In a sermon delivered on Friday at the central mosque of Ahlusunnah Jamah in Saki, the Chief Imam, Alhaji Moshood Ashiru, strongly condemned the proposed nationwide protest in Nigeria. Addressing the congregation in the ancient city, Imam Ashiru warned that such a protest could not remain peaceful and would likely lead to the destruction of life and property.
“The proposed protest cannot bring anything useful other than destroying life and properties,” Imam Ashiru stated. “It is inimical and not in the best interest of our nation.”
The Chief Imam called on the populace to exercise patience and steadfastness in their dealings with the government, urging them to refrain from participating in the protest. He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and order in the country, highlighting the potential dangers of mass unrest.
“Patience and steadfastness are virtues we must hold dear,” he advised. “While it is our right to express our grievances, we must do so in a manner that does not jeopardize the safety and well-being of our communities.”
Imam Ashiru further accused the planners of the protest of acting out of selfish interests, aiming to deceive unsuspecting citizens. “Those planning the protest are doing it for their selfish interest. They are grouping to deceive unsuspecting citizens,” he warned.
The Chief Imam also stressed that protesting is unIslamic as a means to express feelings towards the government. “Protests cannot be peaceful here, and once it is not peaceful, it is unIslamic. Our grievances should be expressed through dialogue, not through actions that could lead to violence and chaos,” he declared.
However, Imam Ashiru did not absolve the government of its responsibilities. He called on the authorities to be more conscious of their duties and to work diligently to address the concerns of the citizens. He stressed the need for the government to take proactive steps in ensuring that the needs of the people are met and their grievances are heard and addressed.
“The government must be conscious of its responsibilities,” he urged. “It is essential for the authorities to act justly and respond to the legitimate needs and concerns of the people. Only through mutual understanding and cooperation can we achieve lasting peace and progress in our nation.”
The Imam’s sermon resonated with many worshippers, who nodded in agreement and expressed their support for his call for peace and patience. The central mosque, filled, served as a platform for Imam Ashiru to impart his message of restraint and responsibility, both to the citizens and the government.
As Nigeria faces various challenges, the words of the Chief Imam of Ahlusunnah Jamah in Saki underscore the delicate balance between expressing dissent and maintaining societal harmony. His plea for patience, coupled with a call for governmental accountability, aims to foster a more stable and peaceful environment for all Nigerians.
