HARD VIEW: Unsuitable Celebration By Hannatu Musawa

Hannatu Musawa
Columnist: 
Hannatu Musawa

The helicopter crash this past weekend that claimed the lives of Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State, the immediate past national security adviser, Gen. Owoye Azazi, and four others was truly a tragedy. It was a tragedy, not only for the obvious reasons that people had died or that it was further confirmation that the Nigerian aviation industry has totally collapsed and does not meet even the most basic standard. What added more to the tragedy were some of the reactions and responses expressed by Nigerians. Although the reactions from the social networks, commentators and several public voices in and out of Nigeria were mixed with many lamenting the unfortunate deaths, one couldn’t help but mention the inappropriate celebrations which were predominantly based along, ethnic, religious, political and ‘a general disdain towards anything and anyone that is part of government’ lines.

Now, I dislike the ethnic and religious politics that many of our present office holders play, the misuse of position by our politicians when they pull stunts such as using Military Helicopters to shuttle themselves for private purposes, the sycophancy of flood-condolences of anyone or anything associated with government, the corruption, the stealing, the misrule, the selfishness of leaders just as much as the next person. However, reveling in the fact that a person has died, even if one did consider them an enemy, seems not only vile and disturbing but also duplicitous and distinctly in-humane. No matter what the situation, no matter whom the person, the death of another human being should inspire contemplation and reflection, not celebration and sneer.

This incident is not the first to expose such a disgraceful display of sadism. When the late President Yaradu’a died, some Nigerians rejoiced at his passing for ethnic, religious and political reasons. Even recently, when the Taraba State Governor, Mr. Danbaba Suntai, escaped death after a plane he was flying crashed in Yola, and when the mother of the Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was kidnapped, people used the opportunity to taunt their distress and celebrate their suffering.

In truth, the celebrations undoubtedly confirm the negative prejudices about us and the subtle reality about what we have become as a people. It perpetuates the stereotype of Nigerians as unfeeling, wicked, cruel and inconsiderate. Celebrating the death of a person because they were a part of government or reveling in the fact that someone associated with government has been kidnapped does absolutely nothing to progress us as a people.

I understand the intense suffering, emotion and anxiety that go into being a Nigerian within the backdrop of the crippling and frustrating atmosphere that we exist in, but nonetheless, it seems wildly inappropriate to celebrate a person’s sorrow, agony and especially death. Yes our leaders have shortcomings and have cheated and are continuing to cheat us beyond belief, but celebrating the death or misery of anyone purely because they were or are part of government or because they are of a different tribe or religion is just senseless, primitive and shallow-minded. As a Muslim, who is fully submitted to the teachings of the Quran, I know that it is forbidden in Islam to speak ill of the dead or offend the living relatives of the dead no matter how acrimonious the relationship was. And as a person who has fully read the Bible, a line from Proverbs 24:17 also comes to mind in this respect; “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles.” Therefore none of us, Muslims or Christians, based on our religious doctrine have a carte blanche to celebrate the death of a fellow human being.

No matter how anyone feels about the men we lost last week, the fact of the matter is they are dead and their reckoning has started. They have passed on to a place where each and every one of us is destined to go someday. Instead of focusing on the shortcomings of those that have already passed to the extent where their deaths are being celebrated, our time may be best spent by removing our blinders and whole-heartedly looking inward, examining ourselves to see whether we represent what we want Nigeria to be. To see whether each of us is so different from those we abhor so much. It would go without saying that anyone who has the heart to celebrate the death of another has the incapacity to operate at the standard we are holding our leaders to and they may even have a higher likelihood of taking a life if given the opportunity. As they say, we each have a choice to be the change we want to see in the world. One must always keep these issues in mind and keep in mind that, behind every death there are hordes of people; wives, children, friends and neighbors who are in pain at the loss of their loved ones. President Yaradua, Governor Yakowa, General Azazi and the many other government officials we have lost are no different.

Of course, lessons must be drawn from this Helicopter crash and other tragedies and the behavior of our leaders which has reduced our society to such a low where we are so indifferent and stony to their personal plights must be addressed. But there is a time and a place for everything. Now is a time to allow the families of the men that were lost to mourn. It is a time for us to show our humanity as a people and not celebrate another’s death.

