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Nyesome Wike: Don’t crucify Gumi – MURIC

Published

2 years ago

October 25, 2023

Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola

Nyesome Wike: Don’t crucify Gumi – MURIC

Shaykh Ahmad Gumi recently criticized the Minister of the capital territory, Nyesome Wike, for hosting the ambassador of Israel in his office. Although Gumi also came under attack from several quarters over his comments, an Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has risen to the defence of Shaykh Ahmad Gumi. MURIC said Shaykh Gumi has the right to self-expression as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday, 25th October, 2023 by the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

The full statement reads: “Shaykh Ahmad Gumi has come under a tornado of criticisms over his recent comments on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers State, Nyesome Wike (https://newsdiaryonline.com/pandef-mbf-tackle-gumi-others-over-anti-wike-campaign/).

“We are of the candid opinion that most responders were propelled by emotion, not by the facts on ground. Our opinion is based on the antecedents of the minister him

“Gumi’s comment has been taken in isolation as if the Shaykh just woke up from sleep and started talking. Something must have prompted him. Why didn’t he tackle any other minister? Why Wike alone among all other ministers? Gumi’s comments on Wike should be assessed against the backdrop of Wike’s actions and spoken words if we want to be objective.

“The truth is that Wike is not innocent. He has been garrulous. He has also been too visibly anti-Muslim. As the governor of Rivers State, Wike demolished a mosque in Port Harcourt against all pleas.

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“Again, Wike declared Rivers State a Christian State (https://punchng.com/rivers-is-a-christian-state-wike-insists/). This was done in blatant violation of Section 10 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which states very clearly: ‘The Government of the Federation or of a State shall not adopt any religion as State religion.’

“No sooner than Wike became the minister of the Federal Capital Territory than he announced that he intended to hand over the security of the all-important territory to Israel. MURIC saw the danger in this and warned the minister (https://dailytrust.com/muric-cautions-wike-over-planned-security-deal-with-israel/#:~:text=We%20like%20to%20warn%20that,global%20espionage%20outfits%20like%20the).

“But Wike ignored the warning and went ahead to invite the ambassador of Israel to his office. That was an arrogant display of power as well as a manifestation of gross insensitivity. Wike is aware that anything that has to do with Israel is volatile. Israel is a controversial country and Nigerians will not touch it with a long pole. Israel is killing thousands of children and pregnant women while it flagrantly violates international laws and ignores resolutions of the United Nations. How can Wike be so insensitive?

“That office does not belong to Wike personally. He occupies it in trust. But by inviting the Israeli ambassador there at a time Israel is committing war crimes and Nigerians are demonstrating against that apartheid state, Wike has abused the trust given to him by the Nigerian Senate representing the good people of Nigeria That invitation sent the wrong signals to the international community as Nigeria’s official endorsement of Israel’s atrocities.

“Nobody will stop Wike if he wakes up Hitler or Mussolini from their graves and invites them to accompany Netanyahu to his personal house. The Israeli ambassador to Nigeria is the face of Israel. As far as Nigerians are concerned that ambassador is the embodiment of Israeli crimes against humanity. Not a few Nigerians will keep him at a safe distance but Wike decided to swim against the current.

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“Wike should know his limitations. The last time MURIC checked, the President and Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria is Bola Ahmed Tinubu, not Ezenwo Nyesome Wike, CON. He should not usurp the office of the president. Besides, Abuja is not an annex of Rivers State.

“Wike’s invitation to the Israeli ambassador was ultra vires. He should leave that to the minister of foreign affairs. He should desist from intruding into the jurisdictions of other ministers and bullying every other official in Abuja. Wike can invite the ambassador of Israel to his personal house but not to his office.

“Another pointable point is that Wike has a reputation challenge among Nigerian Muslims due to his anti-Muslim proclivities as exhibited during his tenure as governor of Rivers State. He succeeded in courting the hatred of Muslims during that period.

“While it is true that not every Muslim will agree with Shaykh Gumi on entrusting Nigeria’s security apparatus to a Christian, nobody should attempt to guillotine Shaykh Gumi for cautioning the garrulous and fiery minister.

“MURIC advises public office holders to be circumspect, to manifest sensitivity to the feeling of Nigerians and, above all, to think twice on matters that may have religious undertone before commenting on them. Silence cannot be more golden than in public office.

“Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of expression by stipulating as follows: Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impact ideas and information without interference. The Tsunami of condemnations hurled at Shaykh Gumi was therefore uncalled for because he merely expressed his mind.

“Unfortunately it is when a Muslim speaks that merchants of hate suspend the principles of freedom of speech. When others utter hate-filled scud missiles at Muslims they call it free speech. It is the age of double standard. Fairness and justice have taken leave of the entire world. Might is right.

“We call on the heads of Nigerian security agencies to do everything possible to stop Wike from placing our collective safety in the hands of a murderous state like Israel. Genuine security derives from mutual trust. Nigerians will never trust, support or cooperate with any security paraphernalia built for Abuja FCT by Israel.

“As we draw the curtain, we reiterate our position on the raging controversy over Shaykh Gumi’s comments on Wike. All condemnations of Shaykh Gumi on this issue in particular is an attempt to freeze free speech. The FCT minister himself invited Gumi’s comments due to his anti-Muslim and far right Christian stance when he was governor of Rivers State.”

