Estatevest and Jadek-Agro are being promoted online by one Oluwakunle Akinwole offering upto 45% ROI for prospective investors in their different packages. Please i need more information from any good samaritan in this forum that can be of help to me and other nigerians. Thanks.

Our fears and suspicions are only perceptions that most often than not don't ever come to pass!

WILL THIS RECURRING ALLEGATION OF AN "ISLAMIZATION AGENDA" EVER MATERIALISE IN NGERIA?

I am now a little above fifty years. Since when I started reading sometimes in late 70s, Nigerians and the whole world have been bamboozled with an alleged Hausa-Fulani/Muslim agenda to dominate the country politically and economically. The budding and exuberant post-colonial news media, mostly originating and concentrated in the southern part of the country gave extra ordinary fillip to this narrative orchestrated then by some politicians to achieve their ultimate selfish interest of territorial and regional captivity.

The terminology used for this conspiracy theory has evolved over time. Between the 50s and 80s it was termed “Northernization Agenda” allegedly aimed at dominating and exploiting other regions, weaken them and ensure they can’t compete with the ‘monolithic and feudalistic north’. This term however melted away after the country achieved much integration through state creation, implementation of the Federal character principle and the National youth service scheme by some of our very creative, selfless and patriotic leaders.

Then came in the 90s, a brand new name. This time it was christened “Islamization Agenda”. Yet again some southern-based mushrooming and vociferous news media, now joined by others from the middle belt (supposedly Christian dominated ethnic minorities) feverishly expend their intellectual and financial resources to continually spread this sentiment cleverly introduced and promoted by certain disgruntled, religio-ethnocentric and unpatriotic politicians to make way for themselves and cronies to gain (or regain) access to power and state resources.

The “Islamization Agenda” has also transmuted (or extended?) to “Fulanization Agenda” just a couple of weeks ago. It has to be so because “northenization agenda” failed to materialize, so also “islamization agenda”. Or perhaps they are yet to materialize. The power mongering bigots suddenly realized this scare strategy is now out of fashion since there are Muslims as indigenes of almost all states of the Federal republic of Nigeria. Also, both Christian and Muslims occupy different levels of leadership positions at all tiers of governance in the country. Mosques and churches are found in every state of the federation. All tiers of government in Nigeria promote both Christian and Islamic pilgrimages. Hence the selfish and unpatriotic gladiators have to innovate and creatively change the name but sustain the campaign of hate; acrimony and suspicion to enable them and their cronies remain relevant and accessible to state resources at the centre or at least in their territories or regions.

I am a fulfilled Nigerian citizen born to parents of Idoma nationality. I am an independent Christian pastor having no affiliation to any political party or association whatsoever. But as a proud citizen of this blessed and beautiful country, I owe it the duty irrespective of our differences to always speak and act in a manner that will promote the general peace, progress and wellbeing, and this calls for tolerance, understanding and necessary sacrifices.

There are always conspiracies among living things. Individuals, groups and societies many conspire against each other, even brothers or couples. No doubt about that. But we need to look at this recurring much worn out and difficult to prove allegation of “Northernization”,” Islamization”, and now “Fulanization” agenda critically to see if it has any merit.

First of all, it is now clear that instead of any regional dominance, the country has been undergoing gradual and peaceful integration as a federation evidenced in the series of state and local government creation exercises. This singular policy has enabled devolution of power, fair distribution of national resources and representative governance by different groups and nationalities. There is still room for improvement, and through peaceful and patient engagements we can continue to tweak things progressively. With the level of literacy and exposure our political elites have gained one wonders why all the bickering and war mongering about marginalization or domination by one region or the other.

The most absurd and dullest of all is the allegation of an “Islamization Agenda”. Where? By who? And how?
Is it in Nigeria which has maintained a secular status in its Grundnorm since its creation as a nation? Is it in Nigeria where all religious faithful are represented across all tiers of government and legislature? Is it in Nigeria where all citizens irrespective of religion or tribe inter marry, do business together and live peacefully together?

Who can we exactly say or pinpoint as being behind this islamization agenda? Is it an individual, group or governments? Agreed that Muslims will be glad to see more people converted to islam just like Christians and other religion faithful, but it’s inconceivable to suggest that Muslims or Christians in Nigeria today will contemplate and attempt to implement an era of any form of ‘holy war’ or jihad or crusade to forcefully take over the whole space.

Every discerning person in Nigeria (except those who want to play on our fault lines) already know that the presently decimated boko haram malaise is only our own share of the global wave of bestial terrorism/criminality. Same for kidnapping, robbery, ritual killing, etc prevalent in the south. All these are ageless human problems that have always been there in differing proportions across all societies.

