By Kola Animashaun

“Intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit.”-Mohandas Gandhi

Your postulations in the last couple of weeks astounds me and judging from the reactions of others, I know I am not in the minority. Yes, I am a Muslim but that is not all that defines me. I am a journalist, a husband, father and a Nigerian. I have always rated you as a capable and esteemed colleague.

I thought at first that someone may have hacked in to your column as this was not a piece that I would associate with your calibre and style of writing.

It seemed that you are attempting to light the tinderbox and your words are so divisive that I had to respond. You mentioned the battle lines being drawn as the top political posts of governor have been handed to Muslims. You felt that these “progressive” parties have long been taking Christian votes for granted and you indicated that that Christians will take their votes elsewhere if the current trend does not change by the next election.

It seemed that for what you wrote that a lot of people have missed the mood of the aggrieved Christians, who in your words are made to feel like second class members and second class citizens. This country is facing a social, economic major upheaval and it does not need your divisive incitement.

It seemed that you are recalling the glory days of the military and the conservative parties to whom you felt did a good job of dividing the spoils of top post on a more egalitarian line . May I remind you , that we in a different time and dealing with more salient issues than people vying for posts on the basis of religion. It should not be irrespective of their religion, gender, class or age.

When it really comes down to it, the people need capable politician in office to serve the people and make a difference .

So should there be a carte blanche for a rotational post based on religion? Where would it end? What people need are capable candidates who are democratically elected. You

do know that this does not guarantee that whoever is elected is going to be better or worse than the present bunch. It seems to me that what it is coming through your article is that some people are seeking office for a share of the national cake.

We should not patronise the people by the whipping up such divisive sentiments and I am proud of the people of the south and I trust they will vote for whom they choose to vote for, not on the basis the dictats of a political party bent on dichotomising our differences further.

For instance, people are more likely to vote on tribal lines rather religious lines, and if you are calling for Christians to demand their own man at the top , then you have

something else coming. One thing for sure you cannot force people to vote for your choice , that is left for the individual to vote for whomever if she/he is right for the job. You cannot make people react the way you want , in the south we have been tolerant when it comes to religion and being divisive is not going to cut it.

If there other agenda, it is better you spell it out, I respect your views but you have to equally respect those that disagree with you, to air their views like you have. It would be a sad day when we cannot do that.

Inciting suspicion or casting aspersions is unwise and the fact remains that we have more in common than separates us.

Frankly speaking, it is bad enough that the nation is dealing with far more important concerns like high unemployment, insecurity , high youth dissent ,inadequate power and poor essential amenities and it is unhelpful to put religious intolerance into the mix.

I cannot speak for other people but I have to let you know that this is an own goal . You are setting a dangerous precedent and we cannot afford a situation like Rwanda or Ethiopia in Nigeria.

Our nation has not been tarnished with what you liken to the black struggle in the U.S., far from it. We, as black people face discrimination on a grand scale to make the comparison is to cheapen those who experience of racism and discrimination .

The world faces inequalities and prejudices and we should not bring religion into the mix, being a Christian or a Muslim or any religious persuasion, should not be the basis of choosing our candidates . I do feel there is a veiled political aspiration here and if this is the case , it should be made apparent and your column should not be the place for it.

You did invite any one foolish enough to disagree with you to respond , I do not think am foolish but like you in a democratic society I reserve the right to air my views , you don’t have to agree or disagree with me . -Kola Animasaun

Our Mistake…..

Dear Maka Eziokwu,

We said the percentage increment on LASU fees was 75% instead of 750%. It was typographical. We were using Fashola’s figures in an address.-Kola