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Tag: JNI

  • JNI, Umar deny collecting bribe, contract from Jonathan

    JNI, Umar deny collecting bribe, contract from Jonathan

    Apex Islamic body in the North Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) yesterday denied speculation that the religious body received N12 billion from President Goodluck Jonathan.

    Also, former Kaduna State Military Governor, Col. Abubakar Dangiwa Umar, said he never collected any oil contract from the President.

    JNI, in a statement by its Secretary General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, in Kaduna yesterday, said nothing of such happened and nobody and or any party gave them any money.

    The organisation said it had no political romance with the government before and during the elections.

    It said: “The attention of JNI National Headquarters had been drawn to a purported news item/article by Obinna Akukwe, which went virile in the social media and other electronic media platforms, alleging that JNI received N12 billion from the President. The most unfortunate part of the article was its deliberate scantiness in the paragraph JNI featured, details were not provided, whereas to some extent, nitty-gritty were provided for the other stated organisations.

    “JNI is, therefore, worried over the scandalous allegation, and considering the various concerns raised by well-meaning individuals, as a result of the weightiness of the allegation, we wish to place on record and for posterity that such never occurred.

    “We don’t really understand the ill motives of those behind the release. Or is it because some other faith(s) are said to have collected the Presidential largesse? Hence, Muslims most be asserted to have collected same? Why do they want to discredit and smear the JNI at all cost? Why is the allegation coming now, despite knowing that the JNI never had any political romance with the government before and or during the elections? What really is the mischievous intent of writing and releasing the article?

    “It is our firm belief that the purported write up was orchestrated to smear the name of Islam and Muslims, who suffered undue discrimination and deliberate marginalisation under the government, and to cause bad feelings among the Ummah.”

    But, Umar, in a statement, said his friendship with Jonathan was without material favour.

    He condemned those defecting en masse from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Such defectors, the former military governor said, could renounce God if they had the opportunity.

    The ex-governor opened up following controversy on his decision to stick to Jonathan during electioneering.

    He said he would remain steadfast in his relationship in or out of office.

    The statement said: “Come May 29, 2015, President Jonathan will hand over power to the winner of the March 28, 2015 presidential election, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

    “With this seeming loss of political power, he will also lose a large retinue of friends and loyalists; people who would swear by his name a couple of weeks ago.

    “The President, like most of his predecessors, will suffer the pain of betrayal.

    “I, however, assure him that there are still genuine friends who will be by him through life’s challenges out of power.”

    He added: “I also wish to advise him to ignore the treacherous actions of those opportunists, who are defecting from his party, the PDP, to APC at this late hour.

    “These are people who will not hesitate to renounce God in their pursuit of ephemeral worldly power. “

    Umar denied securing oil contract or gaining any material benefit from Jonathan as a friend.

  • We won’t accept ban on hijab, says JNI

    The Ja’amatu Nasril Islam (JNI) has said it will not accept the banning of hijab use by Muslim women.

    JNI Secretary-General Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu spoke yesterday in Kaduna at the inauguration of the secretariat of the Kaduna State chapter of the Council for Imams and Ulamas.

    He said the fact that some women, who wore hijab, were connected with bombings, did not mean that everybody wearing hijab is a potential bomber.

    Aliyu said security agencies should investigate if women wearing hijab to perpetrate evil are Muslims, and if they are, what is their motive.

    His words: “We Muslims are concerned about insecurity. Our brothers and sisters are being killed daily in the Northeast and other parts of the country. Today, Gwoza and Damboa are no more in existence, as they have been overrun by insurgents who are still advancing to take over other towns. This is what

    should be government’s concern and not the banning of hijab.”

    The Chairman of the Council of Imams and Ulama in Kaduna State, Sheikh Abubakar Usman Baban-Tune, urged the Federal Government to protect the lives and property of Nigerians.

    He said: “No reasonable government will keep quiet over the killings of its citizens.”

    Baban-Tune enjoined politicians to be patriotic and God-fearing to ensure a society free from unethical conduct.

    The Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Religious Affairs, Islamic Matters, Alhaji Abdurahman Mamoud, said Kaduna State government is working to ensure a peaceful coexistence among ethnic and religious groups.

