BREAKING NEWS: Nigerians Urged to Embrace Religious Tolerance as Government Agencies Warned Against Arrests and Victimization
In a historic event held last Saturday at Quida, 3C Oba Dosunmu Street, off Isaac John, GRA Ikeja, Nigerians were called upon to tolerate one another regardless of their religious beliefs. The call came during the launch of Mubarak Bala’s pamphlet, A Prison Letter to a President.
Bala, who has been unjustly imprisoned for 37 months in Abuja’s Counter Terrorism Detention Unit and previously in Kano prison, addressed his letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He revealed that he is considered a prisoner of conscience, targeted solely because he chose to abandon the religion he was born into.
Bala expressed his determination to survive despite the threats against his life. He highlighted the unjust nature of his former religion, which mandates his death for leaving it. He also accused his own people of attempting to carry out this injustice by any means necessary, including through government agencies or mob action.
Renowned journalist, Kunle Ajibade, commended the event, emphasizing that embracing a humanist society should not be persecuted. He highlighted the importance of looking out for other human beings and the values shared by various religions, calling for an end to the misinterpretation and manipulation of religious texts.
Special Guest at the occasion, Prof. Wole Soyinka, expressed his support for the protection of the vulnerable and innocent, and revealed his shock upon learning that Bala was still in prison. He highlighted the issue of innocent people languishing in jails, outlining the power dynamics at play and the desire to control others through religion.
Soyinka also called for open discussions on religion and society, criticizing the lack of tolerance in Nigerian society compared to other Muslim countries like Abu Dhabi. He questioned why Bala was imprisoned for apostasy when authors like Salman Rushdie were protected and allowed to speak freely in those countries.
Furthermore, Soyinka implored human rights organizations and pressure groups to investigate other cases similar to Bala’s, where individuals are isolated, dehumanized, and tortured. He criticized the wasted potential of those whose ideas could be used to improve society, but are instead silenced by those who prefer to believe in their own faith at the expense of others.
In conclusion, Soyinka urged those who are confident in their faith to peacefully coexist with other beliefs and respect the humanity of all individuals, rather than resorting to insults and division.
This groundbreaking event has sparked a nationwide conversation on religious tolerance and the need for unity in Nigeria. It is hoped that the call for tolerance will be heeded by all citizens, and that government agencies will respect the rights of individuals to express themselves without fear of arrest or victimization.
