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NSCIA raises alarm over killing of Muslims in South-East

Published

2 years ago

January 4, 2023

President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has raised the alarm over the killing of Muslims in the South East by some non-Muslims.

The council under the leadership of the President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, also called on security agencies to do more to protect the lives and property of Muslims and bring the perpetrators of such killings to justice.

The NSCIA further urged Muslims to collect their permanent voter cards (PVCs) because evidence revealed that many registered Muslims were yet to do so.

These are contained in a communique issued after the special extraordinary meeting of the Expanded General Purpose Committee (EGPC) of the NSCIA that was held last Wednesday in Abuja.

“As Muslims are being profiled and killed in what appears as ethnoreligious cleansing in the South East by some non-Muslims which is evident in the recent confessions by some individuals, the committee called on security agencies to do more to protect the lives and properties of Muslims and bring the perpetrators of such killings to justice,” the communique said.

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The committee said the eligibility criteria for leadership were too general to the extent that unsuitable people were ultimately getting elected to positions of authority.

“In essence, there is an urgent need to raise the bar of leadership in Nigeria beyond basic qualifications,” the communique jointly signed by NSCIA Secretary General, Prof. Is-haq O. Oloyede, and Director of Administration, Zubairu Haruna Usman-Ugwu, said.

At the meeting presided over by the Sultan included the Deputy President General, NSCIA (South), Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed; Secretary-General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Dr Khalid Aliyu; and Executive Secretary of the Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria (MUSWEN), Prof. Muslih Yahaya.

Many Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs); senior academics; traditional rulers; top executives; other eminent personalities and leaders of Islamic organisations from different parts of the country also attended the meeting.

The communique said, “Nigerians should freely choose the best candidates and vote those who will lead with justice, fairness and righteousness in line with our usual prayer, ‘O Allah, make the best of us our leaders, and don’t make the worst of us our leaders. Don’t make us, on account of our sins, be under those who will neither fear you nor be compassionate to us.’

“The federal government should ensure free, fair, peaceful and credible general elections in 2023 by providing the necessary environment through adequate voter mobilisation and appropriate security measures.”

The committee also urged more Muslims to establish private universities for the educational development of Nigeria as a whole and Islam in particular because Muslim students in some private universities owned by non-Muslims were being subjected to religious victimisation and oppression.

It also condemned the negative activities of ‘accidental Imams’ and ‘emergency sheikhs’ who promote hatred, disunity and dissension in their mosques and on social media, warning Muslims to be wary of their antics as they did not represent Islam or Muslims.

The council urged the federal government to make available financial empowerment opportunities in the country and to tackle poverty and unemployment in society, enjoining Muslims to key into the available opportunities.

The committee expressed serious concern about the general insecurity manifesting in terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and ritual killings all over the country. It also called on the federal and state governments to work harder on securing Nigeria from the rampaging criminals, the communique added.

It also expressed sadness over the death of some Muslim sisters who were involved in a ghastly accident in Shagamu, Ogun State, on their way to a training programme.

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FG okays closure of Independence Bridge in Lagos from Wednesday

Published

16 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Trends Admin

FG okays closure of Independence Bridge in Lagos from Wednesday

By Dada Jackson

The Federal Ministry of Works has informed the motoring public of the closure of the Independence Bridge (Marina bound) in Lagos, commencing on Wednesday, March 19th, 2025.

It said in a statement on Monday that the closure was necessary to facilitate essential maintenance and rehabilitation work on the bridge.

The closure will affect people travelling from the Ahmadu Bello Way & Adeola Odeku Road towards Marina, Eko Bridge and Onikan by Zone 2, according to the statement.

The independence bridge would remain closed until the end of May 2025 for the repairs, it added.

Motorists are therefore advised to plan their journeys accordingly and seek alternative routes, it stated.

“The Federal Ministry of Works apologizes for any inconvenience this closure may cause and appreciates the public’s understanding and cooperation as we strive to ensure the safety and stability of our road infrastructure,” the statement signed by the Federal Controller of Works for Lagos, Engr. (Mrs) O I Kesha, said.

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Lagos, MTN Nigeria unveil “My Lagos App”

Published

21 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Trends Admin

Lagos, MTN Nigeria unveil “My Lagos App”

The Lagos State government, in collaboration with MTN Nigeria, has launched the ‘My Lagos App’ aimed at making urban living in the state more seamless and efficient. The app was unveiled at MTN Plaza, Ikoyi, Lagos in a bid to make urban life in the city seamless and easy.

The app is designed to provide a range of features that enhance various activities, promoting economic growth, accountability, transparency, and real-time updates.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, highlighted the importance of this digital solution in a rapidly growing city like Lagos. The app serves as a vital link between the government and citizens, promoting accountability, transparency, and real-time updates.

metro

TUC backs NYSC member for criticising Tinubu administration

Published

22 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Trends Admin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Corps member, Ushie Uguamaye

TUC backs NYSC member for criticising Tinubu administration

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has expressed support for Ushie Uguamaye, a Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, who has claimed to have received threats after criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

TUC President, Festus Osifo, speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, backed Uguamaye’s stance, suggesting that her comments were born out of frustration. Osifo urged the government to show tolerance toward critics rather than target them.

He emphasized the importance of allowing room for constructive criticism, which is vital for a healthy democracy.

However, Osifo also advised critics to maintain a level of decorum and ensure their critiques are within acceptable norms, promoting respectful dialogue and fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect.

He said, “They (government) have to develop this resilience to understand that people are frustrated, people are hungry, people are tired. So, if they decide to vent, I strongly believe that the government should not personalise it and come after such individuals.