₦airaland Forum

bilms:
Intolerance, Discrimination and Sentiments
By Abdulrazaq O Hamzat

In a multi cultural and multi religious society like Nigeria, violation of basic rights breeds chaos and disobedience.

While discrimination, especially on the basis of religion causes disunity among people, sentiments on the other hand, causes fracture and motivate the feeling of revenge.

This is why every lover of peace and unity must at all times, be sensitive to the basic rights of others and not be seen as obstacle for no just cause.

Following my publication on the hijab controversy at the Nigerian law school few days ago, titled ‘’Nigerian Law School and the need for change’’, several people had reached out to me to give their views on the subject matter. In view of the numerous messages, I feel that i owe them further explanation in the interest of public good. So, this publication is a follow up to the first one, hoping that people might learn to understand the implication of their actions and its effect on peaceful coexistence, which will directly or indirectly have effect on their own living.

Apart from the fact that hijab is a legal right, already upheld in several court in the country, what we are contending with is our level of intolerance, discrimination and sentiments, not for any personal good or benefit, but for the satisfaction of bias.
The idea that people who share different faith, culture or tradition must not be accommodated or their rights not be protected is a fundamental flaw in our reasoning that must not be left unchallenged. This is an archaic reasoning in all ramifications.

For example, in February 2017, the Court of Appeal Lagos Division dismissed an application filed by the Lagos State Government seeking an injunction to suspend Hijab use by Muslim female pupils in public schools. While dismissing the suite, the Judge held that the ban on hijab was discriminatory. The panel upheld the contention that the ban violated their rights to freedom of thought, conscience, religion, dignity of human persons and freedom from discrimination guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution. So, there is no argument on whether or not, hijab is a right. The contention is about our level of intolerance, discrimination and sentiments.

When I see people opposing the use of hijab, I ask myself only one question. On what basis are they opposing it? Does wearing hijab by one person, infringes the right of the other person who don’t want to wear it? If not, how does the person who enjoys the right of not using hijab, justify his or her opposition to those who want to wear it? Only one answer surfaces here and it is intolerance.

Unfortunately, by opposing hijab, you are not fighting for your own right, but instead, fighting against the right of others. This is really a dangerous mindset, not against the people you oppose per se, but against your own self, because the same reasoning you use to justify your opposition to the rights of others will be brought into the quality of decisions you make for yourself.

But here is even a greater danger. When you oppose the right of others for no sane reason or benefits to you, they will also oppose you for no sane reason or benefit to them when the opportunity comes. Both of you would then continue to oppose each other for no sane reason, thereby leading to unnecessary tension, suspicion and even violence. This is what has breed insecurity in our country. The unnecessary suspicion manifest in virtually every aspect of our lives and it continues to escalate and breed tension even in the most unexpected places.

I have observed over the years that most of the conflicts we have in Nigeria are not real conflicts, they are mostly unnecessary conflicts born out of nothing and to achieve nothing. More importantly, they cannot be resolved, because they are nothing. You cannot resolve nothing, when there is nothing. Our conflicts are imaginary, born out of psychological misconception and the need to oppose others for opposition sake. This is why even those who claimed to be human right activists or lawyers fall into this ditch of inconsistency without seeing their bias. From claiming to be proponent of rule of law, they will take a 360 degree U-turn against the right of others and still feel the need to justify their absurdity.

For example, just few months ago, we defended the right of a female Muslim Central Bank Deputy Governor Aisha Ahmad, who chooses not to wear hijab, but today, those who defended her right not to use hijab are the same set of people are opposing the right of another female Muslim, who chooses to wear hijab. How can one lady have the right not wear hijab, and the other won’t have the right to wear it? This is where the inconsistency in activism comes in. It appeared they are not really interested in the law or the rightness of an action, but merely taking a position that is only consistent with their sentiment, interest or affiliation at a particular time.

On a final note, let me remind us all that, if we oppose other peoples right because it infringes on our own right, this is understandable. If we also oppose other people’s practices because it prevents us from practicing ours, this may also be understandable. And even if we oppose the right of others because it affects our own interest, that maybe acceptable as well. But, what could never be understandable is the fact that, we oppose other people’s right, not because it infringes on ours or prevent us from enjoying our own interest, but simply because we do not want others to enjoy their own right. This is a disjointed reasoning that we must expunge from our society if we are to achieve cohesion, stability and tranquility.

