Islamic clerics and scholars have stated that contrary to insinuations, there is nothing like genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
They made these remarks at a one-day summit dubbed the Special Southern Ulammah Summit and organized by the Southern Ulammah Congregation of Nigeria.
The summit with the theme “Addressing the economic and security challenges facing the Islamic community in southern Nigeria” was held in Ibadan on Wednesday.
It was attended by prominent Islamic clerics, scholars and leaders from across the southern part of the country and beyond.
Some of the personalities at the summit include former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Dimeji Bankole, Asiwaju Musulumi of Oyo State, Alhaji Mutiu Oladejo, former Dean of the Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, Professor Afis Oladosu, Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Dr. Ridwan Jamiu, Professor Abideen Olaiya and National Member of the Federation of Organizations Ahlus-Sunnah of Nigeria. (FASON) Shaykh Tajudeen Abdul Kareem.
Others are; Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, President of the Muslim Community in Oyo State, Alhaji Kunle Sanni, Chief Imam of the University of Ibadan, Professor Ibrahim Usman, Dr. Nurudeen Asunogie and the Chief Host, Sheikh Isa Akindele Salaudeen.
The rest are Professor Ibrahim Oreagba, Dr Ismail Yunus, Dr Bilal Asrau, Professor Iyasu Usman of the Abuja National Mosque, Sheikh Abdulfattah Thanni, Dr Bashir Aliyu Umar, Sheikh Haroon Ajah, Sheikh Imran Eleha and Dr Lukman Fasasi.
Those who intervened maintained that there is nothing like Christian genocide in Nigeria, insisting that many Muslims have been killed in different attacks.
They maintained that Muslims are not responsible for terrorism in the country and that terrorism has no basis in Islam.
They therefore appealed to Nigerians not to allow outside influences to divide the country.
The Chief Host, Sheikh Isa Akindele Salaudeen, in his welcome address noted that the Muslim Ummah is facing many economic and security challenges.
He maintained that the conference aims to establish a platform for sharing ideas, experiences and knowledge to address the numerous challenges faced by the various communities in the area.
He said: “It is with immense pleasure and gratitude to welcome you all to the Southern Nigeria Ulammah Summit, a gathering of like-minded people committed to addressing the pressing economic and security challenges facing our beloved Ummah in Southern Nigeria. This issue is not only timely but also urgent. In times like these, Islam teaches us not to shy away from the difficulties of our society, but to confront them with courage, wisdom and collective determination.
“The Prophet (SAW) reminded us that ‘You are all shepherds, and each of you will be questioned about your flock.’ Today, our flock is our region, our families, our children, our neighbors and every soul in our communities. We feel the weight of growing insecurity, including but not limited to the Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, kidnappings, etc. We also feel the weight of livelihoods under pressure, businesses threatened and dreams delayed or broken as a result of unemployment, economic crisis and lack of access to education and healthcare. However, we also know that Allah does not burden a people with more than they can bear. Challenges are not signs of abandonment, but invitations to unity, action and renewed tawakkul (trust in Allah).
“We are honored to have you all here today at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, as we deliberate on the topic “Confronting the economic and security challenges facing the Islamic Ummah in Southern Nigeria.” “This summit aims to establish a platform for us to share ideas, experiences and knowledge to address the many challenges facing our community. May this meeting be a place of honest reflection, deep dialogue and purposeful solutions.
“Let it be the beginning of a stronger partnership between our masajid, our communities and our leaders. And above all, let it be a reminder that with unity and taqwa, no challenge is too overwhelming and no problem is beyond the reach of our collective effort. We also want to take this opportunity to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of our scholars, leaders and community members who have worked tirelessly to promote Islam and improve the well-being of Muslims in southern Nigeria.”
Oladosu, while speaking, noted that the insurgency began in Nigeria around 2009.
However, he noted that terrorists do not consider religion their target before attacking.
He added that the unity of Muslims is important and that Islamic clerics should not allow themselves to be used for pecuniary gains.
While speaking, Gumi stated that the United States of America and its President, Donald Trump, are threatening Nigeria because of some economic benefits.
He pointed out that in some parts of the country there are some natural resources that the US and its president intend to thoroughly occupy to divide the citizens.
Gumi, who admitted that the country faces some security challenges, noted that Nigerians must work to resolve the issues at the local level.
He then advised Nigerians not to allow any foreigner to divide the country for their own interests.
“If you really want to help Nigeria, that is not the language you should use. It is language to accuse us, threaten us, disgrace us on the political scene. If you want to help people, that is not the language you should use.
“Yes, because of the economic benefits. The same way they are threatening Venezuela now. So they always have a motive. They always have a motive, but it is not Christianity. But now, Christians in Palestine complain about attacks by the Jewish community, churches were destroyed and the United States is doing nothing.
“So for America to use religion means it has ulterior motives that we all need to be careful about. We, Muslims and Christians, live well in this country. So how can we allow a foreigner to divide us? It’s because of our resources.
“Zamfara State, I am from Zamfara State, there is a lot of gold in Zamfara and other states. It is because of all this that they want to divide us. Therefore, we must not allow them to divide us. We must not allow any foreigner to divide us. In Kaduna State, most of the local government areas are very peaceful, only in Zamfara, Kebbi and Sokoto. It is not like before, people have to be patient. Generally, Nigerians have to have patience.”
Oreagba while speaking noted that Nigeria is a country with many opportunities. He advised Nigerian Muslims to stand up and speak with one voice.
He said: “Nigeria is a land of many opportunities. We have challenges. Our religion is a peaceful religion. We want all Muslims to cooperate and speak with one voice.
“Many people do not know the Halal economy. We need people to learn about Islamic finance.”
Bankole, addressing the gathering, noted that the unity of Nigeria is sacrosanct.
He said he will continue to support any measures to keep Nigeria an indivisible country.
“I am fully in favor of any deliberation of this conference as long as it is for the progress of Nigeria. Nigeria first.”
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