    He assured that the government would not ban hijab, although some groups clamoured for it.

  • Don’t ban use of hijab – JNI

    Don’t ban use of hijab – JNI

    The Ja’amatu Nasril Islam (JNI) on Wednesday said it will reject any move to ban the use of hijab by Muslim women in Nigeria.

    The Secretary-General of JNI, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, said this at the official commissioning of the Secretariat of Kaduna State Chapter of Council for Imams and Ulamas in Kaduna.

    Aliyu said the fact that some women using hijab have been connected to bombings does not mean that everybody with hijab is a potential bomber.

    He added that it is the duty of security agencies to find out if those female bombers are actually Muslims.

    “We as Muslims are concerned with the security challenges in the country. Our brothers and sisters are being massacred on daily basis in the North-East and some other parts of the country. Today, Gwoza and Damboa are no more in existence as it has been overrun by insurgents who are still advancing to take other towns. This is what should be government’s priority and they should not think of banning hijab. “

    The Chairman Council of Imams and Ulama, Kaduna State, Sheikh Abubakar Usman Baban-Tune, called on the Federal Government to rise to its responsibility of providing adequate security to lives and property of Nigerians.

    According to him, “No reasonable government will in any way accept the level of killings and anarchy among its citizens.

     

  • Nigeria turning into theatre of bloodshed – JNI

    The apex Islamic body in Northern Nigeria, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has condemned the explosions that killed scores in Kaduna on Wednesday, lamenting that Nigeria is becoming a theatre of bloodshed.

    In a statement issued by its Secretary General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, JNI said, “We are dazzled over the news of the explosions in Kaduna City, which killed many innocent Muslims in a Tafseer closing session of Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, held at Murtala Muhammad Square, Kaduna and within a short while another blast was said to have rocked Kawo in the city.

    “We therefore, condemn in the strongest term these repeated acts of terror being unleashed on the Muslims, in this blessed month of Ramadan.

    “JNI equally sympathizes with all the affected victims and also consoles with the families of those who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident. May Aljannatul Firdaus be the abode of all the deceased, Amin.

    “As usual, JNI calls on all authorities concerned to be more committed to their responsibilities of protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians as no development can be achieved in a situation of fear, insecurity and chaos.

    “All hands must be on deck to stop these perpetual massacres of lives and properties, as Nigeria is becoming a theatre of lost of blood for no just cause, which must be stopped.

    “Muslims should utilise the remaining days of Ramadan to complain to Allah, The Most Merciful, through vigorous supplications for relief, succour and ease against the evil masterminds of the nagging insecurity bedeviling our country.

    “May Allah, the All-Mighty, The Compeller, The Supreme, and The All-Knowing, bring an end to this nagging evil, disgrace the perpetrators and grant us lasting peace, security, prosperity and a promising future full of happiness and development, Amin,” the statement read.

  • End insurgency, JNI tells Fed Govt

    End insurgency, JNI tells Fed Govt

    The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has appealed to the Federal Government to seek ways of addressing insecurity in the country.

    In a communiqué at the end of its national conference on practical steps in uniting the Nigerian Muslim ummah, the group appealed to Nigerians to follow the path of truth and justice for peace to reign.

    Signed by the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. S.W. Junaidu and the Secretary-General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, JNI advised leaders to abide by the rules of accountability and justice.

    They lamented that apart from the challenges faced by Muslims in Nigeria, disunity seems to be the greatest challenge that prevents the Muslim Ummah from harnessing its immense potentials and moving on the path of development and progress.

    The communiqué observed that ignorance and personal interest are among the vices that aggravate disunity among Muslims, adding that “It is Allah’s divine will that humans will always have diversity and differences in their understanding and interpretation of religious issues”.

    They observed that Nigeria was undergoing difficult times with belligerent insurgency, incessant killings, maiming and abduction of innocent citizens, especially in the Northeast.

    The communiqué stressed that the diversity and heterogeneity in the country should be seen as sources of strength by all Muslims rather than basis for mistrust and hostility.

