Interview
An elder statesman in the North- West , Alhaji Tanko Yakassai , tells TED ODOGWU that the Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari’s comments that the outbreak of meningitis in the North was a punishment from God to the people of the state , means the governor needs to study the Quran more
Do you think Governor Abdulaziz Yari ’ s statement that meningitis outbreak in northern Nigeria is a punishment from God because of fornication?
The statement made by Governor (Abdulaziz ) Yari is his own personal opinion . But I don ’t necessarily agree with him because when you analyse the population of Zamfara, approximately 90 per cent are Muslims , who worship God five times a day, and who believe he is the creator of the universe . It is stated in the Qur’an that Islam was sent to correct the mistakes of other religions that came before it , which were corrected by some individuals in their religions. Muslims believe that Christianity and Judaism are religions of God but people are practising it in deviation and this is the reason God sent the Quran and Prophet Muhammad in order to correct the division and bring back the religions to the way of God. It is incorrect to assume that God will punish people, who obey him the most and leave out others who disobey him the most . I think the governor needs to do more research in the Quran and Hadith in order to realign his position with the position of Islam , as reflected in the Quran and Hadith.
What do you think about Governor Yari ’s questioning the integrity and intellectual capacity of Emir Sanusi?
I am sure as a Muslim, Governor Yari would know that religion is a personal issue . Nobody is practising religion on behalf of another person. You can pray on behalf of another person but you cannot practise your religion on behalf of another person. To this extent, people should not question the religious belief of other individuals . It is God who decides who is practising religion in accordance with God’ s injunctions or not. But I doubt if anybody will question the intellectual capability of the Emir of Kano , having regard to his vast knowledge, especially in Islam and also in formal education .
Yari claimed that Sanusi doesn’t practise what he preaches as regards development in the North , girl -child education and avoiding extremism in Islam, thus urging him to practise what he preaches . What do you think ?
I think I have offered pieces of advice in this regard in my previous answers to your questions. I will stick to that submission.
Many northern leaders have been blamed for the deplorable situations in the North . Is Sanusi not part of the problem as a scholar and leader ?
The deterioration of Nigeria ’s situation is the collective responsibility of all Nigerian leaders , national , regional or state , as well as local government leaders . This is because the failure in Nigeria is that of leadership and if we can get it right in terms of correct leadership, Nigeria can overcome its problems . It wouldn ’t have been in this mess in the first place. Nigerian leaders , not northern leaders , are to be held responsible for any setback this country has suffered from .
Do you think it is proper for the Emir of Kano , Muhammad Sanusi II, to speak openly against the governor?
It is a matter of choice . People in Nigeria , as in any democratic dispensation are free to hold opinions and express them . However, it is better for people, who have access to those in authority to convey their feelings to them in private , rather than in public. In the Quran , God said if you are inviting people to the way of God, it is better you do it discreetly , without any antagonism. So, I will advise not only the Emir but everybody that when one is going to offer advice , it is better to do it in the way the Quran enjoins us to call people to the way of God, through good words and counselling .
Will you say that Sanusi should apologise to Yari ?
No!
But the Governor stated that those, who want to equate science with God, like the Emir of Kano , cannot change his belief in the omniscience and omnipotence of Allah ?
I have explained that people should not question the religious beliefs of others, as only God can decide who is practising religion .
Will you encourage more monarchs to speak out on issues like Sanusi?
That decision will be at the discretion of individuals , be they emirs or governors. Rather than dwell on issues like this , Nigeria ’s future development should paramount on our minds . And the way forward is for the country to consider the progress recorded by other nations , who are in the same position with us between 30 and 40 years ago and the amount of progress they were able to achieve in terms of development and the improvement of the living conditions of their people. Such nations like Malaysia , India , China , Brazil , Indonesia, and Korea.
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