As Nigeria is presently constituted, any national islamization policy can only be enforced through legislation across all the tiers of legislature after a successful referendum of all people of the federation. Any other way will be an aberration. Currently there is no constitutional process ongoing or being suggested to indicate anything like that is in the offing. A state setting up bylaws to regulate religious conducts for peaceful co-existence of its residents does not in any way connote islamization or Christianization of Nigeria. Citing a new mosque (like erecting a new church building) anywhere in Nigeria doesn’t mean islamization of the country. Sharia laws being used side by side our customary laws does not set aside the supremacy of our national constitution. Declaring Islamic holidays does not sieze our rights as Christians or Nigerians. Moslems/Fulanis acquiring land legitimately and living in any part of the country doesn’t islamise the country. After we have all being co-existing like this since inception.

This brings us to the new laughable but most dangerous narrative in town: “Fulanization Agenda”. I think much bickering and hustle for power and relevance make some people throw caution to the winds. The impression being created is like: Buhari, a Fulani man was sponsored by the Fulani race in Nigeria (or worldwide) throughout his four attempts to become president of Nigeria so as to conquer this niger area for his kit and kin. Then may be, Buhari has to appoint a Christian Vice, hordes of Christian cabinet members, aides and some non Muslim security chiefs to help him achieve this hell-brewed fulanization agenda.

Please wake up and let’s stand up for our dear country. As a leader or parent, whenever there is a misunderstanding or crisis among your subjects or children you must find an amicable way to resolve it short term, midterm or long term. Farmers/herders clashes predates Nigeria, and like every other life phenomenon, ebbs and rises with time. Like every other constituted authority before now, Buhari , the federal cabinet of ministers from all states and the National Economic council made up of all state governors and heads of some strategic agencies have painstakingly brainstormed and put forward proposals to help stem the current wave of this crisis. Also, some ingenious and well meaning governors have creatively and dispassionately engaged all stakeholders and together found ways to manage the crisis without much ado.

However very few state executives for whatever reasons best known to them are insisting on some reactionary, myopic measures that has not and can never resolve this crisis. These same state governors have stoutly maintain opposition to any attempt of the federal government to resolve this problem. Not only that, they also passionately use state resources to mount a virulent campaign of calumny against Buhari and the central government thereby inciting angst and discord In the citizenry. This has also provided cheap cannon fodder for some disgruntled, unpatriotic do or die politicians, sectional religious/traditional leaders and supposed elder statesmen to sow the seeds of fear and fan the embers of disunity in a bid to gain or maintain political relevance and access to state patronage
.
The best thing to do by any well meaning person in a crisis situation is to be non partisan, if you want to solve the problem rather than becoming part of the problem. If anyone feels the federal government’s intervention is not good enough, such person or people should bring forward their suggestions rather than reading ulterior motive into government’s effort in solving the crisis. Also suggesting any one-sided, myopic solution is tantamount to perpetuating the crisis.

In conclusion I humbly make the following submissions:
1. It doesn’t appear there is any northernization/islamization/fulanization agenda at any time or anywhere in Nigeria. This shouting of “wolf! Wolf!” that could not materialize since independence, and throughout the military era will be very difficult if not totally impossible now that we are operating participatory democracy with full representation of all people and tribes of Nigeria. There is nothing to indicate after over fifty years of nationhood to show that the north is better off than the southern region, using any criterion. It would have been easier to believe that the later may have conspire to keep the former perpetually lagging behind.

2. Christians, like other religions faithful should not develop inferiority complex, neither appear as if they are leaving in fear, hopelessness and helplessness in the world (this country) in as much as we are not chained in our mind, spirit or body. We are not less privileged in Nigeria; neither are we second class citizens. Let’s be careful, because you are what you think. Besides, like our Lord Jesus, we must be peace makers, accommodating, tolerant and live in understanding with our neighbors. After all, we are only in the world, we are not of the world; and our weapons of warfare are not carnal but spiritual. God knows how and always vindicate His own. Let’s not align with ethnic jingoists and political war lords, neither share in their sentiments that causes tension in the polity. Through selfless prayers and righteousness, God’s purpose and plans for our country will be established.

3. Our elders and army of youths in this country should think and appreciate God and some of our past and present crop of leaders who did everything to ensure we have a country of our own to this day, after all the ensuing crises since amalgamation (that is over a hundred years now). Our elder statesmen have fully enjoyed the resources of this country, which is still in abundance. They should not attempt to destabilize the nation by their utterances or actions. The youths are waiting in the wings to move this country forward and further exploit its strength and beauties for its citizens and the whole world.

