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29 April 2011
By Salisu Suleiman
If there is anything the repressive Arab regimes of the middle east and north Africa and the traditional institutions in parts of northern Nigeria share, it is the deliberate misinterpretation of Islam to hold on to power while abusing human rights and dignity. There is often a convenient convergence of culture and the clergy to perpetuate this fraud on the people. In Saudi Arabia
Similarly, in parts of northern Nigeria, members of royal houses and those ‘honoured' with traditional titles dominate choice positions in government and elsewhere. Few people know that during the 1979 primaries of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), blue-blooded Shehu Shagari was the preferred choice of the northern elite over ‘commoner' Maitama Sule. One of the first politicians to challenge the power of the northern traditional establishment was the late Aminu Kano who ran for president under the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP). Kano
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Ultimately, for the northern traditional establishment and political elite, the chickens have come home to roost. Who would have imagined northern masses approaching the palaces of emirs not to pay homage, but with intent to loot and burn? Or reports that the Sultan was pelted with sachets of ‘pure water'? True, a revolt against an anachronistic feudal system is needed, but that does not excuse killing innocent people. For genuine change agents seeking to kick out a corrupt and visionless ruling class, (another plentiful national resource), our support and edification is needed, not the usual ‘almajiri' or ‘bloodthirsty' northerner taunts. The road to liberty is paved with adversity, but with understanding, the Nigeria
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