The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Muslim

  • Muslim group preaches peace, fairness

    The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has cautioned the presidency, the ruling party, opposition and security agencies in the country on the need to observe decorum and strictly adhere to the principles of democracy.

    According to MURIC, these are the only ways to avoid throwing Nigeria into chaos before, during and after the 2015 general elections.

    A statement signed by its director, Prof Ishaq Akintola, reminded the police that they belong to the Nigerian people and not to any political party.

    “We frown at the ugly incidents of the past in which the police stood akimbo as hooligans attacked members of the opposition, and acts of connivance in which policemen protected members of the ruling party as they committed acts of impunity. The only way the Nigerian Police can build confidence in the people is not only by remaining neutral but by being seen to be transparently impartial,” he said.

    Akintola warned the police and other security agencies not to toy with the idea of arresting or detaining members of the opposition on flimsy excuses and trumped-up charges.

    “That is the road to perdition, dictatorship and totalitarianism. It must never happen again. Nigerians are restless at the moment and the whole country can be likened to the hen which perches on a rope: neither the rope nor the hen can be stable. It was the intimidation of the opposition members by law enforcement agencies which brought down the First and Second Republics,” he warned.

    Akintola also cautioned members of the opposition to remember that Nigerians have no other country. “What matters is our dear country, Nigeria. Efforts aimed at securing change of leadership and political control must therefore be made with due regard for maintaining peaceful coexistence, law and order. The opposition should refrain from character assassination or do-or-die politics. Nigerians cannot be fooled by those who build castles in the air. The opposition will be held accountable for promises made to Nigerians,” he stated.

    The group urged the Nigerian Army to stay out of politics, saying that is the only way to retain its integrity.

    Politicking, he said, is unprofessional for any military institution and the Nigerian Army should not be portrayed as the military wing of the ruling party.

    In addition, involvement of the Nigerian military will be an unnecessary and debilitating distraction in the war against insurgents, he said.

  • Boko Haram has no Islamic bais, says Sultan

    Boko Haram has no Islamic bais, says Sultan

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar has urged Muslim youths to desist from actions that will continue to compromise the security of the nation.

    Alhaji Abubakar who is the President- General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs stated this at the formal opening of the annual Islamic Vacation Course, IVC of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, MSSN, Southern Zone held at Km 53, Lagos/ Ibadan Express way.

    Alhaji Abubakar who was represented by the Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria, MUSWEN said Muslim youths should resist temptation from anyone to commit any act that would lead to violence as Islam remained a religion of peace.

    “ We have said it times without number that any act that breeds violence like the one being exhibited by Boko- Haram has no basis in Islam. As you are aware, our religion, Islam stands for peace as its name denotes. So let us remain peaceful always, so that we may live a peaceful life here and be accommodated in the home of peace in the life to come.”

    In a keynote address, the National President, MSSN, Mallam Sirajudeen Abd-Azeez enjoined the federal government to find a lasting solution to the problem of insurgency which continued to threaten the unity of the country.

    “ The once great and giant nation is at the verge of collapse. It is no more news that terrorism is on the rampage taking over our lands on a daily basis. We want to reiterate that Mr. President should address the nation on why the country is under siege by the terrorists. Why have the insurgents continued to beat the nation’s military arsenals despite the billions of dollars voted for security? Why have the terrorists become stronger even after a year when some States in the North- East have come under partial emergency rule”.

    Mallam AbulAzeez also called on the President to put a stop to the threat by his kinsmen to unleash terror if next year’s election was not in his favour.

    “Different ethnic militia are threatening they will let loose if their candidates are not elected. The worst threat is coming from the Niger- Delta Militants who have been threatening to cause violence should their tribe-man is not returned for second time”.

    He questioned the rationale behind the sentencing of about a hundred soldiers for demanding sophisticated equipment to fight the terrorists.

    “Why are these unfortunate warriors being tried secretly or secret trial of soldiers not against their fundamental human rights and spirit of democracy? Why is it that for the first time, Nigerian army that have been celebrated for successful peace keeping mission in many African countries are now rebellious and some have to be sentenced to death for making legitimate demands”.

    The National Legal Adviser of All Progressive Congress, APC, Dr Muiz Banire urged Muslims to always demand for their rights in legitimate manner.

    “Pro-activeness is very essential, don’t ask for anything special, ask for equal opportunities with others”.

  • Muslim students welcome freshers

    The Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) chapter of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) has held an orientation for new members. The event was held at the 100-seater auditorium of the institution.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Muhammad Mainoma, was the special guest at the event. He charged the newly-admitted students to brace up for academic challenges, saying they must be prepared for the task ahead.

    The VC said dedication, hard work and focus were keys to unlock excellence.

    The Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr Muhammad Bashi, also advised the students not to misuse the opportunity of the admission. He urged the students to be serious with their studies.

