Sometimes a set of different things might exist for a long time with people living with them ‘normally’. But then these things combine together in a way that shocks those same people

I think this Pantami situation is an example of that

Extremist clerics and preachers have always been part of the very complicated tapestry that is Nigeria. They do their thing publicly using various mediums. Incendiary preaching can be found all across the country on tape, on video, on paper

Politicians have also always had a relationship with extremists, depending on their religion or taste. They socialise with them, seek their approval and even shower them with patronage. Again, all of this is done publicly.

But that ‘division of labour’ has always been there. The politicians are the politicians and the extremists are the extremists. You know the politician who visits the shrine for political success. You know the ‘priest’ he visits. But they’re never the same person

You know the politician who has a coterie of marabouts who arrange ‘prayers’ of success and healing for him. The marabouts are known. You know the pastors they go to for prayers and the crazy things those pastors preach. But you can tell them apart

With Pantami, we are in uncharted territory where the extremist is the politician and the politician is the extremist.

And no matter what other contradictions and complexities may exist in Nigeria, that is a step too far.