Nigeria and conspiracy theories

Also published in Daily Trust 

Away from any academic complexity, conspiracy theory simply refers to a supposition that some powerful but largely faceless individuals, business entities or countries covertly plot to influence happenings, and secretly dictate the course of events to economically exploit, politically subjugate and cultural brainwash others. Incidentally, since time immemorial, civilizations, empires and countries have struggled to militarily conquest or tactfully subdue each other, in their struggle for territorial expansion, influence and supremacy.

Nigeria’s war on terror

Also published in Daily Trust

Though all over the world politicians engage in political opposition and struggle against each other, the extent of political sophistication of a particularly country is determined by the amount of the sense of responsibility that defines its politicians’ conduct. In functioning democracies, where transparency and accountability characterize governance, politicians never and in fact don’t have to be desperate in their struggle against each other, because they realize that what actually matters and indeed determines the political success of a politician, is the amount of his concrete achievements and/or real potential to deliver.

Kano: Tackling the chaos

Also published in Daily Trust 

With its ever-growing population, massive landmass, businesses attractiveness and centuries- old reputation as a major commercial hub in Africa, Kano is by now supposed to have developed into a modern mega city with modern and functioning infrastructure. Unfortunately however, the systematic neglect it has suffered at the hands of successive administrations over the last few decades has not only held it back but actually eroded a great deal of its fortunes and business competitiveness. Besides, the current security crisis in the region and the country at large has taken its toll on its socio-economic vibrancy.

{Video} Mallam Usman (Mai Zuhudu)

For more than forty years Mallam Usman (Mai Zuhudu) has been roaming the areas of Kofar Nassarawa and the neighboring neighborhoods in Kano city, where he "preaches" and "warns" against western education (Boko) and also all other sources of Islamic knowledge for that matter, with the exception of the Qur'an. He regards all Boko and Islamiyya schools as part of a grand conspiracy designed by the enemies of Islamic religion to misguide Muslims and undermine their religiosity.

Though it is obvious that Mai Zuhudu represents Boko Haram and maitatsine ideologies combined, he doesn't believe in violence, instead he simply delivers his message peacefully, even though he hasn't got any followers at all. He tolerates different views, while people not only tolerate him but actually give him sadaka.    

I ran into him during my recent visit to Kano, where I videotaped him delivering his sermon. Enjoy,  

Dilemma of the Dialogue Committee

Also published in Daily Trust

President and V.P. with the committee members

The Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North has, presumably, got down to business to establish contact with Boko Haram leadership in order to engage them in talks, with a view to achieving common ground, which would lead to the restoration of peace in the increasingly precarious security situation in the region. The committee’s task is undoubtedly difficult in view of government’s inconsistency and obvious inexperience in handling crises of this nature. Besides, the formation of the committee and its inauguration coincided with a noticeable escalation of violence, which has since then persisted.

Losing my father

Also published in Daily Trust

My late father 

Amid shock and confusion that overwhelmed me following the sad news of the death of my father last Friday, I hastily embarked on a journey back home where I arrived in Kano the following day. I had struggled to come to terms with that painful reality in the process of which I reasoned rather philosophically that, just as I never expected to travel home a few hours earlier, so was (and indeed is) one’s, appointment with death which obviously never gives notice when it strikes.