    The MSSN president, Ustaz Abubakar Sulaiman, congratulated the freshers and advised them to be good ambassadors of Islam and the university.

  • Muslim youths condemn insecurity

    Muslim youths condemn insecurity

    The Youth Wing of the Nasrullahi-li-Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) has urged government to improve the security situation in the country.

    It also urged Nigerians to be more security-conscious.

    The Zonal Head of Da’wah of the society, Nurudeen Balogun, said: “Security is not for the leaders alone; the various communities and people need to be up and doing in terms of the protection of their lives and property.

    “Security is essential at this time of insurgency; we should be mindful and watchful of those around us. This is vital  for us to be able to reduce insecurity.”

  • ‘Prevent Yoruba culture from going into extinction’

    Ogun State government has urged the public to embrace Yoruba culture and inculcate it into their children and upcoming generations.

    The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs Yewande Amusan made the appeal at the yearly Ise-se Day festival tagged: Iba-Gbepo Alafia held at the Ake Palace in Abeokuta.

    Amusan urged stakeholders to redouble their efforts at upholding the Yoruba’s traditional and cultural heritage and prevent it from going into extinction. She, however, pledged the ministry’s support to any groups and associations that celebrate local festivals in line with the traditional and cultural norms in the state.

    The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, enjoined traditional worshippers in the state to always exhibit love in their environment and accommodate Christian and Muslim faithful to promote peaceful co-existence.

    “Ise-se yearly festival is a traditional legacy ordained by our fore-fathers and its represent peace, love, unity and prosperity in Egbaland.”

    The Bantu of Oke-Aregba, Chief Kehinde Sofenwa, said the festival was established by their firebeers, hence, its yearly celebration in honour of Sango, Aje and Ifa deities.

     

  • Feeding fasting Muslim sparks fury

    Outraged by the incident of force feeding an Indian Muslim man fasting for Ramadan by an Indian lawmaker representing Ultra-nationalist Shiv Sena Party, Muslim leaders and opposition parties have demanded an investigation of the racial incident.

    “The incident turns much controversial and inhuman as the victim of this barbaric act is a Muslim who is fasting during Ramadan,” India’s opposition parties wrote in a letter to parliament speaker Sumitra Mahajan demanding an inquiry into the incident, Hindustan Times reported on Wednesday, July 23.

    “We would request you to uphold the dignity of the House by ordering an inquiry and also direct the government for an immediate inquiry and appropriate action so that such wanton behavior is no longer repeated.”

    Considering the incident a threat to their religious freedom and a blow to secularism, Muslim leaders announced, during a meeting in New Delhi, plans to meet President Pranad Mukherjee over the incident.

    “The Shiv Sena has always spread communal hatred. The MP should be arrested. But what is more shocking is Parliament did not censure the MP,” asked Zafarul Islam Khan, the editor of Milli Gazette, a community magazine.

    The incident has revived Muslims’ fears of facing restrictions on religious freedom and being discriminated against under the leadership of Narendra Modi.

    “My worry is that we will face more incidents like this under the Modi government,” said Professor Arshad Gauhar, the president of the Mumbai-based National Muslims Alliance, a think-tank.

    Describing the incident as “shocking”, Congress member M I Shanavas said it is “cutting at the root of secularism.

    “MPs who should be role models have become bad models … the faith of minorities has been tarnished. The House should condemn it,” the Press Trust of India news agency reported.

  • Osogbo monarch fetes Muslim

    Osogbo monarch fetes Muslim

    The Ataoja of Osogbo land, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, has donated items worth millions of Naira to the people of Osogbo.

    A statement by his media aide Deji Adekola, said the gesture, aimed at cushioning the effect of Ramadan fasting and contribution to promotion of Islamic religion in Osogboland.

    He said the gesture was a demonstration of his love for religion.

    He assured same gesture which has been given to traditionalist will be extended to Christians during their festivals.

    The monarch described Ramadan as a period of sober reflection, self denial and commitment to the will of Allah.

    “A sacred month in which prayers are easily accepted and speedily answered by the Almighty Allah; Muslims must consider the Holy month as an extension of benevolence to liberate mankind from social, economic and spiritual bondage,” he said.

    Oba Olanipekun sued for religious tolerance, peace and unity among all adherents of the major religious in Osogbo land.

    He urged the clerics to pray peaceful governorship election in the state.

    The recipients expressed delight with the kind gesture describing it as commitment towards promoting religious activities in the town.

  • Ramadan tragedy: 26 worshippers escaped death in Jos

    About 26 Muslim worshippers escaped death in Jos Sunday night when some unknown gunmen open fire on them during their prayer session.

    The incidence occurred at about 8:30pm when the worshippers were performing their Tarawih prayers which comes shortly after breaking of Ramadan fast.

