By Sadiq Abdulfatah

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has expressed concern over what it described as continued attacks on Islam and the alleged marginalisation of Muslims in Nigeria. The council warned that if the situation is not addressed quickly, it could affect the country’s peace and stability.

In a statement signed by its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, on behalf of the President-General of the council and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the council said Muslims remain committed to peace and national unity. However, it stressed that the patience shown by Muslims in the face of repeated attacks, unfair profiling and provocation should not be seen as weakness, adding that “restraint is not cowardice.”

The NSCIA claimed that some individuals and groups have continued to present Muslims as oppressors despite what it described as their exclusion from important areas of national life. It also alleged that some foreign interests were taking advantage of religious differences to create confusion and weaken the country’s unity.

The council criticised comments made by a former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) during a recent television interview, describing the remarks as reckless and capable of causing tension.

It questioned why security and regulatory agencies had not acted, arguing that a Muslim leader making similar comments would likely have faced immediate investigation.
The Islamic body also rejected attempts to link Islam or Fulani people with criminal activities.

Drawing reference to the recent kidnapping case in Oyo State, it said the identities of suspects arrested, including a pastor allegedly linked to another kidnapping and murder case, showed that crime should not be blamed on any religion. The council also accused some media organisations of using double standards by mentioning the religion of suspects only when Muslims are involved.

The NSCIA also condemned the killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Ardo Risku Muhammad, and his associate, Mallam Yakubu Isah, after attending a peace meeting in Benue State. It alleged that the attack was aimed at provoking Muslims.

It also claimed that Southern Muslim public officials are often replaced by non-Muslims after leaving office, citing former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu as an example.

The council further argued that religious issues were not raised when Yakubu Gowon appointed Obafemi Awolowo to a top government position or when Awolowo and Nnamdi Azikiwe ran for president with Christian running mates. It said Muslims are now being unfairly criticised over similar political arrangements.

The NSCIA urged Muslims to remain peaceful and continue obeying the law. It called on the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure justice for victims of violence in Kaduna and Benue states.

The council also demanded an investigation into allegations that police officers handed a female Muslim scholar over to a mob and into claims involving officers linked to the killing of the Benue MACBAN chairman. It insisted that attacks on Islam and Muslims should stop, saying they must be addressed in the interest of peace, justice and national unity.

Source: The Nation