By Mohammed Lawal
Zaria (Kaduna State) – The Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Justice Ishaq Bello, on Monday cautioned Nigerians against imbibing western culture and ideals, saying that the idea was inimical to national growth and development.
Bello, who is also a traditional title holder of “Kuliyan Zazzau”, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Zaria, Kaduna State.
He said the caution became necessary in view of the fact that some people considered western ideals as a yardstick for civilisation.
“We should be careful the way we embrace foreign ideals or certain practices which we consider to be the yardstick of assessing whether one is civilised or not.
“We tend to discard our own sound, positive and rich culture; ours are customary and traditional practices worthy of emulation.
“We tend to lean toward the so-called western civilisation which is not built based on religious or moral ground, at the end of the day, we’ll find ourselves worse off,” he said.
Bello observed that after people discarded their culture, they would not be able to perfect themselves on the other line where they were leaning to, thereby finding themselves at loss at the end of the day.
“We must continue to observe and appreciate our own tradition that teaches us to extend hands of fellowship to our fellow brothers and be our brother’s keepers.
“Unlike the western culture which emphasises individualism, this is so visible in our society today where everybody is on his own.”
On the recent Sallah celebration in Zazzau Emirate, the Kuliyan Zazzau expressed satisfaction that it was celebrated ‘’peacefully, joyfully and colourfully.’’
Bello, who thanked God for sparing the life of the people of the emirate to witness the celebration, Bello them to sustain the prevailing peace, unity and harmonious relationship in the area.
“Zaria emirate has always been in the forefront of taking measures toward uniting the people of the area and Nigeria by extension.
“Whether you are an indigene or somebody that came from somewhere else, no difference, we embrace and treat people equally.
“If you have been observing the various speeches of the Emir, Alhaji Shehu Idris, any time the occasion demands, he always emphasise unity, peaceful coexistence and love for one another.”
He said the prevailing unity in Zaria made it a unique centre and home to all , irrespective of tribe, religious and sentimental differences.
The FCT Chief Judge advised Nigerians to avoid hate speeches and provocative words against one another and promote mutual trust as well as understanding for national growth and development. (NAN)
