A group, Arewa Think Tank, has condemned the inciting statement of a yet-to-be identified Islamic cleric over his call on Muslims to kill the first lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, because she is a kafari (infidel).
An Islamic cleric had in a video which had gone viral recently described the first lady as an infidel (kafiri), saying what is best for such a person is death and urged his fellow Muslims to kill her.
The inciting speech has attracted reactions and condemnations from a lot of Nigerians, calling for the identification and arrest of the cleric to face justice.
A statement by the chief convener of Arewa Think Tank, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, said the cleric’s speech was unacceptable and that every well-meaning Nigerian should rise up and condemn it without bias.
The group specifically called on northern leaders and elders to do public condemnation of the inciting statement by the cleric.
“We of the Arewa Think Tank want to condemn in totality what the Islamic cleric said about president Tinubu’s wife, Oluremi, calling for her death as an Infidel. The Islamic cleric who expresses such views deviates from the core principles of Islam. Our religion teaches us to live peacefully with others,” he said.
According to the group’s chief convener, the Quran and Hadith emphasises on respect, tolerance, and kindness towards all individuals, regardless of their faith or background, adding also that Islam advocates for peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and understanding among diverse communities.
He therefore called on relevant security agencies to ensure that the Islamic cleric in question is brought to book for prosecution, saying that every Nigerian has the right to criticise government of the day, but it becomes a criminal offence to call for the death of a national figure, including every other Nigerian on the basis of religious belief.
Yakubu said criticising the government and its policies is within the ambit of democratic rights; but calling for the killing of the president’s wife by the religious cleric is unacceptable and completely condemnable.
He stressed that the fact that the first lady is an assistant pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG) has nothing to do with his official position within the corridors of power because like any other Nigerian, she has the rights of association and worship.
“We are calling for the public prosecution of the cleric and wish to request that the said preacher should be restricted from preaching in Nigeria to serve as a deterrent to others”, the statement said.
In a similar development, Arewa Think Tank, has cautioned the director of Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Dr. Sam Amadi, for raining abusive words on the former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon over comments on Biafra.
Gowon, who ruled Nigeria between 1966 and 1975, had recalled how Nigerians said he could not prosecute the civil war because he was too slow.
Addressing reporters after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu penultimate week, Gowon said, “If I can remember, when I was fighting the war, I was told I was too slow and that probably Nigeria cannot make it and that we should now seek for discussion. Well, did we do it or not? They probably do not know the problem underground so that is where we are”.
Amadi had on his X handle described the comment of the former Military Head of State, regarding the Biafra war as disgraceful, and lacking wisdom.
He wrote, “The war was needless, infantile and evidence of lack of wisdom. It is actually a monumental failure that a nation went to war under his watch. To be proud of that failure is disgraceful”.
However, Arewa Think Tank warned Amadi to retract his statement and apologise to the respected Northern elder statesman and leader of the Nigeria Prays.
“Enough of this attack on General Yakubu Gowon who led and fought the civil war to keep Nigeria together as one united country.
“If we hear anything again against our respected elder, we shall reply to that person or group of persons in the language that they understand because those who plotted and started the Biafra war know themselves,” the statement added.
