever religion reigns supreme. Soon, with recent developments, Egypt will taste the bitter pill. No country has developed because it has a state religion. Too much of religion spoils a country. Let all practice their religion quietly and you will see progress, like America, Ghana, South Africa, Brazil, Britain and others. ###
Kenneth Amabipi
