by Two days ago, many of us were dancing, eating, and making merry for Eid Kabir. Yet we cannot be blind to our children and adults still in captivity, held in hostile and life-threatening conditions across the country. Celebration must not silence empathy.
In the same spirit, I ask: Why are many religious preachers quick to condemn other people’s beliefs as if others do not have rights to their faith?
Market your faith, not your neighbor’s ruin.
Have you ever seen Coca-Cola run an advert that says “Don’t drink Pepsi, Pepsi drinkers are evil”? No. A confident manufacturer markets its own product on its strength. It does not grow by condemning the rival. Faith should be the same. Preach Christ. Preach Tawheed. Preach the way of your ancestors. But do not grow your pulpit by demolishing someone else’s altar.
This is where the Nigerian Constitution speaks with authority.
What the Constitution Approves:
1. Secularity + Equality: Section 10: “The Government of the Federation or of a State shall not adopt any religion as State Religion.” Nigeria is not a Christian state. Nigeria is not an Islamic state. Nigeria is a secular federation.
2. Freedom of Belief: Section 38(1) guarantees every person the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. That includes Islam, Christianity, African Traditional Religion, and any other belief held peacefully. The state must protect it.
The Constitution approves the right of every Nigerian to believe, worship, and live according to conscience. That is the law we must celebrate.
What Must Be Debunked?
1. “Only 2 faiths deserve public recognition.” That question on bank holidays is valid and probes the conscience. If only Christmas and Eid are public holidays, it creates the impression of hierarchy. That looks like hypocrisy against Section 10’s neutrality. The Constitution does not rank faiths. Government must either be consistent for all peaceful religions, or explain the policy clearly to avoid the perception of bias.
2. “Condemning other beliefs is free speech.” False. Section 39 protects preaching and criticism: “My faith teaches one God.” But it does not protect insults that incite hatred. Penal Code Section 204 and Cybercrimes Act 2015 punish anyone who uses words likely to provoke breach of peace or hatred against a religious group. Insulting a traditional priest is legally the same as insulting an imam or pastor.
3. “Sharia in a state means everyone must obey it.” False. Section 277 limits Sharia courts to Islamic personal law and only for Muslims who voluntarily submit. A worker transferred to Kano for duty is not bound by Sharia criminal law because of his address. Territory does not override the Constitution.
The Government’s Duty + Our Conscience
Government is a collective responsibility. It is improper to blame one individual. It is imperative that all tiers of government – federal, state, local – work in synergy with the center to defeat the evil entrenched in our land.
First, government must lead by enlightenment. Use NTA, Radio Nigeria, newspapers, and social media to teach Nigerians the provisions of Sections 10 and 38. Roll out the facts and consequences of breaching them. Let every citizen know: tolerance is not just moral, it is constitutional.
To any group sponsoring evil for political gain: be warned. The devil you hire will return to the sender. And blackmail is always part of his “gift.”
Let the interest of Nigeria supersede any personal or group ambition. Mind you, neither the incumbent nor the opposition can govern without a country. There must be a Nigeria first.
Let us be people of conscience and compassion.
