By Haroon Balogun

Tension, emotion, sentiments have heightened in the last few weeks preparatory to the general elections. We have never had it so bad.  Inflammatory statements, attacks on personalities have become the order.  While some politicians are ready to spill the milk if the election did not go their way, some youths have vowed to go up in arms against Nigeria, our beloved country and cut down anybody that dared challenge their exuberance.

In places of worship, market places, commercial buses, motor parks, the discussion has been nothing but who should get the baton at the center, and so, you could see sentiments, interest, biases laced with careless and unguided utterances, abuses and anger.  People become offended, relationships are damaged, and ethnic and religious bigotry have beclouded our judgments.

Instead of hope, we despair, instead of trust, we fear and instead of love, we hate. It takes just a little to know how Nigerians feel about the development. Just take a commercial bus and throw up a debate on politics, you will be amazed.

A few days ago, after the Monday OPC rally, an argument which started like a storm in a tea-cup snowballed into a big squabbles and then throwing of punches. The social media is no different as curses and vituperation characterized comments and remarks on issues about politics especially having to do with the two major parties. Politicians themselves are not helping the situation as attacks and counter attacks become the hallmark of campaigns.

At this time of our lives, we must not allow ourselves to be used as tools for violence.

In this age where several cultures come into contact with each other, where inter-tribal marriages have entwined us together and where nature has refused to separate us and has become vital necessities to continue to be indivisible nation, then, we must maintain social cohesion; we must rise against all the temptation and cajolery of violence during and after this election. There should be peaceful coexistence between our ideas of democracy and religious diversity.

The Holy Quran says:

And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allah upon you – when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers. And you were on the edge of a pit of the Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be guided. (Q3:103)

During the time of Jahiliyyah, the Aws and Khazraj were at war and had great hatred, enmity and ill feelings towards each other, causing long conflicts and battles between them. This verse was revealed and the Prophet brought them together. Like we always teach in this column, Islam enjoins Al-Ma‘ruf (all that is good Islam orders) and forbidding Al-Munkar (all that Islam has forbidden). Anything that will divide us as a people should not be encouraged.

Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Respect the feeling of others so that the same will be done unto you. It is only a good Muslim that will not hurt anyone by his words or actions. If he does erroneously, it is incumbent upon him to apologize immediately. Let us have a spirit of mutual tolerance.

Terror can never be used in the name of Islam or for the sake of any Islamic ends. A terrorist cannot be a Muslim and a Muslim cannot be a terrorist. A Muslim can only be the representative and symbol of peace, welfare, and prosperity. A Muslim is he who avoids every kind of terrorist or violent activity and who has no malice or hatred for anyone or anything. To the good Muslim, respect for diversity is a religious obligation. This is a true representative and advocate of peace.

You don’t need to kill, maim or cause pain to others for any politician to win the polls. You do not owe anyone a duty to die for anyone to be victorious. Politicians who are sworn enemies today may become friends tomorrow. There are copious examples in our polity today that prove the axiom of ‘No permanent enemy in politics but permanent interest’ A President, governors and others will emerge. Election will come, go and Nigeria will remain.  Value your life, if you are still alive, you can be better than anyone of them who is standing for elective position today.

Appropriate authorities like the governments, political parties, the umpire, stakeholders must comply with the moral principles of Justice.  That is the only ultimate weapon against violence.

Again, those who are driven by the impulse to hold-on to power at all cost must remember that power is as fleeting as life itself. It was not the wish of Sanni Abacha to quit the stage at the time he did, even when Kalu and other politicians sang to high heavens …‘the cap fits’ amidst the ‘“five fingers of a leprous hand….” We must learn to submit to God as the giver and source of power. We must be gallant and courteous in defeat.

In a wrap, peaceful co-existence is possible if we have good moral values, justice, acceptance of the verdict of election and mutual respect. Every Muslim must say no to violence, every individual must say no to bloodletting.