BY VICTOR IZEKOR
To students of geography, the word “watershed” is the end of era and the beginning of another. Nevertheless, the end of an era informs the new era just as yesterday informs today. Yesterday is another past which informs today and today informs the future.
The black Thursday in Maiduguri being August 5, 2021 in which the demolition of the EYN LCB, Moduganari, Maiduguri took place and a 29-year- old, Ezekiel Bitrus Tunba, was shot dead and five others injured by Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), is still very fresh in the memory of the people, but it has become another past though informing the future.
On this fateful day, officials of Borno State Geographical Information Service (BOGIS) led by its Executive Secretary, Engr. Adams Bababe and accompanied by members of the CJTF demolished the church in the name of enforcing compliance with reforms in the land administration system.
The incident, which provoked reactions, was widely condemned by the church, the government and the people. While Christians in unison flayed the CJTF and BOGIS for the barbaric act, a Muslim group pointed out that it has also fallen victims as some of the mosques were affected in the exercise.
The Muslims Rights Concern (MURIC), an Islamic human right advocacy group slammed the critics of the state government on the ground that some mosques were equally demolished.
According to the Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, all the 11 mosques and four churches including the EYN were demolished either for violating residential purpose in their allocation titles which is incompliance with a 2010 Government White Paper in response to 2009 Boko Haram insurgency which strictly prohibited the conversion any residential house to a place of worship in all parts of Borno State.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, in his response, condemned the unrestrained disposition of the CJTF as well the civilians who engaged in throwing stones at the members of the security outfit.
In addition Governor Zulum has set up an investigation committee to unravel what happened on the fateful day and make recommendations to prevent future occurrence. The culprits are expected to be brought to book.
Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, Bishop Naga Mohammed, has condemned the action of both BOGIS and CJTF, adding that their disposition points to the fact, “for the simple reason of stopping church expansion in the state.” Bishop Naga called for a judicial panel of inquiry to investigate the unwarranted killing and shooting at the Moduganari church so as to truly bring the perpetrators to justice. He demanded for CAN representation in the panel.
Bishop Naga also called for the rebuilding of all churches demolished and reopening of those churches sealed by BOGIS as well immediate return of seized phones by BOGIS officials on the fateful day to their respective owners as this was an infringement to their rights to communication and freedom of expression.
The chairman implored Governor Zulum to use his good office to address all existing pressing issues affecting Christian community in the state.
“Christian students in public schools who wish to offer CRK as a subject in their final examinations (WAEC or NECO) seek private lessons for this. In private schools in the state the teaching of CRK and IRK are allowed”
During the press conference, Bishop Naga, in an answer to a reporter’s question, said the last Certificate of Occupancy given for the building of a church in the state by the state government was in 1979, adding that this was one of the problems CAN is encountering in Borno.
Bishop Naga and CAN officials have pointed out that as a result of no land approved for building of churches by the concerned authorities in the state, in spite of repeated requests, Christians on their own were compelled to seek alternative either through purchase or gift of plots of land by individuals to erect structure.
Before the election that ushered Governor Zulum into office, the state CAN had presented a 16-point demand to former Governor Kashim Shettima for a smooth working relation between CAN and the government.
Among the demands was the teaching of Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) in public schools which was stopped after the administration of Governor Mohammed Goni.
The 16-point demand also included granting of Certificate of Occupancy for Churches, appointment of commissioners in all the Christian dominated Local Government Areas, Head of Service, appointment of Permanent Secretary and Director of Christian Religion in the Ministry of Religious Affair and others.
On the demands by CAN, a Christian is now the Head of Service, two Christian Commissioners from Askira/Uba and Chibok Local Government Councils, the two councils dominated by Christians though there are four local government council areas in the state where there are substantial population of Christians. These are Askira/Uba, Hawul, Chibok and Gwoza.
Of all the demands by CAN in the state, three are very crucial and fundamental to the Christian faith. These are the teaching of CRK in public schools in the same manner as Islamic Religious Knowledge is being taught, granting of Certificate of Occupancy to Christians in respect of land to build churches and cemetery for burial of their dead ones.
Pained by the refusal of the authorities to allow the teaching of CRK in public schools, CAN took the state government to court.
However, in the name of peace and peaceful co-existence, both parties agreed to settle out of court. Since then which is about three decades back, the issue still remains unresolved. Christian students in public schools who wish to offer CRK as a subject in their final examinations (WAEC or NECO) seek private lessons for this. In private schools in the state the teaching of CRK and IRK are allowed.
Reports have it that because of the refusal of the authorities to grant Certificate of Occupancy for Christians to build churches, the latter is compelled to purchase land or plots from individuals to do this. In the process, churches are built in some areas which sometimes offend the official design or plan of the said area, thus provoking the ire of the authorities.
Though not as contentious as the two mentioned above, but the absence of official land (cemetery) for Christians to bury their dead ones is not comfortable to the state CAN. As a result of lack of this, CAN from time to time has to make alternative plans through purchase of plots or land to bury its lost ones.
It is imperative to point out here that both the administrations of former Governor Kashim Shettima and the incumbent Governor Babagana Zulum, have been well disposed to Christians and Muslims on the matter of pilgrimage.
The two administrations have been generous in patronage. With regard to Christians, at no time have they been better off.
Former Governor Shettima was forthcoming on the reconstruction or rebuilding of some churches destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents.
Happily enough, his successor, Babagana Zulum, is echoing his steps in this regard.
The current state chairman of CAN, Bishop Mohammed Naga, has testified to this, just as he pointed out that there is still more to do in this regard.
Though there is now more understanding and rapport between the state government and CAN, but the issues of refusal to teaching CRK in public schools and the refusal to grant Certificate of Occupancy for building of churches still remain the bone of contentions.
This should not be. It is time the falcon should hear the falcona for the sake of peace and good governance. After all, the state government serves as a symbol and a father of all. It is time to put sentiments aside and face realities of the day.
Notwithstanding, the recent unfortunate Moduganri incident, the growing understanding between CAN and state government that seriously begun during the tenure of Governor Kashim Shettima and being natured, sustained and maintained by Zulum’s administration must be allowed to flourish and take root without let or hinderance.
With dialogue, we can go places, but with violence or war, we achieve deaths, blood and sorrow. There is need for Borno State CAN and state government to sit, talk and seek amicable resolution to the lingering crises that continue to make each other suspects.
Besides, the issues involved centre on religion which is emotive that demands care and caution in handling. It is time to jaw jaw for peace.
