Unequal Sympathy: Nigerians Prioritize Religion and Ethnicity, According to Shehu Sani

In a post on his official Twitter account, former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has criticized the unequal expressions of sympathy among Nigerians, arguing that religious and ethnic affiliations often influence public reactions to killings. According to a report by Daily Post Nigeria, Sani raised the concern, stating that his observations over the past 15 years have shown that many Nigerians consider victims’ religion and tribe before showing sympathy.

The senator’s assertions come amidst ongoing violence and killings across Nigeria, with religious and ethnic tensions being a significant factor in many of the incidents. It is unclear how widespread this phenomenon is, but Sani’s comments highlight the need for Nigerians to be more mindful of their responses and to show sympathy based on the humanity of the victims, rather than their religious or ethnic background.

According to the Daily Post Nigeria report, Sani stated, ‘Over the past 15 years, I have observed that Nigerians show unequal sympathy based on the religion and tribe of the victims. This is a dangerous trend that we must address if we are to build a more united and compassionate nation.’

The report did not mention any specific incidents that Sani was referring to, but his comments are likely to resonate with many Nigerians who have been affected by the ongoing violence. It is unclear whether other politicians or public figures have made similar observations, but Sani’s comments highlight the need for Nigerians to be more mindful of their responses and to show sympathy based on the humanity of the victims, rather than their religious or ethnic background.