4. Even if Nigeria is further divided and restructured into clans or families, there will still be misunderstanding and crises. We must learn and work to live together in spite of our differences. Let’s put away every form of envying, jealousy and strife that serves to tear us apart.

I am now a little above fifty years. Since when I started reading sometimes in late 70s, Nigerians and the whole world have been bamboozled with an alleged Hausa-Fulani/Muslim agenda to dominate the country politically and economically. The budding and exuberant post-colonial news media, mostly originating and concentrated in the southern part of the country gave extra ordinary fillip to this narrative orchestrated then by some politicians to achieve their ultimate selfish interest of territorial and regional conquest.

The terminology used for this conspiracy theory has evolved over time. Between the 50s and 80s it was termed “Northernization Agenda” allegedly aimed at dominating and exploiting other regions, weaken them and ensure they can’t compete with the ‘monolithic and feudalistic north’. This term however melted away after the country achieved much integration through state creation, implementation of the Federal character principle and the National youth service scheme by some of our very creative, selfless and patriotic leaders.

Then came in the 90s, a brand new name. This time it was christened “Islamization Agenda”. Yet again some southern-based mushrooming and vociferous news media, now joined by others from the middle belt (supposedly Christian dominated ethnic minorities) feverishly expend their intellectual and financial resources to continually spread this sentiment cleverly introduced and promoted by certain disgruntled, religio-ethnocentric and unpatriotic politicians to make way for themselves and cronies to gain (or regain) access to power and state resources.

The “Islamization Agenda” has also transmuted (or extended?) to “Fulanization Agenda” just a couple of weeks ago. It has to be so because “northenization agenda” failed to materialize, so also “islamization agenda”. Or perhaps they are yet to materialize. The power mongering bigots suddenly realized this scare strategy is now out of fashion since there are Muslims as indigenes of almost all states of the Federal republic of Nigeria. Also, both Christian and Muslims occupy different levels of leadership positions at all tiers of governance in the country. Mosques and churches are found in every state of the federation. All tiers of government in Nigeria promote both Christian and Islamic pilgrimages. Hence the selfish and unpatriotic gladiators have to innovate and creatively change the name but sustain the campaign of hate; acrimony and suspicion to enable them and their cronies remain relevant and accessible to state resources at the centre or at least in their territories or regions.

I am a fulfilled Nigerian citizen born to parents of Idoma nationality. I am an independent Christian pastor having no affiliation to any political party or association whatsoever. But as a proud citizen of this blessed and beautiful country, I owe it the duty irrespective of our differences to always speak and act in a manner that will promote the general peace, progress and wellbeing, and this calls for tolerance, understanding and necessary sacrifices.

There are always conspiracies among living things. Individuals, groups and societies many conspire against each other, even brothers or couples. No doubt about that. But we need to look at this recurring much worn out and difficult to prove allegation of “Northernization”,” Islamization”, and now “Fulanization” agenda critically to see if it has any merit.

First of all, it is now clear that instead of any regional dominance, the country has been undergoing gradual and peaceful integration as a federation evidenced in the series of state and local government creation exercises. This singular policy has enabled devolution of power, fair distribution of national resources and representative governance by different groups and nationalities. There is still room for improvement, and through peaceful and patient engagements we can continue to tweak things progressively. With the level of literacy and exposure our political elites have gained one wonders why all the bickering and war mongering about marginalization or domination by one region or the other.

The most absurd and dullest of all is the allegation of an “Islamization Agenda”. Where? By who? And how?
Is it in Nigeria which has maintained a secular status in its Grundnorm since its creation as a nation? Is it in Nigeria where all religious faithful are represented across all tiers of government and legislature? Is it in Nigeria where all citizens irrespective of religion or tribe inter marry, do business together and live peacefully together?

Who can we exactly say or pinpoint as being behind this islamization agenda? Is it an individual, group or governments? Agreed that Muslims will be glad to see more people converted to islam just like Christians and other religion faithful, but it’s inconceivable to suggest that Muslims or Christians in Nigeria today will contemplate and attempt to implement an era of any form of ‘holy war’ or jihad or crusade to forcefully take over the whole space.

Every discerning person in Nigeria (except those who want to play on our fault lines) already know that the presently decimated boko haram malaise is only our own share of the global wave of bestial terrorism/criminality. Same for kidnapping, robbery, ritual killing, etc prevalent in the south. All these are ageless human problems that have always been there in differing proportions across all societies.