  • JNI to FG: Seek way to end insecurity

    The Muslim umbrella body in the north, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has appealed to the federal government to seek urgent ways of addressing the growing insecurity in the country and consider the universally accepted dialogue as a way of resolving insurgency in the region.

    In a communiqué issued at the end of its national conference on practical steps in uniting the Nigerian Muslim ummah, the organization also appealed to Nigerians to follow the path of truth and justice for peace to the achieved in Nigeria.

    The communiqué signed by the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the conference, Prof. S.W. Junaidu and the Secretary General of JNI, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, also asked leaders at all levels of governance to abide by the rules of accountability and justice as the surest means to peace, stability and development.

    They lamented that apart from the multitude of challenges faced by the Muslim community in Nigeria; disunity seems to be the greatest challenge that prevents the Muslim Ummah from harnessing its immense potentials and moving progressively on the path of development and progress.

    The communiqué observed that ignorance and personal interest are among the vices that aggravate disunity among Muslims, adding that “It is Allah’s divine will that human beings will always have diversity and   differences in their understanding and interpretation of religious issues.”

    They observed that Nigeria was undergoing difficult times with belligerent insurgency, incessant killings, maiming and abduction of innocent citizens in the country, especially in the North-East.

     

  • Abduction of female students shocking – JNI

    The Muslim umbrella body in the North, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), on Wednesday described the abduction of about 200 female students from a secondary school in Chibok, Borno State as shocking and asked the government to put in place measures to free the girls immediately.

    In a statement made available to The Nation in Kaduna and signed by the Secretary General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, the JNI which has the Sultan of Sokoto as its President General said it was painful that despite the emergency rule in Borno State and the huge resources spent on security, such an act can still be carried out.

    The statement reads: “The abduction of about 200 final year secondary school female students in Chibok as reported by the media is another shocking story regarding the unfortunate happenings in Nigeria, especially the north.

    “It is quite unfortunate and, in fact painfully confusing, that despite the state of emergency imposed on Borno State for a long time with the attendant huge amount of resources earmarked for security operatives, and despite the presence of uniformed security men at strategic checkpoints, this horrific act could still happen.

    “JNI condemns this act of barbarism in the strongest terms and calls on the authorities concerned to put all the needed efforts to free these innocent girls and get them to continue with their studies.

    “We sympathize with the victims and their teachers and families at this traumatizing moment and pray that Allah will end their agony in the shortest possible time.

    “JNI also calls on all Muslims in the country to intensify Qunut and du’a so that Allah (SWT) will unveil and deal with all the perpetrators of these activities.”

     

  • Nigerians must unite against insecurity – JNI

    The Muslim umbrella body in the north, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) rose from its Central Council Meeting Monday and resolved that Nigerians, irrespective of religious or tribal affiliation must join hands with the government to address the current security challenge in the country.

    In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting which also coincided with the 50th anniversary celebration of the body, the Council which has the Sultan of Sokoto as President General lamented that the country was gradually turning into a theatre of bloodbath.

    It also lamented the increase in street begging by young and vulnerable children in the name of Qur’anic education and pledged to collaborate with the government in the running of Almajiri schools in the north.

    The communiqué which was signed by the Secretary General of the organization, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, reads in part: “That the country is being turned into a theatre of bloodshed which requires putting heads together to bring an end to the menace of senseless violence and killings.

    “That the phenomenon of street begging by young and vulnerable children in the name of Qur’anic education still thrives and remains an eyesore and a menace that continues to tarnish the image of the Muslim Ummah.

    “That while education is one of the most important tools for national development, it has not received the desired attention and commitment. For any organization to function effectively, especially in the modern world, it must have reliable and sustainable sources of financing its activities.

    “That the inclusive leadership style of His Eminence the Sultan has gone far in uniting the Muslims in Nigeria and promoting among them the culture and spirit of mutual respect, tolerance and understanding.

    The organization resolved to call on government at all levels to take necessary measures to provide security to all the citizens by working hand in hand with traditional and religious Leaders, while Nigerians should put sentiments aside to confront the challenge of insecurity through concerted efforts.

