The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and former Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi is undoubtedly one of the most respectable intellectuals from Nigeria whose new book, ‘For The Good of The Nation: Essays and Perspectives’ is a potential catalyst for creative arguments, says Yinka Olatunbosun
This is not a kind of book you want to read in a hurry. Although the prints are very legible, the worldview that created every article is a potpourri of Islamic ideology, western philosophy, global politics and other cultural leanings that manage to defy a category. Surprisingly tilted towards being a near-academic writing, with credit to his two-year stint as a graduate assistant at the Department of Economics, Ahmadu Bello University, Sanusi’s book is multi-dimensional in its analysis of issues. It’s also safe to say that the concern of the writer seems to be targeted at making the reader develop an open mind towards understanding certain fundamental truths about the Nigerian state and how religion plays a very instrumental role in the scheme of things.
A critical reader of the book may have been given a soft landing with its introduction written by the patriotic Nigerian-Canadian Professor, writer and satirist, Pius Adesanmi who wrote his contribution before his death in 2019. The foreword, written by one of the most controversial figures in Nigerian politics, Nasir El-Rufai is a foregleam of the framework within which the writer created each piece-some of which were originally published in Weekly Trust around a very turbulent moment in Nigeria’s political history. The annulment of June 12 elections caused deep-seated rivalry between the Northern and Southern Nigeria whilst the nation was heading towards restoring democratic rule. The elections were held and President Olusegun Obasanjo became the President. It was during this period that Sani Yerima declared full implementation of Shariah in Zamfara state which sparked heated debate in the polity. That action largely accounts to why many Southerners believe that Northerners are to blame to the regressive laws that govern certain parts of the country.
What Sanusi did was to compile all his publications of this period, albeit his views have evolved between then and now. Certainly, his views on Islamic facts will be a constant because he wrote passionately and from a place of sound knowledge of the Quran which also hinges on his study of Islamic jurisprudence. In the book, he examines the negative stereotypes and misrepresentation of the Islamic North while exploring the possibilities of mutual understanding between the group and the Christian South.
Sanusi believes that the tragedy of Nigeria lies in its lack of nationalist and visionary leadership. He maintained that no nation can be built on the platform of inequity, intolerance and selfishness. For him, the murky waters of politics in Nigeria cannot be cleansed by only self-righteous indignation but by active involvement in politics to ensure the triumph of good over evil.
While making a case for Shari’ah law, he posits that the law creates an environment that is conducive to all Muslims who wish to live according to their faith to do so without temptation, distraction or trepidation. He cited several examples to buttress this point of view which is quite unpopular in the Southern part of Nigeria. For him, it is only criminals who should live in fear of the law not law-abiding citizens. Other arguments against the law includes the allegation that it infringes on the rights of others. That is why most of the arguments raised in the book are subject to dialogue and debate to broaden perspectives on both sides of the discourse.
It is critical to note too that Sanusi explores the impact of Marxist philosophy on Islam citing the example of Ali Shari’ahti. He regarded it as a progressive ideology aimed at not just imposing morals and laws but actualizing Islam’s objective of establishing justice and equity in human relationships. However, his position on feminism is not very clear but he acknowledged that many nations had prospered under female leadership. His love for humanity is unmistakable throughout his writings as he repeatedly made reference to poverty, oppression and the general welfare of the people- the latter he considers as sacrosanct if any law in Nigeria will serve its purpose.