I send my best wishes and condolence to all the friends and families of those that passed. Their death, as the death of anyone, greatly saddened me. But more than anything, maybe because Kaduna is my home, I was incredibly moved by the death of the late Governor of Kaduna State, Ibrahim Patrick Yakowa. I never knew, saw or met Governor Yakowa but from all the personal and official accounts one has come to learn of him, as the first person from Southern Kaduna and first Christian to govern Kaduna State, he proved himself to be a detribalized, fair and humble person with a towering spirit. From most accounts that I have come across, he was a kind and gentle man, with a lively mind, who will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by the vast majority of the populace in Kaduna. He was known to be a person with a profound commitment to creating a humane society and was fair in balancing the trials that continue to plague Kaduna. In such a State which is deeply challenged by sectarian and ethnic dichotomy and violence, his example of impartiality under adverse conditions must serve as a source of inspiration for other leaders and for young people. He will be warmly remembered for the grace and dignity with which he officiated at the helm of the state he governed. He leaves a powerful legacy of commitment to a humane society, and social action towards this end.

No matter our challenges or differences in this country, we must learn to believe in peace and human dignity again. We must stand as a collective to make those who endeavor to plant bombs in peoples sacred sanctuaries, those who kidnap, abduct and murder others for financial gain and those who dance the ‘Gangnam dance’ when someone dies a vanishing minority.
There is a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr which effectively sums up the status quo: “Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”

- Hannatu Musawa
I invite you to follow me on Twitter @hanneymusawa

 

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Where our current Politicians are headed

They have passed on to a place where each and every one of us is destined to go someday.

HANNATU I'M SORRY TO DISAPPOINT YOU I AM NOT GOING TO HELL

SADISTIC DEHUMANISATION

Years of ineptitude and sadistic rape of the economy by the political genre has desensitized and hardened the soul of the masses to the current plight of their abusers.
The word on the street is that if these men engage in acts tantamount to abuse of power and misuse of national facilities and they lose their lives in the process why should the masses sympathize.
Recent incidents and reactions should serve as an aid to measuring the public mood to excesses on men and women we elected to represent our interest and their betrayal of our trusts. They engage in filling their own pockets out of the nations coffers.
As far as Nigeria is concerned the only tears i have left to shed is for my poor aged Mother when she passes to the great beyond.No nigerian politician deserve my tears.

Hannatu, Write on how to compensate refugees displaced from nort

Hannatu, if you are an honest writer, mum or mum-to-be, one had since expected you to write on the plight of hundreds of thousands of refugees displaced by Boko Haram in the north. Most of those refugees have been languishing down south since they abandoned their businesses in the north. Is it not time good people in Nigeria started to write about how to have Nigeria's government compensate the dead and surviving victims of Boko Haram violence?

re. Deri

i think deri, ur conversation is out of point, you also seems to be sentimental on issues.

Hmm...

There is something u people hav to understand and put in 1 part of your minds.
God is so wonderful dat he created us as our fingers. Some tall while some short, some fair in complexion while some dark, some Orobo while some lekpa, some beautiful(handsome) while some ugly, some good n nice while some are naturally bad, etc. These make 1 knows that God created us in this world most especially Nigeria out of his wisdom just to know &understand each other better.
So, Hannatu u dont expect everyone to appreciate your doing, but dat was a good and inspiring article. If everyone in Nigeria thinks the way u do, then Nigeria and the world at large will be a better place. Keep up the good work, it definatly make positive impacts.
Yes! Nigeria has gotten to a certain extent that just a few knows dat everyone is surviving for the fittest.
But i still beliefs that Nigeria will one day live to our positive realities & expectations depite all the bad norms.

Unsuitable celebration

Hannatu well done. I hope those that preach hatred and intolerance in their religious preachings should read this your article.

Unsuitable celebration

Hannatu well done. I hope those that preach hatred and intolerance in their religious preachings should read this your article.

hannatu dont forget the body bags from d boko haramic north

The most troubling thing about these hannatu of a woman is that, when boko haram throws their rusty bombs into churches to kill Christians, we hardly hear the voice of buhari and hannatu cry out against such satanic acts-But as soon as the body bags of the 9jas murdered by Boko haram in the fulani North are lowered into their graves, the hannatus are hired to design new coffins for their next victim. The article is today calling on us to forget the crimes committed against the real indigenes of the North, and for us to move on with our miserable lives! Even in Rwanda those who committed crimes against humanity are still being hunted, arrested and punished daily in that country-who was held responsible for the murder of abiola, Pa Rewane, Bola Ige and co-9jas don't give a damn about the dead- provided d oily revenue from d SS, flows into their unproductive state leaders pocket in d fulani north-life goes on 4 d hannatus working in the vine-yard of d buharis!

