RASTAFARIAN: HOW I SMOKE MARIJUANA TO COMMUNE WITH MY INNER SELF AND GOD
“It’s illegal to possess or use cannabis in Nigeria, in accordance with the Dangerous Drugs Act. This law specifically lists ‘Indian Hemp’ as a dangerous drug, stating that the term refers to “any plant or part of a plant of the genus cannabis”.
The Indian Hemp Act further clarifies the situation – stating that possession of the substance is an offence, which can be punished with “imprisonment for a term of not less than four years”. However, if the offender is seventeen or under, the sentence is adjusted to 21 strokes of the cane, plus two years in a borstal or similar institution, or a fine of N200.
Individuals can also be prosecuted for possessing equipment associated with the usage of cannabis (for example, a smoking pipe). If caught, they could be given a prison sentence of not less than five years.
In reality, however, cases of possession and use rarely make it to court, due to widespread corruption. In fact, despite the harshness of the law, use of cannabis is common. A report in The Telegraph found that the country ranked third in the world in terms of numbers of people who consume it.
This is according to SENSI SEED PUBLICATION”.
However, the case in point, is about the Rastafarians and their belief system.
Ras Judah Shekari, a Nigerian who hail from Kaduna state, is a Rastafarian and a General overseer of ‘THE 12 TRIBES OF ISRAEL’ located in Mpape by Maitama District extension, Abuja.
According to him, ‘the 12 tribes of Israel’ was established in 2006, in rainbow garden in the Nation’s capital by a Foreigner called Original Ras kobi.”That was where I was given the Mantle of leadership; to overseer the activities of the 12 tribes of Israel” in the whole Nigeria”. He said.
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Shekari further said, when he was appointed as the General overseer of the 12 tribes of Israel,the foreigner offered me some symbols of authority like the Kings James version of Bible and Metaphysical Bible dictionary; “I was also offered three flags bearing the conquering lion of judah.” he explained.
Additionally, Ras said, any one who aspires to becoming a Rastafarian,should do so with the intent of making the Bible his or her companion and also work in harmony with nature or all creatures. He further said ” one must be ready to free himself from European ideology and also free people around you.”
He however argued that, Rastafari is a religion or the way of life of black race while Christianity is European religion and Islam is for Arab.
However, the only race that sticks to their original religion is Rastafarian who regards Haile Selassi as their “god”.
He added that , the reason why Rastafarian smoke marijuana, is to connect with their inner self and Creator (Jah) .
Judah claims that it is stated in the Bible that ” God have blessed every herb” therefore, any committed Rastafarian should be able to enjoy (marijuana)that which God have blessed and keep his dreadlocks. he said.
Neptune Prime sought to know if any law enforcement agencies are aware of his activities in the 12 tribes of Israel. And he said, ” first to start with; Ambassadors have visited here and some school children have visited for excursion. Now to answer your question, police, soldiers have arrested me several times but for the past five years they have stopped.” Judah added that, “anytime I want to commune with my inner self and god,I smoke marijuana”.He said.
According to Mr Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy of National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA ), said ,” Marijuana, better known as Cannabis Sativa is a psychotropic plant abused by 10.6 million Nigerians, as such remains a banned substance under the law in Nigeria because of it’s established adverse effect on human health.
“The law as it is today does not recognize any link between substance and any religion”. He explained.