Nyesome Wike: Don’t crucify Gumi – MURIC

Related Topics:Featured Gumi Nyesome Wike

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Teargas, Chaos at EFCC as El-Rufai’s Supporters Clash with Security Operatives

Published

10 hours ago

February 16, 2026

Trends Admin

Teargas, Chaos at EFCC as El-Rufai’s Supporters Clash with Security Operatives

Tension gripped Abuja on Monday as security operatives fired teargas to disperse protesters and supporters of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, during a confrontation at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The standoff reportedly occurred when hundreds of El-Rufai’s supporters accompanied him to the anti-graft agency’s headquarters, escalating an already charged political atmosphere in the Federal Capital Territory.

Eyewitness accounts and video footage circulating online showed security personnel deploying teargas canisters as crowds surged toward the EFCC complex.

In one of the videos, agitated voices were heard declaring, “We will come back; when it clears, we will come back,” suggesting the group’s resolve to sustain their protest despite the crackdown.

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The development follows reports last Thursday that El-Rufai was allegedly stopped by security operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in what his supporters described as an attempted arrest.

While official details surrounding the airport incident remain unclear, the situation appeared to have heightened tensions among his loyalists.

El-Rufai, who served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, remains a prominent political figure and a key voice within Nigeria’s political landscape.

His tenure was marked by sweeping reforms as well as controversy over security challenges and policy decisions in the state.

As of press time, the EFCC had yet to issue an official statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding Monday’s confrontation or addressing reports of any investigation involving the former governor.

Security presence around the commission’s headquarters was significantly reinforced following the clash, with access to parts of the area temporarily restricted.

The incident adds to growing political tensions in the country, particularly as anti-corruption investigations continue to intersect with high-profile political actors.

Teargas, Chaos at EFCC as El-Rufai’s Supporters Clash with Security Operatives

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NSCIA Secretary-General Clarifies Council Receives No Government Funding

Published

14 hours ago

February 16, 2026

Trends Admin

Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede

NSCIA Secretary-General Clarifies Council Receives No Government Funding

The Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, has clarified that the council has never received financial support from any government, either within or outside Nigeria. Speaking in Lagos at the 31st Annual Pre-Ramadan Lecture of the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA), Oloyede stressed that the NSCIA operates independently and relies largely on modest private donations to sustain its activities.

Oloyede, who also serves as Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), explained that in his 15-year tenure as NSCIA Secretary-General, the council had not received “a kobo” from any government. He added that fewer than 20 individuals have donated amounts up to ₦500,000 since 2013, highlighting that the council functions without significant external funding. He decried misinformation and divisive narratives suggesting government involvement under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Saad Abubakar, noting that such speculation undermines unity within Nigeria’s Muslim community.

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Speaking on the theme “Muslims: The Challenge of National Security,” Oloyede warned against viewing insecurity, terrorism, and banditry through a religious lens. He said extremists often cloak their violent acts in religious language, but such actions do not reflect Islam. “Islam cannot be determined by what extremists say or do. We have a duty to correct that narrative,” he said, urging Muslims to reject all forms of extremism while understanding that insurgency thrives on enabling political, social, and economic conditions.

Oloyede stressed that security is central to Sharia, emphasizing that a true Muslim is someone “from whose actions neighbours — regardless of their faith — are safe and secure.” He cautioned against reducing insecurity to regional or religious differences, noting that all parts of Nigeria face security challenges. He called on Muslims to embrace moral responsibility, civic accountability, and practical partnerships to improve national security.

Other speakers at the lecture also highlighted the societal dimensions of insecurity. Dr. Ridwan Jamiu, Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, described insurgents as agents of evil and stressed the need for religious leaders to promote peace and guide followers toward positive community engagement. Lagos State Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa identified poverty and economic inequality as key drivers of insecurity and urged the government and policymakers to focus on job creation, education, and inclusive development as long-term solutions.

The lecture, part of the annual pre-Ramadan engagements, comes at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with complex security challenges, including insurgency in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest and North-Central, and rising violent crime in the South. Experts emphasize that national cohesion, interfaith cooperation, and community-led security initiatives are vital to tackling these threats effectively.

NSCIA Secretary-General Clarifies Council Receives No Government Funding

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Saudi Supreme Court Calls on Muslims to Sight Ramadan Crescent Moon on Tuesday Evening

Published

14 hours ago

February 16, 2026

Trends Admin

Saudi Supreme Court Calls on Muslims to Sight Ramadan Crescent Moon on Tuesday Evening

The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has urged Muslims across the Kingdom to look for the Ramadan crescent moon on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026, to determine the official start of Ramadan 1447 AH. The court emphasized that community participation in moon sighting is vital for confirming the beginning of the holy month.

In an official statement relayed by the Saudi Press Agency, the Supreme Court instructed anyone who spots the new moon crescent — either with the naked eye or using binoculars — to report their observation to the nearest court and ensure their testimony is recorded. Local centres have also been set up to assist observers in reaching judicial offices.

The Kingdom has established moon sighting committees across regions to coordinate observations and support public involvement. Authorities encouraged citizens to actively participate, noting that their contributions are essential to help Muslims across Saudi Arabia begin Ramadan in unity.

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Tuesday corresponds to 29 Sha’ban 1447 AH in the Islamic lunar calendar. If the crescent moon is sighted, Ramadan 1447 AH will commence on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. If the moon is not visible, Sha’ban will be completed as 30 days, and Ramadan will begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026. This aligns with centuries-old Islamic tradition of lunar observation.

Muslims worldwide, including in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, are preparing for Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and charity. Astronomical forecasts suggest visibility may vary across regions, making local observations and testimonies crucial. Similar calls for crescent moon sightings have also been issued by authorities in countries such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

The Supreme Court’s announcement underscores the importance of lunar observation in Islamic practice and encourages public engagement to ensure a synchronized start of Ramadan across the Kingdom.