Injustice Of Nigerian Leaders

Injustice, Corruption And Maladministration of Nigerian Leaders is the main Causes of All what You had mention & for me I can happy when All Nigerian Politician & leaders Dead Today from A to Z I hope that helicopter is Included All Nigerian Leaders e.g. Shema of My Katsina state and the like Of Sule Lamido, Ebele Jonathan, Sambo Namadi ETC Since mine Is not Ethnic,Religious Or what ever You call it, Mine is For the love of Nigeria & its Innocent citizen whose are not leaving Standard due to the Bad leadership. And Let me use this Opportunity to Tell my Dream which is always Telling me THERE IS END OF THIS INJUSTICE & IS ON THE CORNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"I understand the intense

"I understand the intense suffering, emotion and anxiety that go into being a Nigerian within the backdrop of the crippling and frustrating atmosphere that we exist in"

No, Hannatu. you dont understand the intense suffering of the average Nigerian. You were born into privilege because your father was a top ranking politician in the 2nd republic. Thats why you were sent abroad to study.

--You can never know the anguish of a father that cannot afford to educate his children, while he hears billions budgeted for education
--You can never understand the trauma of a mother whose infant is about to die from malaria because she cannot afford the N 5000 deposit demanded by the hospital before her child can see a doctor.

-- We understand you trying to identify with the masses, but know that you ca never know what it means to be an ordinary Nigerin.

UNSUITABLE CELEBRATION

Well written piece there! But the fact remains that the unfortunate heartless attitude of Nigerians in recent time is a reflection of depravity engendered by our so called leaders who rule the country so heartlessly. A case of one bad turn deserves another.

the massage

it is the massage that is important not the person that sent the massage pls hanny keep it up

The venom and complete moral depravity...(i)

...to every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. affliction does not rise from the dust...nothing happens in a vacuum... it is said. your concern is genuine and of great concern surely! that said, the venom and moral depravity is directly related to leadership and good governance. in business school, they teach about corporate culture been a reflection of the CEO's perceived character and leadership style. when a people have been shamelessly fleeced, robbed, deprived of basic education and health care, kids go hungry, bad roads (and the trend for the rich is to bypass by flying in the air), no moral institutions, and

The venom and complete moral depravity...(ii)

the people are treated with total and complete reckless abandon, you get venom and complete moral depravity...an equal reaction to what is been metted out to them. the apple don't fall too far from the tree. this wallowing in decadence is the seed they planted. atleast we have not come close to the french and bolshevic revolutions...the fruit is not as ripe yet but the soil is fertile and the sun still shines. TO HELL WITH RELIGION AND POLITICS, tribalism, sectionalism, nepotism and all the other -isms

God Bless Nigeria

GOD Bless u Hannatu. May God Almighty restore our conscience and bless our dear country Nigeria.

OH BELOVED EDUCATION

Each time Hannatu writes, I wish the Northerners can see the level of injustice done to their female children who they deny education. A sound mind is a liberated being. Education emancipates your body, mind and soul, gives you self respect and equips you with the vital tool for survival. Hausa/Fulani, come out of the shackles of religion and let your girl child be part of the emerging world.

Hanney u tought right about

Hanney u tought right about most nigerians mindset. Unfortunately it will change little or nothing. Only God will make a complete turnaround in a country like ours. Keep it up my sister

Thank you Hannatu. To hell

Thank you Hannatu. To hell with religion, tribalism, sectionalism and politics the Nigerian style. May the souls of the deceased rest in peace, amen.

Great article Hannatu

Hannatu is absolutely right. Those who feel, let alone express any enjoyment out of the misfortune or suffering of others, are by far worse than those that they feel that way about and are people capable of committing far worse given the opportunity. Even if we don’t feel personally for Yakowa, Azazi and others that perish in the crash, their loved ones, friends and associates that care for them deserve our sympathy and respect. The venom and complete moral depravity I read about, scares me to no end, it is a direct indication of the type of people most of us are, but hopefully with people like Hannatu and others, we will raise the moral and humanity level so wanting amongst Nigerians.

Respect Nigerian Women--------

ARE YOU PROUD OF YOURSELF AFTER THIS COMMENT? I AM NOT EVEN MUSLIM BUT CONSIDER YOUR COMMENT CHEEKY AND PERVY - GIVE A SISTER A BREAK

HABA MALLAM ????

