I hope to give this message as much publicity it deserves, and this is my own take so far concerning the issue of blasphemy which has found its way into our everyday vocabulary in Nigeria, recently.

Religion in Nigeria, before the "White man" brought what they called "civilization", was not known to cause problems in ancient times. Different tribes practised whatever could grant them divine intervention in their daily human affairs. We read in history how the Yorubas worshipped the different gods/deities of Ogun, Shango, Òbatala, etc. The Ibos worshipped Agwu, Amadioha, Ikenga, etc. The Hausas worshipped Barbushe, Baleri, Tsimburbura, etc in the pre-Islamic times. The functions of the different gods is a matter for further discourse another time.

When Christianity and Islam were introduced to Nigeria, two major Books were introduced also; the Bible and Quran which served as a guide in practising these religions, succinctly put. Both books are seen as holy, and most of all the texts written therein is seen to unite the human race while suing for peace in the world at large.

How then did we get it wrong, and at what time? For instance, people view things the way they are, and not how those things actually are. There came radical preachers whose interpretation of these texts conveyed their personality. Their views became popular because of their type of audience. They preached violence, extracting texts and inciting division amongst people who shared same faith. Because the people being preached to had similar personalities, it was easier to inculcate such to them. The Hausas/Fulanis and to a large extent most Northerners are known warriors who never give up in battles until they win. We see this in their doggedness in politics and businesses. The average nomad or even wristwatch seller carries daggers/knives with him. It's established fact. In the face of slight provocations, they brandish their weapons to maim or even kill.

On the other hand, the Southerners enjoy making education a priority, especially the Yorubas. It shows in the statistics of Professors and professionals in the different fields. It is rare to find a core Northerner dominating in fields known to the Yorubas. They are usually celebrated when such happens. An understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of our diverse tribes is important. Anything that hinders their successes in this field meets resistance. But because they are learned, they often fear to act crude. They won't fight but follow diplomacy, hence the phrase used that they are cowards. The Ibos drive the economy of the nation. Whether in business or the corporate world, they enjoy so much successes. It is often said that if you find yourself in a place where there is no Ibo person or Coca Cola, you know you are in danger. They have no leader right from time who they listen to. The few leaders are often selfish and egoistic to the detriment of their subordinates. Igbo enweghe Eze!

With all these background information, how could we not make the most of it in a country blessed with so much natural resources?

The answer is simple. The Nigerian people are FRUSTRATED! A country so blessed with human talents, natural resources and great potentials lack a set of leaders who can harness all of these in making Nigeria great. Leaders are often an offshoot of followers. It is the followers who eventually become leaders. The followers manifest what they are taught in their homes, the schools and places of worship. This is where the crux of the matter lies. Every religious, political or business leader passed through these phases and some droplets of imbibing were deposited in them. How can a man kill his fellow human being without blinking or even remorseful?

Why hide under religion to commit heinous crimes? This is because religion is held sacred in Nigeria and often seen as superior to the laws governing the country. Hence, the matter becomes sensitive once a religious colouration is given to it. The murders of certain persons under the guise of religion is always hurriedly swept under the carpet than if it had no religious inclinations. We must learn to live in the type of peace written in texts in the holy books.

Another point of mention is that fighting for a god who we do not see makes us senseless and crude, and better than that which we claim to worship. You protect your god, instead of the other way round where divinity supersedes humanity. It makes no sense. When you insult a dibia or babalawo, whether in words or actions, the repercussions usually come spiritually. They do not fight you physically. That is worthy of emulation to both the Christian and Muslim Communities.

These quote has made my day:

"Islam teaches tolerance, not hatred; universal brotherhood, not enmity; peace, and not violence."
— Pervez Musharraf, Pakistani politician

"Religion doesn't make people bigots. People are bigots and they use religion to justify their ideology."
— Reza Azlan, author and public intellectual