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Though there was an initial report that armed robbers carted away some valuables and packed money, this was later debunked by the Presidency in what was dubbed a foolish attempt that was not successful. Successful or unsuccessful, there was a serious breach of security. Some also argued and continue to argue that the attack on the Chief of Staffs house was not an attack on Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja. The presidency claimed the house was located on a street next to the Presidential Villa. So what else? If a house on a street next to the Presidential Villa was attacked, my common sense tells me it is to spite the Villa—as a household and the head of the household.
What should be seen as a national tragedy was explained away as if all was well. We were told it is nothing to worry about. But our informed minds keep worrying us to worry. For presidential villas and their surroundings anywhere in the world are known to be highly fortified and impregnablebeyond the reach of foolish attempters and even the sane ones. If the burglars were foolish attempters, I think they should be in the mosquito nets by now as a confirmation of their foolishness. Pitifully, we have not heard any report of arrest. Do we say Nigerias boarders are porous? Isnt it high time we started asking which is more porous between Presidential Villa and Nigerias boarders? I hope and pray this does not become a debate topic in our secondary schools.
When her Excellency, Aisha Buhari, raised the alarm that the villa is not secure for her family, we thought she goofed. So she did not goof. She heard it, and knew it, and saw it and said itas it is. Thus, she scampered for her safety. Do we blame her? No! This is probably connected to the shooting event in the Presidential Villa—June last year. It is natural to feel insecure and it is wise to find a safe haven. The First Lady found that in Dubai.
Many Nigerians are also taking their leavea leave without payfrom their fatherland to foreign lands. Equipped with the age-long aphorism safety first, her Excellency left the shore of a country where she is the First Lady it is this bad. We thought, ab initio, that her decision was a power play. We thought it was politics. But now we know what she knew which we, excusably, did not know. Excusably because we are far away from the seat of power, its environs, and its politics.
Mrs. first lady, our ignorance is excusable; you should not blame us for it. Your Excellency, while you remain in your safe haven, do not forget the rest of us. Pray for our safety and for that of your husband (our President). We understand your condition, your situation, and your position. Many Nigerians would act similarly if they were in your shoes.
That reminds me of Princess Diana who once said I don’t want expensive gifts; I don’t want to be bought. I have everything I want. I just want someone to be there for me, to make me feel safe and secure. Your Excellency, I am not saying someone is not there to make you feel safe and secure. I only find the above quote apt.
When I first read about Aso Villa being invaded, I thought I was being April fooled. I know April fool is Haram in Islam. Meaning a Muslim does not fool others and does not allow himself to be fooled. “I cannot be susceptible to foolery”; I soliloquized. It was in the night. I wont believe this.
This newspaper must be one of the purveyors of fake news as many have already concluded. While in that state, I recalled we are in May, not April. April fool thesis is off point. The following day, the presidency set the record straight. It says; they were foolish buglers and it was an unsuccessful attempt”. The admission that there was attempt said it allno place is safe even Presidential Villa. And if you still think the Villa is safe, okay, the next street to it is not safe. In an earlier article, I wrote; If a community is not attacked, it is not because of governments presence; it is because Allah has diverted bandits attention from the community. The attack on the Chief of Staffs residence, may be it is located in the Presidential Villa or on the street next to it, only validates my position.
Shall we continue to live in fear? Many have answered yes. Thus, they are jetting out of the country, some are flying out, and many are riding out, running out, and walking out. Yet, there are those of us who are optimisticself imposed optimismthat we shall not continue to live in fear. We believe it shall be well. But the problem is this belief has no scientific basis. There seems to be no logical proof that it shall be well. Our adamant and blind optimism is premised on our unflinching trust in Allah.
Now lets turn to Islam. Does Islam approve running away from one’s country due to the challenge of insecurity? Yes, the action of those leaving the country is justifiable on the ground of insecurity. The Qur’an says, Indeed, those whom the angels take [in death] while wronging themselves—[the angels] will say, In what [condition] were you? They will say, We were oppressed in the land. They [the angels] will say, Was not the earth of Allah spacious [enough] for you to emigrate therein? For those, their refuge is Helland evil it is as a destination (Q4:97).
While this verse was revealed within the context of the Muslims who lived among the disbelievers and, thus, were unable to practice Islam, it is relevant in explaining a situation whereby life is becoming unbearable like the one we find ourselves. In this just concluded Ramadan, there were instances where Muslims were forced to break their fast, and prevented from fastingcourtesy of insecurity.
If the First Lady and other well-to-do Nigerians could jet out of the country because they have the means to do so, what is the fate of the weak onesthe masses? The Quran continues; Except for the oppressed among men, women, and children who cannot devise a plan nor are they directed to a way. For those it is expected that Allah will pardon them, and Allah is ever Pardoning and Forgiving” (Q4:98-99). Most Nigerians apparently fall into this category. They live at the mercy of bandits, kidnappers, terrorists, not because they are willing, but because they do not have the means to take the exit route.
Has the level of insecurity reached the state such that it becomes an obligation to migrate for those who have the means to do so? I doubt it has reached that level; and that means there is hope. Nevertheless, it is high time Islamic scholars reviewed the situation and gave appropriate fatwa on the propriety (or otherwise) of remaining in one’s country in the face of unabatedly rising insecurity in view of the above verses.
We use this occasion of Idul Fitr celebration to supplicate to Allah for safety and protection. Not only from the overwhelming insecurity but also from COVID 19 which is presently raging in India and other countries. O Allah, just have mercy on us. We cannot just withstand it. Meanwhile, lets all take precaution, it is not a joke. May Allah Protect Nigeria and all the righteous people all over the world.
Abdulkadir Salaudeen
salahuddeenabdulkadir@gmail.com
