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Author: Alhaji Shehu Ahmed Magoro
Posted to the web: 12/18/2007 1:48:53 PM

SHARIA AS AN OPTION IN KANO

 

Taliban was formed as a result of the state of decay and decadence taking place in Afghanistan, couple with all time war that seems endless which further devastated the country and out it into world irrelevance. The full name is 'Jama'atul Dalib' or 'Talib' as others call it, which literally means 'The group of students'. It was named such, for they are all students whom had seek much knowledge about Islam, politics etc, but their country is in war and division from various Islamic organization fighting for relevance and capturing power at all cost. Their main mission is to set a new pace for Afghanistan and chart a course that would relieve their country from war, directionless ness, but put it in a better position  to compete with outside world under Islamic law.

 

The group is lead by Maulana Mullah Umar whom is the leader of the movement. Their effort really paid off, for within a short period of time, they garnered support and form government, which at last stamp out war, divisions, and brings sanity into the country under strict Islamic laws.

 

Up to the time they left government in 2001, as a result of American and co invasion, when they realized casualties and destruction is too high which they cannot resist, they have [up till now] not been accused of corruption and bribery, administrative loopholes, but have accused only of adhering to strict Islamic laws, which as at the current so-called world order is archaic, retrogressive and degrading.

 

Then comes the issue of Ibrahim Shekarau; Ibrahim Shekarau is well known for long time in his association with Islamic movements. His contribution in Muslims Student Society [MSS], Islamic Development Network [IDN] and others is noteworthy; he has been a champion in that regard. It is his association and stance with organization like Jama'atul Tajdidil Islam [JTI], Independent Shari'a Committee and others in 2000-2003 that later cost him his job as permanent secretary, which leads to his retirement.

 

As Allah ordained, by sheer lucky, he joined politics and becomes ANPP gubernatorial candidate. Wherever he goes, he promised to implement Shari'a as much as he can. At that time, Shari'a is not given it due attention under Rabi'u Kwankwaso, couple with his unpopularity and deceit, which further makes Shekarau a popular within short period of time of his campaign. More so, as people know his antecedent with regard to transparency and Islamic movement, it is certain no one can stop him from displacing Kwankwaso then, in 2003. To cut short a long story, Shekarau becomes a governor on popular votes.

 

No sooner had he become a governor, he descended heavily on laying the solid foundation of gradual to full implementation of Islamic Shari'a by enabling laws, which covered all aspect of Muslims life and governance in addition. Part of his Shari'a implementation dividends are: the employment of over 50000 people in the state [in contrast with FG which is still rightsizing or is it downsizing], provision of over 1000 tricycle specifically for women due to their importance to the society, resolving over 3000 dispute outside courts, closing over 50 brothel in the state, stamping out of prostitution in over 25 local government [out of 44], empowering over 100 prostitute that stops prostitution, builds over 1000 mosques, converting over 2000 animist to Islam, giving Zakkat [alms endowment] to the less privileges, supporting over 100 NGO's, special consideration to deaf, blind, lepers and other disable people which is rare in Nigeria, reviving the Tsangaya [almajiri] system of education by integrating them as part of his educational policies, renovating, building and equipping most primary and secondary schools in the state.

 

When the State Security Services (SSS) stormed Kano and arrested people purported to be Taliban, it was worthy to note that majority of this people were Christians who paraded themselves to be Muslim in other to smear the image of the religion. The particular cases of Jubril Ahmed, Salihu Ibrahim, Sani Musa and Aisha Mohammed who were captured at separate incident by a group of Muslim on the 22nd of July 2007 in Central Kano and handed over to the Police for a double standard act were clear examples of Muslim infiltration in Kano. The SSS was later to mention them as members of the Kano Taliban and subsequently declare them wanted among other long lists of people.
 

The most important issue worth celebrating in the issue of Shari'a implementation is the creation of a directorate [which shall soon be pass to state assembly for making it a law] in charge of societal re-orientation, tagged 'A Daidaita Sahu', whose mandate among others is to redirect and instill discipline, morality, commitment, dedication, selflessness and hygiene into the mind of the people. These would make them to rediscover themselves, know their values, what to do or not do, and commit themselves to preserving and protecting their rich traditional [good] and religious cultures. Part of the resolve is to bring back sanity into the people is the issue of dress code.

 

Dress code has been a thorny issue precisely if it is raised in an Islamic environment. That is why Shekarau's speech to private schools that we would 'ensure that their pupil observes the dress code in accordance with the tradition and beliefs of our people' is described as unfair by the writer. To add more light on the issue, Shekarau further buttress 'This is in line with our resolve to bring about a positive change in the attitude of our students and to strengthen their morality. We do not expect any private school to fail in this regard'.

 

I could not see any new issue raised in Shekarau's speech, but because he happens to be a Muslim, leading over a state practicing Shari'a, trying to orient his people in moral upbringing, right form the school, it is now a ' Taliban issue'. The issue of governance does not start and ends with provision of basic life amenities and  upliftment of our educational standard, but also orienting people to know what is good and bad, by making sure their morality is not adulterated or shaken, so that a better and attractive society shall evolves.

It is a well known fact that Kano state is a decent society rich in great cultures of morality and respect, but of recent it is waning as a result of many factors, part of which is the decadence taking place in most of our schools, hence the decision to start from the schools. More so, school is a place where children are learning what in future will guide and shape their life, negative or positive. As such, it is the desire of Shekarau under Shari'a to see our schools becomes centers of excellence and moral upbringing, not just to get a certificate.

 

The dress code is compulsory on Muslims, and loose on non-Muslims, for they are only to required to put the dress that will not expose their most part of body, simple. Who said they must wear it Muslim way? It is a complete ignorance from the writer.

 

Four years ago Unilag introduces a dress code based on the peculiarities of their environment, yet, it does not attract any comment, but when BUK introduces a dress code to the student, they were called as Islamist', what a double standard! This issue of dress code affects everybody, what is wrong if Kano decided to ahead of other states.

 

Commentators should rise above unfair criticism by exposing themselves to what they know not thorough ignorance. Kano is our state, our governor has the mandate to do everything possible in making sure our children, people and others, comply with our rich culture of morality, discipline etc in all their life, as such, nobody should be an exclusion, irrespective of his religion, ethnicity, origin or paganism, for no any religion condone immorality and indiscipline. Believe it or not, school has a larger influence on children, for everybody goes through it, which the products are the future leaders of tomorrow. So, the issue of dress code is part of Shari'a, as such, to us, religion and politics goes together, they cannot be separated, no matter what.

 

As such, the title 'This Shekarau is Taliban', we can say yes and no. Yes he is Taliban for the mission of Taliban is to wipe out war in their country, and stamp out the decadence of immorality and indiscipline that circumscribe their country; so Shekarau also want to checkmate these vices and make our society clean, attractive and self disciplined. He is not Taliban if he is viewed from the jaundice interpretation of the west and US, that Taliban are terrorist in the name of religion, so he too is not that type.

 

As Taliban fight to establish an Islamic society and free their countries from foreign and alien influence, we too in Kano want to be free from such, hence our decision to be in line with our religion. Shekarau is right, and the commentator/writer is wrong in his approach to the issue of the dress code.