Ismaeel Uthman
THE ravaging insecurity in Nigeria has been attributed to injustice that has for long pervaded every stratum of government in the country.
A lecturer at the Department of Arabic & Islamic Studies of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof. Abdulfattah Makinde, said the only holistic approach to addressing insecurity in Nigeria is delivery of justice.
Makinde stated this at the weekend while delivering lecture at the Hijrah 1444AH ceremony organised by the Osun State Muslim Community.
Delivering a lecture titled: “Islam & Politics in a Multi-Religious Setting”, Makinde urged political office holders to be fair, just and selfless in the discharge of their civic duties.
He said, “Leadership is natural. Where there’s no leadership, there won’t be orderliness. Muslims are to organise the society with piety, to instill discipline and forbid bad things.
“Muslims going to politics and leadership positions must acquaint themselves with teachings of Islam. A Muslim must not discriminate. He must see everybody as one. The prophet ruled by Medinat constitution, instead of Quran because the people of Medinat didn’t know the holy book.
“A Muslim must see himself as representative of God. He must know that he’s accountable to the people and if he refuses to be accountable, he will account for his deeds before God.
“A leader must be just, fair and ensure justice. Nigeria is in problem because there’s no justice. Absence of justice is responsible for insecurity in Nigeria.”
In his address, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola identified intensified prayers and good deeds by all Nigerians as solution to the security, economic and social challenges bedeviling the country.
Oyetola, who was represented by his Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Olalekan Badmus, while addressing Muslim faithful at the event, urged for peaceful co-existence among all religious adherents in the state.
He called for intensified prayers for peace in the country and urged Muslim faithful to reflect on the significance of Hijrah.
The Governor said, “I charge you to rededicate yourselves to the peace, unity, progress and security of Osun and Nigeria at large. Maintain peaceful coexistence among the people of various faiths and peace must not be compromised.
“Islam means peace. Any Muslim that promotes violence and hate doesn’t preach Islamic ethics. Continue to offer prayers for the peace of Osun and Nigeria. Let’s reflect on the significance of the celebration and abandon your bad habits and rededicate yourselves to the service of Allah.”
The President of the Muslim Community, Alhaji Mustafa Olawuyi, urged political office holders to be fair, just and sincere in their acts and deeds.
