Ogun Muslim clerics urge FG to tackle, uproot insecurity

Ogun State Clerics Urge Government to Address Insecurity

Muslim clerics in Ogun State, operating under the banner of the Progressive Muslim Cleric (PMC), have called on the federal government to urgently address the ongoing insecurity challenges facing the nation.

Abdul Wasiu Akinyemi, president of the PMC, made this appeal during a press conference in Abeokuta on Tuesday, coinciding with the 1448 Hegira celebration.

Akinyemi emphasized the necessity for more government action to restore normalcy for the citizens of Nigeria. He refuted claims that insecurity is linked to any single ethnic group, citing historical instances of terrorism and kidnapping that highlight the issue’s broader scope. He referenced the 2010 Eagle Square bombing during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration as evidence that such threats are not confined to specific regions or communities.

“Evidence indicates that this issue is not confined to one tribe. Although kidnapping is currently more prevalent in certain areas, its roots extend beyond these hotspots,” Akinyemi stated. He noted that individuals from various backgrounds have been implicated in such crimes, pointing out that even those from southern parts of the country sometimes change their names to evade detection.

Regarding punitive measures, Akinyemi described the principles of Shariah, which prescribes severe penalties for bandits and kidnappers. “Islam has guidelines for addressing offenses committed by bandits and terrorists. These include severe punishments that reflect the gravity of their actions,” he explained.

While advocating for the application of Shariah principles, Akinyemi reiterated the importance of maintaining Nigeria’s secular identity. He urged the government to strike a balance between constitutional mandates and religious insights from both Islam and Christianity in addressing crime.

“Nigeria is a secular state, and it’s imperative for the federal government to harmonize constitutional provisions with religious viewpoints to effectively combat insecurity,” he said.

The 1448 Hegira celebration, themed “Voices in Myriad Pathways: From Migration to Civic Action,” represents a time of reflection and renewal. Akinyemi remarked on the significance of Hijrah, the migration of Prophet Muhammad, which symbolizes hope and resilience. He noted that early Muslims overcame great adversity through faith and collective effort, fostering the growth of a significant civilization.

He urged that the spirit of Hijrah should inspire a transition from conflict to peace, corruption to integrity, and poverty to prosperity, advocating for a new Islamic year marked by spiritual renewal, economic progress, and sustainable national development.

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