Abdulrazaq O Hamzat is a Human Rights Ambassador and Executive Director of Foundation for Peace Professionals. He can be reached at discus4now@gmail.com

odduduwa:
nonsense try and see useless Islamic fool

Realsman405:
DT: What is your position on the recruitment of more policemen to tackle the various security challenges in the country?

Okiro: Yes, the Nigeria police force lacks funding. But in modern times, you don’t talk of manpower so much, but equipment. Whether it is farming, industry or building, a machine can do what ten people can do in a day. It’s the same thing in policing, if you have equipment. Unfortunately, the Nigerian police doesn’t have such an opportunity. They use manpower and it is inadequate.

For five years there’s been no recruitment, and the police lost almost 40,000 people due to retirement, death and so on, before we got the marching order to recruit 10,000 every year, which we did last year. Between last year to date, we have lost about 9,000 people. So if you look at it, we lost about 40,000, recruited 10 and lost another 9,000. So now the manpower is not there, nor the equipment.

DT: If you were to choose one single thing that you would change completely to ensure a more robust and reformed Police Force, what would it be?

Okiro: A lot of things are lacking. However, corruption is a pain in the side of the police force. One question people never ask, is can you have an honest, corruption-free police force in a corrupt society? The point I am making is that, the issue of corruption is one we should fight because it is a crime and the police are recruited to fight crime. Therefore, they cannot be found to be committing crime when they are supposed to fight it. I’d love to change that unfortunate dynamic. The kind of society we have influences the kind of police we have. But things have to change.

DT: What do you miss the most about your days of active service as a police officer?

Okiro: Oh, the telephone calls. When I was in service, my phone rang for twenty-four hours. And I always answered. But now, when I want to sleep, I can even switch off.

www.dailytrust.com.ng/how-why-we-created-sars--ex-igp-mike-okiro.html

Primenet:
Ahmadu Bello University emerges Highest ranked University in Nigeria (SEE Full List)[size=8pt][/size]

Congratulations To Amadu Bello University, Zaria. The National University Commission has released its rankings for all Universities in Nigeria, both private and government owned, and the rankings show quite curious results.

According to the ranking, out of over hundred ranked university in Nigeria, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria came out top, beating University of Lagos , and Obafemi Awolowo University to second and third place respectively.

At the 4th position is University Ibadan. The only non-federal university in the top ten ranking, National Daily gathered is Covenant University, Ota which also emerged as the best private university in the ranking on the 6th position in the national ranking.

Lagos State University, (LASU), Ojo is the best ranked state university at 16th position. Other Universities at the top include: University of Ilorin at 5th, University of Nigeria, Nsukka at 7th, while University of Benin , University of Abuja and University of
Port Harcourt occupy the 8th, 9th, and 10th position respectively.

Sitting at the bottom of the leader are: Crescent University, Abeokuta at 108th, Rhema University Aba at 109, Wesley University of science and Technology, Ondo State at 110th and lastly Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa ranked 111th.

Meanwhile three universities were unranked. They are: Pan African University Lagos, Adamawa State University Mubi and Plateau State University.
Here is the full list of ranking:

