TA-ANALYSIS: Nigerian Politicians Using Islamic Jihad to Gather Votes., page 1

Thousands flocked to the town of Sokoto in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Islamic holy war of Nigeria. The celebration was in remembrance of the 19th century Islamic scholar Usman dan Fodio, who conquered parts of West Africa and ruled northern Nigeria for one hundred years.

Islamic Jihad Yields to Nigerian Politics

Since the return of democracy to Nigeria in 1999, the northern ruling elite has become increasingly hostage to radical Islamic scholars such as Mabira, who attract thousands of faithful to their Friday sermons across the region.

Politicians introduced Muslim sharia law to the criminal courts across 12 northern states in 2000, and now push for more complete implementation of the code, including alms giving for the poor and stoning and amputation for adulterers and thieves.

Even some of those who support sharia privately feel that it is being used for the wrong reasons in Nigeria, where northern governors depend on religious leaders to deliver votes.

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The President Olusegun Obasanjo, a born again Christian, wore the costume of an emir and stated that only "infidels" would destroy a church or a mosque as he referenced a surge of violence which has occurred in the past two months where more than 1,000 Nigerians have been killed.

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[edit on 7-7-2004 by Muaddib]