THE SIDE OF THE STORY, THEY ARE NOT TELLING YOU by DR AB. ASINAMAI

Recently I noticed some online news debunking or rather trying to legitimize the unlawful demolition of our Churches in Maiduguri the Borno state capital. Both articles were published by Daily Nigeria, Daily Trust and Sahara reporters. Our agitations is beyond just the demolition of our Church and the Killing of our brother Mr. Ezekiel Bitrus Tumba.

What those social media paid mercenaries failed to understand or have intentionally ommited was that the Christians in Borno state have suffered years of marginalization from successive government. One of which is the suspension of issuance of Church building permit. The Christian community is growing and so their is need for expanding the existing buildings or build new once to cater for the growing church members.

One truth that we may find it difficult to swallow is that not all mosque in Maiduguri have building permits ( I stand to be corrected). A number of which are built with tax payers money. That alone is an anomaly in itself. Almost all the churches that re currently standing in Maiduguri are built by the Christian community without single contribution from the state government. The exceptions are the few (about 8) that reconstructed by the Borno state Government after it was burnt down by Boko Haram Terrorist.

Another argument going about is that the said Church was demolished because it is blocking water ways, while others are saying the church was built on a land with permits for residential purpose only. The question now is, how and where does the Government expect the Christian community to build her churches since they have stopped the issuance of permits for building of churches? We re not asking for money to build our places of worship, just give us land permits, we will buy the lands and build our Churches, it is as simple as that.

This is also not a favor done to us, but our inalienable rights to freedom of religion and belief which was trampled upon by the state governments. What I find so nauseating about the whole issue, is the fact that the same oppressors cannot stomach half of the impunity meted out against the Christian community in Borno state, yet they l re quick to justify this unjust acts, because it suits their narrative. It is a well know fact that both Christianity and Islam preached Justice and Fairness to all. In fact, in Islam, the Prophet, Peace Be Unto Him says " Killing one person is synonymous to Killing humanity"(sic). If that is the case, where are we getting our own brand of religion that encourage hatred?.

Finally, today is one week after Engr. Adam Bukar Bababe supervised with impunity the demolition of EYN Church LCB Maduganari that led to the death of our brother Ezekiel Bitrus Tumba. Ordinarily, in saner climes he would have resigned his position and submit himself to the authorities for investigation. But, this is Nigeria, anything goes.

The Government of Prof. Engr. Babagana Umara Zulum have clearly shown the Christian community that he is not the Governor of the entire state as stated in his inaugural speech. We re working to get justice and God's willing we will emerge victoriously. We will continue to be law abiding and also contribute our quota to the development of the state. Our resolve to peaceful co-existence should not be taken for cowardice.

Shalom

#justice4ezekiel

#christianplaceofworshipmatterinmaiduguri

#christianlifematterinmaiduguri

AB Asinamai

BCRSG