    The Tarawi prayers are the prayers that prepares the Islamic adherents for the next day fast and it is always performed in a congregation shortly after Ishai prayer during Ramadan.

    Three of the worshippers were injured in the attack.

    The Secretary, Bukuru Elders Committee, Bala Baba Mohammed who confirmed the incident said, “We were lucky to have escaped, we were protected from the bullets by Allah.

    He said: “The gunmen came from nowhere and opened fire at us in the course of our prayers. We were inside the mosque. We had witnessed such attack in the past especially during Ramadan, last season it was a rocket launcher they threw at us during night prayers. In another time, it was grenades they used. We don’t know what we have done to anyone to deserve this”

    Muhammed called on the Federal, State and Local government to intervene in “these unprovoked attacks. We are also using this opportunity to call on the community leaders in Gyel to come forward for dialogue so that we know why they keep attacking us.”

    Two of the victims of the attack, Lawal Muhammad and Bashir Iliyasu are presently hospitalised in Jos while the third victim has been treated and discharged.

    The Special Task Force (STF), Media and Information Officer, Captain Ikedichi Iweha who confirmed the attack on phone said the situation was brought under control by the task force.

  • Muslim students condemn media clampdown

    Media961, a media monitoring unit of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State branch, has condemned clampdown on the media by the Federal Government.

    In a statement, the group’s Coordinator, AbdurRasheed Abubakar, said President Goodluck Jonathan has the constitutional power to stop the military from confiscating newspapers.

    “For days, we read reports of the clampdown on some selected newspapers by soldiers and the damages this has resulted into. We have also read, through the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr Doyin Okupe, that President Jonathan was not part of the plot.  Hence, we call on the president to, as a matter of urgency, call the military to order and allow the media to carry out their constitutional duties,” the statement read.

    The group said it was undemocratic for the army to raid newspapers; adding that the action violated the Freedom of Information as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.  It added: “This is not a military regime. Nigeria is a democratic country, where all matters should follow judicial process. That’s what we expect from the military in a situation like this. It’s a condemnable act and it’s high time we stopped seeing the media as enemies.”

    Abubakar noted that the media played important role in the development, urging the president not to see the media as enemy of democracy.

  • 21 students bag MSSN’s scholarship

    21 students bag MSSN’s scholarship

    To motivate its members to achieve good academic performance, the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), University of Lagos branch, has awarded scholarships to 21 students whose Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is 3.5 and above.

    They received the awards during the annual Academic Counselling Seminar organised by the association at the institution’s main auditorium.

    The awardees included Adebisi Abdul Ganiy, Chemistry Department with a CGPA of 3.92, Adegbite Afeez, Metallurgical and Mathemetics, 3.88; Adeniji Kazeem, Chemistry, 3.61 and Ojubanire Nurein, Marine Science. They were given 50,000 each for the indigent category.

    Others included Adekomi AbdulMeheez, Petroleum and Gas, 4.72, Toyiba Amusa, Economics, 3.78; Adeyanju Kazeem, Chemistry Education,  4.10;  Monsurat Alimi, Business Administration, 4.41;  Azeez Mariam, Finance, 4.68;  Olajide Tawakalitu, Chemistry Science, 4.51 and   AdebayoFaruq, Computer Science, 4.23.

    In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Rahaman Bello, hailed MSSN for the laudable initiative.

    Bello urged the students not to allow their religious engagements to affect their academic activities, saying they should acquire the requisite skills needed in the labour market and finish their studies with good grades.

    “Be religious, because being religious will prevent you from joining bad gangs on campus. But do not allow your religious activities to affect your academic pursuits. Do not rush out and get a third class, go at your pace and graduate with first class or second class upper,” he said.

    The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Kampala International University, Uganda, Dr Ahmed Adedeji, who spoke on the theme: “Relevance of Nigeria’s education to nation building”, stressed the need for re-designing Nigeria curriculum to make students acquire relevant knowledge that will make them productive and contribute meaningfully to the development of the country.

    Adedeji   called on politicians and academics to salvage the country’s dwindling educational system. He urged the youth to wake up from their slumber, make judicious use of their time and come up with innovative ideas that would lead to the advancement of the country.

    “As youths, we need to wake up. Our time should not be wasted on things that are euphemeral. Let our energy speak for us. Let us generate ideas, let us put the ideas into practice,” he said.

    One of the awardees, a 300-Level student of the Department of Chemistry, AbdulGaniy Adebisi, said the money would go a long way in assisting his academic pursuit.

    “ I thanks Allah for counting me among the lucky ones that won this scholarship. I appreciates MSSN UNILAG for putting up this type of programme to encourage and improve the lives of the Muslim students on campus. By the special grace of God, I am going to use the money judiciously to improve my academic performance by buying the necessary materials for my courses,” he said.