The celebration of 1444 Hijrah in Ilorin, Kwara State was devoted to discussions on security challenges bedevilling Nigeria.
All the speakers that spoke at the religious event dedicated the large chunks of their speeches to issues bordering on security of lives and property as the 2023 general election draws nearer.
The speakers, including the state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Emir of Ilorin, Alh Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the grand Kadi of the State Sharia Court of Appeal, Justice AbdulLateef Kamaldeen, chairman of Hijrah Organisation of Nigeria, Professor Badmas Yusuf, the grand Mufti of Ilorin, Sheik Faruq Onikijipa and national missioner of Ansarul Islam Society of Nigeria, Sheik Hanafi Ayara; all dwell extensively on the security problems in the country and how to bring them to an end.
Chairman, Hijrah Organisation of Nigeria, Prof Yusuf threw the first salvo as he challenged Muslims politicians seeking elective office across the country to tell Nigerians the strategies they will employ to solve the nation’s hydraheaded security challenges.
Yusuf, an Islamic teacher at the University of Ilorin and Chief Imam, Hilal Central Mosque, GRA, Ilorin counseled the Muslim politicians, especially the candidates that,” the expectation of the electorate from you is more noble than fake promises, character assassination and the use of money to buy votes.
“ It is our expectation that you should tell us your strategies to find lasting solutions to insecurity, immorality and alleviation of poverty which is ravaging the greatest number of our people”.
Yusuf also advised the the electorate to shine their eyes and cast their votes for only the credible candidates who have been tested through their physical development that can be seen by all and sundry.
He appealed to religious organisations to desist from the persecution of female Muslim students who are desirous of wearing hijab in accordance with the dictates of their faith.
He equally enjoined Muslim parents to take critical look at the mannerism of their children and discourage them from dressing indecently and in unIslamic way.
Yusuf hailed the achievements of Governor AbdulRazaq in the areas of education and infrastructural development as well as prompt payment of salaries.
Also speaking, the Acting Grand Kadi of Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal, Justice AbdulLateef Kamaldeen, urged the elective office seekers and the electorate to comport themselves in prosecuting the coming general elections.
“ We should shun acts capable of fanning the ember of disunity or that could retard our progress. We should not make ourselves available as ready tools to disrupt peace, tranquility and stability, most especially our exuberant youths,” Kamaldeen counseled.
He added: “ It is pertinent to note that our dear nation is presently threatened with insecurity; no one is able to sleep with his/ her eyes closed as a result of insecurity . The security of lives and properties must be of great importance in a society where development is expected.
“ The high level of insecurity is drastically affecting the different strata of our economy to the extent that a faceless group of people lay threat on the people in power and force the government to shut its sectors such as schools, public places and so on.
“It’s important for the government to be awake to its constitutional responsibility of protection of lives and properties of the citizenry. It’s unfortunate that we find ourselves in this frightening situation.
“Let me also use this precious medium to plead with the government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities ( ASUU) to shift ground for each other to allow our children,hopeful leaders of tomorrow, go back to their various institutions because their overdue stay at home idly is adding to the national insecurity.”
For his part, Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said the ideals of Hijrah formed a strong foundation for good ethics and international system built on non-aggression, mutual cooperation, respect for dissents and human rights, and collective security.
“On behalf of the people and government of Kwara State, I congratulate the Muslim ummah in Kwara State and beyond on witnessing another Hijrah 1444,” he said.
The governor enjoined Muslims to reflect on the lessons of the Hijrah and bring them to bear in their relationships with one another and the adherents of other faith.
AbdulRazaq said the administration shares the principles and ideals of Hijrah, and is migrating Kwara to an era where individuals can achieve their full potentials and where public good is the greater consideration in all matters.
“As an administration that has respect for consensus building and peace, we are working out an harmonious atmosphere where everyone relates with one another first as human beings and sees the next person as partners for peace, security and national development. Under such circumstances, our varying needs as one community under God should find quality expression in love, unity, and peace,” he added.
“The request for public holiday is acknowledged. We do not take it for granted. Indeed, we recognise the right to seek fair accommodation under what may be termed a symbolic need that every community aspires to.”
The ceremony featured lectures, colourful parades by various students, and a launch of the 1444 Hijrah Calendar produced by the Hijrah Organisations of Nigeria — a copy of which the Governor purchased with the sums of N5m in his own name and his family.
Emir of Ilorin and chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs,Alh Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari enjoined the Muslim community to always toe the path of love, peace and unity.
He acknowledged Governor AbdulRazaq’s constant regard and respect for the course of Islam and for Ilorin Emirate.
The Emir said AbdulRazaq is the first incumbent Governor to attend the Hijrah event since he ascended the throne of his forebears in 1995
Representatives of Sheikh Habeebullahi Abdullahi Al-Ilory and Grand Mufti of Ilorin, Sheikh Suleiman Faruk Onikijipa, said the significance of Hijrah applies to migrating from bad conducts and seeking better socioeconomic conditions as it does to physical movement from one place to another for various reasons.
Onikijipa tasked government at all levels to renew their commitments to fight insecurity in the country.
Sheikh Abdulmunin Hanafi Ayara, who represented the Khalifatul Addabiy, Sheikh AbdulKadir Kamaldeen, also urged Muslims to imbibe the lessons of Hijrah.
He called for unity and love among the Muslims.
The ceremony featured lectures, colourful parades by various students, and a launch of the 1444 Hijrah calendar produced by the Hijrah Organisations of Nigeria — a copy of which the governor purchased with the sum of N5m in his own name and his family.
