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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?
Or are the people of the townships then secure from the coming of Our
wrath upon them in the day time while they play? Are they then secure
from Allah’s Scheme? None deems himself secure from Allah’s scheme save
folk that perish. Is it an indication to those who inherit the land
after its people that if We will, We can smite them for their sins and
print upon their hearts so that they hear not? So therefore it is time
for all of us those who sincerely want see the Laws of Allah being
enacted in the Land to reflect seriously as Allah will not change our
conditions until we change what is in our hearts. Our leaders of Sharia
you have a big responsibility of governing and enforcing justice but
please do not forget yourself otherwise we all become a laughing stock
and then people would point accusing fingers on us saying is a political
Sharia as we told you earlier. Remember you are leaving a legacy behind
whether good or evil is only the posterity that will judge in addition
the Creator will judge you after death when you go back to Him so it is
in your own interest to spread good than evil that may come to haunt you
for the rest of your life. May Allah give us Taufiq and ability to
carry His Commands to the best of our abilities until we meet Him Amen.
Wa Akhiri Daawana Anil Hamdu Lillahi Rabbil
Alameen
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