As Nigeria is presently constituted, any national islamization policy can only be enforced through legislation across all the tiers of legislature after a successful referendum of all people of the federation. Any other way will be an aberration. Currently there is no constitutional process ongoing or being suggested to indicate anything like that is in the offing. A state setting up bylaws to regulate religious conducts for peaceful co-existence of its residents does not in any way connote islamization or Christianization of Nigeria. Citing a new mosque (like erecting a new church building) anywhere in Nigeria doesn’t mean islamization of the country. Sharia laws being used side by side our customary laws does not set aside the supremacy of our national constitution. Declaring Islamic holidays does not sieze our rights as Christians or Nigerians. Moslems/Fulanis acquiring land legitimately and living in any part of the country doesn’t islamise the country. After we have all being co-existing like this since inception.

This brings us to the new laughable but most dangerous narrative in town: “Fulanization Agenda”. I think much bickering and hustle for power and relevance make some people throw caution to the winds. The impression being created is like: Buhari, a Fulani man was sponsored by the Fulani race in Nigeria (or worldwide) throughout his four attempts to become president of Nigeria so as to conquer this niger area for his kit and kin. Then may be, Buhari has to appoint a Christian Vice, hordes of Christian cabinet members, aides and some non Muslim security chiefs to help him achieve this hell-brewed fulanization agenda.

Please wake up and let’s stand up for our dear country. As a leader or parent, whenever there is a misunderstanding or crisis among your subjects or children you must find an amicable way to resolve it short term, midterm or long term. Farmers/herders clashes predates Nigeria, and like every other life phenomenon, ebbs and rises with time. Like every other constituted authority before now, Buhari , the federal cabinet of ministers from all states and the National Economic council made up of all state governors and heads of some strategic agencies have painstakingly brainstormed and put forward proposals to help stem the current wave of this crisis. Also, some ingenious and well meaning governors have creatively and dispassionately engaged all stakeholders and together found ways to manage the crisis without much ado.

However very few state executives for whatever reasons best known to them are insisting on some reactionary, myopic measures that has not and can never resolve this crisis. These same state governors have stoutly maintain opposition to any attempt of the federal government to resolve this problem. Not only that, they also passionately use state resources to mount a virulent campaign of calumny against Buhari and the central government thereby inciting angst and discord In the citizenry. This has also provided cheap cannon fodder for some disgruntled, unpatriotic do or die politicians, sectional religious/traditional leaders and supposed elder statesmen to sow the seeds of fear and fan the embers of disunity in a bid to gain or maintain political relevance and access to state patronage
.
The best thing to do by any well meaning person in a crisis situation is to be non partisan, if you want to solve the problem rather than becoming part of the problem. If anyone feels the federal government’s intervention is not good enough, such person or people should bring forward their suggestions rather than reading ulterior motive into government’s effort in solving the crisis. Also suggesting any one-sided, myopic solution is tantamount to perpetuating the crisis.

In conclusion I humbly make the following submissions:
1. It doesn’t appear there is any northernization/islamization/fulanization agenda at any time or anywhere in Nigeria. This shouting of “wolf! Wolf!” that could not materialize since independence, and throughout the military era will be very difficult if not totally impossible now that we are operating participatory democracy with full representation of all people and tribes of Nigeria. There is nothing to indicate after over fifty years of nationhood to show that the north is better off than the southern region, using any criterion. It would have been easier to believe that the later may have conspire to keep the former perpetually lagging behind.

2. Christians, like other religions faithful should not develop inferiority complex, neither appear as if they are leaving in fear, hopelessness and helplessness in the world (this country) in as much as we are not chained in our mind, spirit or body. We are not less privileged in Nigeria; neither are we second class citizens. Let’s be careful, because you are what you think. Besides, like our Lord Jesus, we must be peace makers, accommodating, tolerant and live in understanding with our neighbors. After all, we are only in the world, we are not of the world; and our weapons of warfare are not carnal but spiritual. God knows how and always vindicate His own. Let’s not align with ethnic jingoists and political war lords, neither share in their sentiments that causes tension in the polity. Through selfless prayers and righteousness, God’s purpose and plans for our country will be established.

3. Our elders and army of youths in this country should think and appreciate God and some of our past and present crop of leaders who did everything to ensure we have a country of our own to this day, after all the ensuing crises since amalgamation (that is over a hundred years now). Our elder statesmen have fully enjoyed the resources of this country, which is still in abundance. They should not attempt to destabilize the nation by their utterances or actions. The youths are waiting in the wings to move this country forward and further exploit its strength and beauties for its citizens and the whole world.

4. Even if Nigeria is further divided and restructured into clans or families, there will still be misunderstanding and crises. We must learn and work to live together in spite of our differences. Let’s put away every form of envying, jealousy and strife that serves to tear us apart.