Social media commentator, Reno Omokri has urged the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) not to get into any legal dispute regarding the temporary closure of schools in some Northern states to enable students to participate in the Ramadan fasts. It could unleash a tit for tat reciprocal actions from Islamic groups, given that because of Nigeria’s colonial history, we have more school closures for holidays for the benefit of Christendom (different from Christianity) than for Islam.
According to him, “Nigerian schools go on Easter breaks, Christmas holidays, and New Year celebrations and our school yesr is designed around the British brand of Christendom, yet Muslims cooperate with these closures.
“In Nigeria, Monday through Friday is a work and school day, favouring Christendom, yet Muslims abide by it. Throughout the Islamic world, Friday is a work and school-free day, while Sunday is a work and school day. But in Nigeria, it is the reverse.
“This has nothing to do with the culture of precolonial Nigeria. It is an imposition of Western-style Christianity that our Muslim brethren have accepted as a sacrifice for peace and stability in Nigeria. If they can sacrifice for us, perhaps we can allow them to do in their enclaves what suits their customs and mores. “
He suggests that, instead of threats, dialogue and understanding should guide actions, noting that these states are within their constitutional rights. In a fragile nation, wisdom and peace should guide leadership for a better future.