A RE-THINK (cont'd)

Almost all Western countries are spitting us out, it's happening in Greece, UK etc therefore Nigeria has become our last hope and we must make it workable - do not console yourself that you have a Britico or yankee passport, when you look at the mirror, your true I.D is the color of your skin and no matter how you live right, pay your taxes or spend thousands of dollars / pounds in their stores, they still call you filth and harass you to go back home directly or indirectly. Wise up my people, let's stop bad mouthing one another instead compliment those who exhibit commendable positive talents and are making a difference. I know beyond all reasonable doubt that what a man sows he shall surely reap - every Leader is accountable to his deeds in office before the Great Throne.....

A RE-THINK (cont'd)

3. My good people, the process to healing our Great land lies first in PATRIOTISM -the average Nigerian has lost hope and faith in our fatherland(look around you, not that you'd blame them). However, the sacrifice of our leaders past and the future of our children should be our driving force to Believe and Dream again. This is what makes America thick ! We are the Government and where our leaders have failed woefully, I dare say we must bridge the gap less we continue to be a laughing stock to the West. Only Nigerians can solve the problems of Nigeria - there is nowhere to run.

A RE-THINK (cont'd)

No doubt, make the right noise to address Government issues which are clearly visible but allow God who is the ONLY one who plants a leader on the seat of power to judge by Himself. Don't give yourself a splitting headache as to how s-l-o-w His process is to bring them to justice in the prevalent corrupt and decaying dispensation; simply focus your eyes on Him.

A RE-THINK

I have come to some conclusions and realities of life:

1. Death is inevitable whether you are rich ,poor, Muslim, pagan, atheist or christian. Am actually very comfortable with that reality cause no matter how you gather, just keep on gathering and someday perhaps without notice, you MUST leave all behind. Sooner or later death is that journey you and I Must embark on therefore it is pointless rejoicing over a man's death for whatever reason.
2. For crying out loud, be a solution to the problems around you, we have become a very selfish, self loving people. You there, when last did you share some of what you have in your store room with the immediate poor around you? - just at that level where you are nothing is too small in impacting the lives of fellow citizens - in fact, if we come together we can work better.

@Prophet Ezekiel @Sultanofsokoto @ HANNY BABY.

1. WHICH WAN PROPHET DEY? NA THE ARTICLE YOU LIKE, ABI NA HANATU? I NO TRUST YOU FROM HERE TO THERE O.
2. SULTAN, I LIKE YOUR COURAGE. LETS CALL A SPADE A SPADE. DAT IS THE WAY FORWARD. period.
3. HANNEY/HONEY MY DEAR, YOU BE D ORIGINAL PT (prick teaser). YOU GET HIDDEN AGENDA. DIS WAN WEY YOU DEY CHANGE FOTO EVERYDAY? YOU GO SOON DEY WRITE FOR PLAYBOY MARGAZINE KE...BCOS DIS WHOLE TIN NA NONSENSE DISTRACTION FOR YOUR RED-BLOODED READERS. SEE HOW YOU COME TAKE HAMMER PROPHET EZEKIEL, A WHOLE MAN OF GOD. EE NO GOOD O...WALAHI.

Hannatu musawa, may God

Hannatu musawa, may God increase ur knowledge 2ward peace awareness so many of our people wil come 2 knw dat, dead pple hav nothin in common wit d living. Wateva we say abt d dead ones, dey hav gon, dey hav gon n there is no two ways abt it. . . . Tanx!.

comment

i actually commend u musawa 4 sayin the tru,we really lost a great hero in kaduna,AREWA and nigeria as a whole.he is a great man that stat buildin a bridge that wil c us thru,in this country.we miss u.i thank u hannatu 4 ur write-up kip it up

D fulani Maharajas have

D fulani Maharajas have started again! The crash of the chopper has nothing to do with the nations aviation industry! Neither has it any links with the number of usage! The entire incident concerning the death of Azazi and Yakowa shows the type of stuff the real Northerners, NUPES, TIVS, GWARIS just name dem are made of-I am not talking about the Fulani ethnic group which Hannatu hails from. Or those who control Jonah at night from Sokwato-doing all within their reach to bring him down! The SS supported the Fulani North for over 44 years. Now that its their turn to reciprocate the gesture, they have decided to unleash the wrath of BH on us via our air space in d SS! Time 4 us to split. For we cannot as a nation founded in the bed-room of Lord Lugard, ever respect each others views-while under the same roof for another 50yrs. Azazi was removed because the fulani North said they will not have a southerner as a NSA-So he had to go! Why cry over a spilled milk then?

May their soul rest in

May their soul rest in peace.By God grace we shall overcome all evil inside?

HARD VIEW: Unsuitable Celebration By Hannatu Musawa

God bless Hanatu

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