1 Amadu Bello University, Zaria.
2 University of Lagos, Lagos
3 Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
4 University of Ibadan
5 University of Ilorin Ilorin
6 Covenant University Ota
7 University of Nigeria Nsukka
8 University of Benin Ugbowo
9 University of Abuja Abuja
10 University of Port Harcourt Port Harcourt
11 Federal University of Technology,
Minna
12 Federal University of Technology,
Owerri Owerri
13 University of Agriculture , Abeokuta Abeokuta …
14 Federal University, Oye-Ekiti Oye …
15 Usmanu Danfodio University
Sokoto
16 Lagos State University Ojo
17 Federal University of Technology,
Akure Akure
18 Babcock University Ilishan-Remo …
19 Bayero University Kano Kano
20 American University of Nigeria
Yola
21 Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso …
22 Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti
23 University of Jos Jos
24 Landmark University Omu-Aran
25 Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka …
26 University of Uyo Uyo
27 Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi
28 Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umuahia
29 Enugu State University of Science and Technology Enugu
30 Rivers State University of Science and Technology Port Harcourt
31 Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko …
32 Benue State University Makurdi
33 Redeemer’s University Mowe
34 Kwara State University Malete
35 Veritas University Abuja
36 Osun State University Oshogbo …
37 University of Agriculture, Makurdi Makurdi
38 Nasarawa State University Keffi
39 African University of Science and Technology Abuja
40 Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti Ado-Ekiti
41 University of Calabar Calabar
42 Kogi State University Anyigba
43 Tai Solarin University of
Education Ijebu-Ode …
44 Federal University, Dutsin-Ma Dutsin-Ma
45 Ebonyi State University Abakaliki
46 Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ndufu-Alike
47 University of Maiduguri Maiduguri
48 Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University
Katsina
49 Nile University of Nigeria Abuja
50 Bowen University Iwo
51 Al-Hikmah University Ilorin …
52 Delta State University, Abraka Abraka
53 Niger Delta University Wilberforce Island Yenagoa
54 Abia State University Uturu
55 Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma
56 Modibbo Adama University of Technology Yola
57 Federal University, Otuoke Otuoke
58 Imo State University Owerri
59 Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago Iwoye …
60 Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun
61 Kaduna State University Kaduna
62 Federal University, Lokoja Lokoja
63 Akwa Ibom State University Uyo
64 Benson Idahosa University Benin City
65 Paul University Awka
66 Federal University, Dutse Dutse
67 Ajayi Crowther University Oyo Town
68 Lead City University Ibadan
69 Bingham University Auta Balifi
70 Baze University Abuja
71 Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai
72 Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Uli
73 Joseph Ayo Babalola University Ikeji-Arakeji
74 Madonna University Okija …
75 Crawford University Faith City …
76 Cross River University of Technology Calabar …
77 Caritas University Enugu
78 Ondo State University of Science and Technology Okitipupa
79 Bells University of Technology Ota
80 Igbinedion University Okada Okada …
81 Elizade University Ilara-Mokin
82 Achievers University, Owo Owo
83 Caleb University Imota
84 Kano University of Science and Technology Wudil
85 Federal University, Lafia Lafia
86 Sokoto State University Sokoto
87 Fountain University Oshogbo
88 Adeleke University Ede
89 Federal University, Kashere Kashere
90 Federal University, Wukari Wukari
91 University of Mkar Mkar
92 Oduduwa University Ile Ife
93 Godfrey Okoye University Ugwuomu-Nike
94 Taraba State University Jalingo
95 Obong University Obong Ntak
96 Yobe State University Damaturu
97 Renaissance University Enugu
98 Salem University Lokoja
99 Wellspring University Benin City
100 Al-Qalam University, Katsina Katsina
101 Novena University Ogume
102 Western Delta University Oghara
103 Gombe State University Gombe
104 Kwararafa University Wukari Wukari
105 Bauchi State University Gadau …
106 Kebbi State University of Science and Technology Aliero
107 Tansian University Umunya …
108 Crescent University, Abeokuta Abeokuta
109 Rhema University Aba
110 Wesley University of Science and Technology Ondo City
111 Samuel Adegboyega University Ogwa

harbdulrasaq88:
On this day (Dec 12) in 1991, the then Head of States, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, formally moved the capital city from Lagos to ABUJA.

http://www.newshelmng.com/2017/12/today-marks-26-years-since-abuja-became.html

Angelanest:
Operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), gunned down a serial armed robber, kidnapper and notorious cultist after heavy shoot-out in Rivers state. The alleged hoodlum who was reportedly nabbed with five loaded Ak47 magazines and a riffle including an asoorted charm - had his corpse displayed after being killed by the security operatives in gun battle.

Source; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2017/12/sars-operatives-kill-notorious-armed-robbercultist-charm-rivers-photos.html

LadyNaija:
Nigerian Popular comedian Alibaba took on his Instagram to comment on the news going around, how Kano came out massively to welcome Buhari on a Day visit.

