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They say truth is bitter but it has to be told as cure for our maladies. The euphoria which greeted the introduction of Sharia in our Country was there for every one to see sit down and reflect. The introduction of the Islamic system in 1999 was greeted with mixed feelings those who were in favour mainly the Muslims in the North with few intellectuals and those in the corridor of power as against the system. Unfortunately in those days when the going was good between the President and his Vice, the President cleverly refused to be drawn into the controversy of the Sharia except the usual comment which he used to make that it was a political Sharia which would fizzle out. No body would forget the Anti- Sharia stance which the Vice President Atiku took at that time asking the Governors to go back to the status quo. However Governor Sani of Zamfara was at that time became the darling of the Muslims when he stood up to defend the Sharia and its introduction in the North. People were so impressed with his steadfastness and he refused to be cowed by criticisms and media condemnation of the newly introduced system. As he continued other States followed suit although some States were so slow and even reluctant but for the masses who continued to agitate for the introduction of the system it would have never been introduced in those States. The fever of the introduction of Sharia spread almost every where in the North with the exception of few States. Some States where they had so many Christians such as Kaduna were wise enough not to introduce the system in the whole State but rather they introduced the Sharia laws in those Local Governments where Muslims were majority. Unfortunately these could not quell the fear and suspicion by the Non-Muslims despite the effort of the State Government to allay the fear riot erupted in the year 2000 in which saw the killing and maiming of so many Muslims and Non Muslims alike. Not with standing the Muslims were determined to continue with newly introduced Sharia System in their States despite the adverse criticism. The Sharia controversy continued to draw attention with the Western donors and their Media allies in the Country continued with the their usual criticism in the end Nigerians learnt how to live side by side with each other despite their differences. Nigeria became a symbol in which we all take pride in Africa not only in the Continent but throughout the World as it was the only Nation where the Sharia System was going hand in hand with the newly introduced democratic system. As many African countries were not free democratically Nigerian Press and the people were almost completely free with the advent of the nascent democracy which coincided with the coming of the Sharia system that was introduced almost at the same time. Few intellectuals in the North joined the media circles that were critical with the punishment meted to some women allegedly said to have violated the Sharia commands in committing adultery and other crimes considered to be major sins abhorred by the Islamic System. In the end the courts quashed the judgement passed on by the lower courts. The Sharia euphoria continued during the second term as the Governors desperately wanted the Masses to re-elect them to office. So the only thing they could use or depend was Sharia failure to do so would bring the down fall of any person whom the masses suspect or considered to be Anti-Sharia. Governor Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano succeeded in mobilising the people against his opponent the erstwhile Defence Minister Rabiu Kwankwaso seen by many as reluctant in introducing the Sharia in the State. Apparently now is only Kano that is vibrant and has remained consistent in the application of Sharia. Most of the States either the Sharia euphoria is unfortunately fizzling as the President suggested or has become dormant not applying true Sharia therefore has become political Sharia used only as a tool to achieve or attain certain political objective. As the governors are apparently leaving office after their 2-term they do not care very much whether the system succeeds or not which is very unfortunate. Some Governors and other State Government officials were indicted by the EFCC on charges of corruption thus making mockery of the Sharia System which is so sad and unfortunate. The fact that they are not coming back to power their indifference to the Sharia system operated in their respective States which is becoming rather a sham is quite serious charges which they have to answer not only before those who voted them in office but before their Creator. Unfortunately some of the leaders especially the Governors and their Commissioners are only interested in what some people see as getting their coveted positions giving them an opportunity to exercise and wield power while others are unfortunately only interested in amassing wealth unnecessarily which they could never acquire if they remained as ordinary people. So this shows clear insincerity.
As they have no connection whatsoever with Islamic system let alone cared or shown any interest in the way it operates how can such people be trusted with such a trust that was given to the heavens and the mountains but they refused to take yet such unfortunate people shouldered it and could not discharge it. This is why people are complaining saying most of the Sharia leaders are no longer seriously interested in the system all they are interested is to make money and become influential and famous for nothing. So actions are judged according to intentions as the Hadith has pointed out clearly without any ambiguity. How can we expect the help of Allah to descend on us obviously what we should expect is His Wrath and Anger for our indifference incompetence and insincerity at the same time total deceit characterised by our behaviour and attitude towards the implementation of the Islamic Laws which we promised that we would enact. A Hausa saying goes “Rana bata karya sai dai uwar ‘ya ta ji kunya” all the Governors who implement the Sharia in their States know the meaning of this proverb in Hausa so there is no need for translation. Whatever a person does he will get the same result as said in Surah Izazul. So is no or little wonder when we see the Sharia Leaders unfortunately have become the same like the secular leaders in words and in deeds competing in amassing wealth and wielding power not afraid of Allah but fear the EFCC officials.. So where are heading to, “Ina Muka Dosa” name of a title of a programme serialised in the BBC Hausa Service in the 1980s so this why we are desperately appealing to the Leaders of Sharia to fear Allah and they should not let us down. Allah says “And if the people of the townships had believed and kept from evil surely We should have opened for them blessings from the sky and from the earth.” So that is the blessings of following the Commandments of Allah otherwise Allah challenge them in these words: “Are the people of the townships then secure from the coming of Our wrath upon them as a night-raid while they sleep?
Wa Akhiri Daawana Anil Hamdu Lillahi Rabbil Alameen |