by Ibraheem Waziri
Well, I think somethings are very very clear. Years ago some of us were approached to buy plots around Alhudahuda College in Zaria City. I can remember one particular case where an elder cousin was preparing to buy a plot there. Another elder cousin asked him, “Will you as a result of buying this plot become a management board member of Alhudahuda college?”. When he answered in the negative, the elder cousin advised that he must not buy it. That was how he jettisoned the idea of buying the plot.
This is to say that those who bought the plots belonging to Alhudahuda college actually knew they were being sold government properties without following due processes. In other words they knew quite well the transactions were very much illegal and yet they entered into them.
Even then the debate about the illegality of owning lands there has been on for the last one decade or more. It has been long enough to serve as a warning or awareness campaign for those who are living there illegally to seek for alternatives.
Justice means doing the right thing. In Islam it means taking something to or keeping it where it really belongs. If it is a case of capital punishment it says you should kill the perpetrator and no matter the extent of their wails after the verdict. Justice is not when pity is taken on a victim. I know this is hard for the affected in which case it could have been myself as I am sure it will come to me in the style of this government. But it is just so like that!
Yes it is said that justice should be tempered with mercy. But what kind of mercy that can exceed more than a decade discussion about the illegality of a transaction and allowing a space that all reparations can be made?
Malam Nasiru El-Rufa’i is right for the demolitions. Shehu Sani is very much less than right.
This is hard for me as well and seriously. I have friends and relatives who bought Alhudahuda lands and have their houses razed down now. I bear the burden for I have to readjust my budget and planning for the next six or more months. Yet Nasiru El-Rufa’i is so right.
“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah , witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah ; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.” Qur’an 5:8 – Ibraheem A. Waziri
Very apt and true. Saying and stating the facts the way they are. I think it’s time our people start calling a spade one even if it’s used to dig their trench.