    It also resolved that “the Ummah should focus most on establishing zakat and Awqaf institutions and ensure their proper management in order to achieve poverty alleviation and economic development.

     

     

  • Nobody can Islamise Nigeria – Sultan

    Nobody can Islamise Nigeria – Sultan

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, on Sunday said there were no plans to turn Nigeria into an Islamic nation.

    Abubakar, who is also the President-General, Jamatu Nasril Islam (JNI), made this known at the Golden Jubilee lecture of the JNI in Kaduna, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

    “Nobody can Islamise Nigeria, if Allah wanted he would have made everybody Muslims, so also with Christianity. God would have made everybody Christian if He wanted.

    He stressed the need for the people to set aside ethno-religious differences and be committed toward peace and development of the nation.

    The Sultan said JNI criticism of certain policies of the present government was a wakeup call for government or those in leadership positions “to do what is right.”

    He said that JNI’s action was not aimed at fighting the government or any group or religion.

    Abubakar, however, decried the insecurity that had pervaded many parts of the nation, especially the North-East by the Boko Haram insurgents.

    He said the activities of the insurgents should not be seen as an attempt by Muslims to prosecute Christians or turn Nigeria into an Islamic country.

    Abubakar, therefore, appealed to Christians and other faithful to join hands with Muslims to tackle the present security challenges and other problems facing the country.

    He also urged them to see Islam as a peaceful religion.

    Vice President Namadi Sambo, in his goodwill message, said the present administration would continue to support JNI in its programmes.

    Sambo reiterated commitment of the Federal Government in tackling insecurity and illiteracy in the country.

    He also assured the Islamic body of the government’s effort to address the constant clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in some states of the federation.

     

     

  • Counter-terrorism: Military not targeting Muslims, Fulani, says DHQ

    Counter-terrorism: Military not targeting Muslims, Fulani, says DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters yesterday said the military is not targeting either Muslims or Fulani for elimination in its counter-terrorism strategy.

    It said the military has remained non-partisan and non-sectarian.

    The Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, faulted allegations of religious and ethnic cleansing by Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI).

    The DHQ said: “The statement issued by the Secretary General of Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI), Dr Khalid Abubakar Aliyu alleging extra-judicial killing of Muslims and people of Fulani ethnic group by the Nigerian military is spurious and inflammatory.

    “Much as the military is reluctant to join issues with a respectable religious organisation like JNI, the need to set the records straight makes this response imperative.

    “The Nigerian military remains non-partisan, non-sectarian and will continue to be the symbol of patriotism and a unifying factor in the face of threats to national sovereignty.

    “If this wild allegation was meant to cause disaffection or brew disharmony within the military, then it has woefully failed as the Nigerian military does not operate along religious or ethnic lines.

    “Contrary to the false claims, no law abiding individual, faith, ethnic group or organisation is being targeted as alleged by JNI.”

    The Defence Headquarters advised JNI not to join propagandists who are trying to run down the military.

    The statement said: “It is unfortunate that the unjust imputation is coming from respectable and responsible organisation like JNI.

    “We urge the body not to join in the fray of propagandists bent on discrediting genuine efforts at finding solutions to the nation’s security challenges.

    “The military will continue to be driven by patriotism and commitment to the cause of the nation and its law abiding citizens.

    “All responsible organisations are requested to cooperate in the efforts at addressing the nation’s security challenges rather than compound the problem.

    “Individuals with similar prejudices are advised to abandon such biases as the challenges at hand call for prayers and support of all well-meaning organisations and groups instead of trying to turn the public against the military.

    “Rather, all responsible organisations should be more interested in seeking solutions to the nation’s security challenges.

    “It must be noted that the Armed Forces comprises Nigerians from all religious persuasions and cannot be used against any particular religion as purported. The military will not be distracted by unfair imputations from any quarter.

    The DHQ assured Nigerians that it would not shield anyone from justice.

    It added: “For the avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian military and other security agencies do not have any policy, agenda or plans to perpetrate massacre or extra judicial killing of law abiding citizens.

    “The authorities have no reason to take side or shield anyone from justice.

    “Individuals apprehended in the course of counter-terrorism campaign will continue to have access to justice as provided by law.”