BOKO-HARAM

What a stupid menace.

This all started when we allowed sharia law in the north. We have to abolish sharia law; it is not fair that any law should favor any religious group. Turkey has 97% of its population as Muslims, yet it doesn't have a sharia law.

There is no way sharia law will not cause tension among other religious groups (and how do you stop the fanatics?)

Nigerians of all religions have lived to together for years without any religious strife whatsoever. Some fanatical elements however decided to use their positions of power to cause strife and use religion to separate us and achieve their selfish goals. The constitution already allows for everyone to practice whatever religion they choose FREELY. We do not need a special law for anybody or any state.

Imagine what would happen if a governor in the south east or west wakes up and declares a special law in his/her state for any specific religion or ethnic group. How would the rest of the people who do not belong to that group feel? 

Religion has to be separated from government. This is the mood and swing of things that we are witnessing in the "Arab Spring". People are trying to embrace democracy and a transparent government not someone who asks you to do something or dictates to you based on religion or his or her concept of God. That is not the primary job of the government. The primary job of the government is to look out for the interests of the people.

Why so much focus on religion? There is no electricity, no running water, no jobs, bad roads, a messed up economy, run down schools and hospitals and a completely messed up infrastructure; yet they are concerned about religion and having laws for religious groups. And the worst thing is that those laws are not properly taught to the people and are only used to promote the interests of the super rich and influential.

How many rich men have had their hands cut off for stealing or been stoned for fornication? It's just the poor folks who are suffering. If we are to be totally honest with ourselves we know the right thing; but we are blinded by our perceived loyalty to our religious beliefs and groups. 

Finally, if we do not do away with Sharia law, the north will always be marginalized and prone to religious violence. Miscreants in the society and government will always use their so-called "Sharia laws"(because that is not how its even practiced in Saudi) for their selfish interest. Let us go back to how it was, everyone should be free to practice whatever religion they choose without any interference from the government in any region and without any special laws.

God Bless Nigeria and U.