Christians in Nigeria are still waiting for United States’ President Donald Trump to bomb Muslim Fulani terrorists out of their dens so that the Fulani will stop killing Christians.

Muslims in the North and in the South, together with their  sympathizers, apologists and enablers - be they Christian, Muslim and traditionalists- have not ceased from the tripartite argument of ‘Muslims are also being killed, America is only fighting for Nigeria’s resources, and Russia will deter America from attacking Nigeria.’

Going by the sentiments being expressed by her own citizens, Nigeria has become the ping-pong of Chino-America latter day scramble for Africa, the age-old pillaging of spoils of conflict.  Both having a crush on Nigeria’s natural resources.

Burying our heads in the sand, we invest in the distribution of mosquito nets while jackals-of-the-night routinely carry our children into the evil forests.

 

Little attention is being paid to a Nigerian approach to ending the orgy of violence resulting in the slaughter of fellow citizens, abduction of school girls into slavery and rape, displacement of entire communities with their ancestral dwelling places occupied by others and their shrines desecrated.

Let us turn, not to the political wheelers and dealers, the irrelevant occupiers of positions of leadership supervising shameless destruction of a heritage of pride. They tax, steal, and display stolen wealth; living as if this world is their home. The day of reckoning is near to their generations born and unborn.

But let us turn to leaders of the faiths who watch their flock scattered, some lost to prancing big cats, some to poachers, others to mishap suffered while trying to escape harm, a flock in disarray, shepherds in slumber.

If politicians abandon their oath to defend and protect the country; if the military consumes budgets, harass citizens in the streets, take flight at the sight of terrorists, there should be no respite for the leaders of faith. Get up; gird your loins. This battle is the Lord’s, Allah, the most powerful. Raise His standard, and the battle against terrorism is won.

Religious leaders of all faiths, yours is a calling. You are called at a challenging time. You bear responsibilities for the good and evil deeds of your flock. You all call on the Holy Name of the same One God. Your flock is one. Many will answer for their silence in the face of evil for failing to protect the weak against the strong, the poor against the rich, and the slaughtered against the sword.

It is disturbing that the same holders of position of political power are men of deep religious belief who fund shrines, Churches, and Mosques. They donate cars, jets, and mansions to men for the Work of God, the Almighty Allah. Yet, they lack the will to wipe out evil against their fellowmen. Religious leaders owe it a duty to counsel them in private and in public as in the Quran (Surah 38: 20-25). As did Nathan to David in the Bible.

We preach peace and we preach love; why can’t we live in peace and in love? We all aspire to live forever in Jannah, the Heavenly Jerusalem. Why can’t we start living in peace and in love here on earth?

It does bear repetition that this piece addresses leaders and practitioners of all faiths bare none.

Religious leaders who individually or as groups have stood against evil deserve acknowledgement. The prayers of diverse religious bodies are noticed. The toll on men and women in vocation is recognized. Some have lost lives, limbs, or passion. May the Lord receive their sacrifices in atonement for the evil that pervades the land.

Humanity is one, it is of God. It transcends all divisions.

 

Ayo Fasoro

Non Sum Dignus