Posting this photo from Presidnet Buhari' recent 2-day visit to Kano, Alibaba wrote

'If 80% of these people were gainfully employed they will not be on the road welcoming Buhari. And it's not about PMB. Because these are backlogs of unemployed and unemployable citizens for over 20 years and counting. These are the types that will cast votes for you for an exchange of a 5kg bag of rice. Why? Because they are down to their last hope. I tell many people.


A citizen who gets good primary education will be triggered to get secondary education. At worst they will do better at Vocational schools. But once there is no foundational education, as basic as A is for Apple and 1+1=2 and all elementary teachings, the brain is locked out of the growth process. Because that basic education is what all other things are built on. Look at the pictures, you see popularity... I see thousands who can be used by anyone who has plans that will not benefit this country. Let's begin to educate the child. The educated child will understand policies. The educated child will become a good citizen. The educated child will grow up to contribute to Nigerian economy. What do I know Sef? Shebi I am just a comedian?

http://www.naijanewspapers.com.ng/2017/12/if-80-of-crowd-that-gathered-to-welcome.html

NEHLIVE:
Watch the shocking video here>> http://m.af1234.com/Af1234/details/lecturer-orders-300-level-law-students-to-kneel-down-at-alhikmah-university-kwara

BeeBeeOoh:
http://dailypost.ng/2017/12/05/fake-sars-officers-arrested-rivers-photo/

olasaad:
But if a Muslim governor do this, you people will be castigating him for using state money to promote his religion. Hypocrite everywhere

favourmic:
what if its was anty grace husband call to check?

olasaad:
Congrats. But you never told us whr you got the #4.8m

Kennitrust:
ur advice pls.

I first met her but she said my biz was not good enough to keep us going.

I tried hard but I loose her to a rich guy who impregnated her and then dump her.

but I still love this girl but her condition among others is that I will take full responsibility of a child whose father remained unknown to me.

just hard to decide.

DONSMITH123:
But come to think of it, why on earth should a governor still get paris fund when he is yet to use the first tranch to pay workers? did that really make any sense at all.?

anochuko01:
what then is the use of NYSC?
don't they teach for the whole serving period?
another waste of time coz it wouldn't stop politicians from putting their people there.

chloedogie:
He has finally resigned watching live on CNN. Pics and details to follow.


Harare, Zimbabwe (CNN)Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe has resigned, the speaker of the country's Parliament said, bringing an end to his 37 years of rule.

The announcement came as Parliament began proceedings to impeach him, six days after the military seized control in the capital, Harare.
Mugabe's resignation marks the an end of an era in Zimbabwe -- he ruled the country with an iron fist for almost four decades and is the only leader the nation has known since it achieved independence from Britain in 1980.



http://edition.cnn.com/2017/11/21/africa/robert-mugabe-resigns-zimbabwe-president/index.html

nigeriancritic1:
UPPER 2ND CLASS BIOCHEMISTRY, 2006

emeijeh:
Which one is you are death again?
Our education standard is fast declining.
**I'm not referring to Op, but the Facebook post.
RIP to the dead

emeijeh:
Which one is you are death again?
Our education standard is fast declining.
**I'm not referring to Op, but the Facebook post.
RIP to the dead

Zeinymira:
See I am not making fun of you. I actually found what you wrote genuinely funny and I laughed. I am not mocking you or your knowledge on the subject.

Zeinymira:
Lol @ u can not spoil my business

factwriter:
Of course what "he thinks" are equally of "importance" as the message you conveyed.
In all sincerity what you should do is to expatiate better, making him to realise how thoroughly genuine the proscriptions and recommendations of the holy prophets are, rather than telling him his thoughts are of no importance.

Such response tends to erroneously portray Islam as a religion of force, stress, pain etc.

May Allah increase your knowledge, bless you more and guide us all. (Amin).

Zeinymira:
Lol @ u can not spoil my business

Guruboi:
Nice post

Zeinymira:
Lol @ u can not spoil my business

passyhansome:
No but I can call your Mother PROSTITUTE. Don't quote me again, you destitute