Yes, this President, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has to take out his claws against religious irredentists in the various Nigerian public spaces. It is time now. He can do it. Tinubu is a skilled driver of public interest who knows how to address problems with the precision of a marksman.
The TikTok video clips on religious conversations and commentaries are taking Nigeria down a steep slope. Unless the President raises awareness of the implications for this democracy, religious disaffection looms to create an issue in the polity.
Rather than trading arguments and controversies, why cannot priests preach the evangelism of morality, civility and virtues? These will cost home goodness for Nigeria than ethnic and theocratic misteachings and misleading.
There is no doubt that Tinubu faces a significant challenge in addressing the rising tide of religious irredentism in Nigeria’s public spaces. These elements are sowing discord and undermining the country’s democratic fabric. Tinubu, known for his strategic prowess, must take decisive action to counter this trend.
The proliferation of inflammatory content on social media platforms, such as TikTok, is particularly concerning. These videos often feature incendiary rhetoric, fuelling sectarian tensions and eroding national cohesion. Unless checked, this could have far-reaching devastation for Nigeria’s polity.
As a seasoned politician, Tinubu has demonstrated his ability to navigate complex issues. He must now utilise this expertise to combat the threat of religious extremism. By doing so, he can help restore a sense of unity and shared citizenship among Nigerians.
One potential approach, as noted earlier, would be to encourage religious leaders to focus on promoting morality, civility, and virtues. Rather than engaging in divisive rhetoric, priests and other spiritual leaders could emphasise the importance of empathy, tolerance, and mutual respect. This would help foster a more harmonious and inclusive society.
By promoting a more nuanced and inclusive form of religiosity, Nigeria can mitigate the risks associated with religious disaffection. This would help to create a more stable and cohesive polity, where citizens feel valued and respected regardless of their faith.
Tinubu’s leadership on this issue could have a profound impact on Nigeria’s democratic development. By taking a firm stance against religious irredentism, he can help to consolidate the country’s democratic gains and promote a more inclusive and tolerant society.
However, this will require a sustained effort and a willingness to engage with a wide range of stakeholders. The President will need to work with religious leaders, civil society organisations, and other key actors to develop a shared understanding of the challenges facing Nigeria and the need for collective action.
Ultimately, the goal should be to promote a vision of Nigeria that is inclusive, diverse, and respectful of all faiths and beliefs. By doing so, Tinubu can help to build a more harmonious and cohesive society, where citizens can live together in peace and mutual respect.
To achieve this, he may need to deploy a range of strategies, including public outreach and engagement, as well as policy initiatives and legislative reforms. Whatever approach he takes, it is clear that decisive action is needed to address the growing threat of religious irredentism in Nigeria.
By taking on this challenge, the President can demonstrate his commitment to building a more united and inclusive Nigeria. This would be a significant legacy for his presidency and a lasting contribution to the country’s democratic development. Tinubu needs to whip the big stick against religious intolerance and recklessness.