Can Nigeria be Islamized?

Buhari

A major issue plaguing a nation that should be not just theoretically great, Nigeria, is the issue of if it can be Islamized or not.

Seen as a great nation because of its vast human and natural resources that continue to bring it international recognition, sadly, its greatness can be said to be on paper, just theory for now because all the reports by relevant world bodies say it’s still a developing nation with the majority of its people living on less than a dollar a day.

One of its major problems which it’s yet to address is religion. It practices three main religions - Christianity, Islam, traditional - which are also divided into many sub-religions.

The officially recognized religions however are Christianity and Islam and there’s a power play between them to be the dominant one and their tussle is affecting the country negatively and thereby stifling its progress.

Somehow, there’s been a sort of balance between both for many years but in recent time, specifically after Muhammadu Buhari became President in 2015 and got reelected for a second four-year term in 2019, the religious problem has become worse with fingers pointed at Buhari consistently that he has an agenda to Islamize the country.

This accusation has been defended vehemently by his administration and with his Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, who’s also a Christian cleric being one of the defending voices, the denial has been able to hold water.

But the insinuations persist and it’s one of the recurring topics among Nigerians when discussing about their country.

Many of them, Christians and Muslims alike, believe Nigeria can never be Islamized. They just believe it can’t be without really advancing any practical reasons except emotional ones which don’t matter.

The hard reality is different, though.

For anyone who believes Nigeria can’t be Islamized, the person should have a rethink this minute as with a good plan, the country can indeed be Islamized, after all change is the only constant thing in life.