Prioritise National Interest, Sheikh Sharif Saleh Tells Media

A prominent Nigerian Islamic scholar and Chairman of the Fatwa Committee of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Sheikh Shariff Saleh-Al-Hussaini, has urged media practitioners to prioritise national interest and promote good governance in their constitutional duties.

The cleric revealed this at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja.

He emphasised the importance of media professionals promoting national unity and avoiding reports that could jeopardise peaceful coexistence among the country’s various ethnic groups.

“The media is the eyes and ears of the society, and therefore, they are responsible for holding leaders accountable on behalf of the people.

“The media should be up and doing in setting the agenda for the country and interrogating programmes and policies of the government,” he said.

Sheikh Saleh-Al-Hussaini also urged public officeholders to listen to and respect the opinions and concerns of citizens as reported in the media.

The cleric pointed out that God did not err in uniting the various ethnic groups under one political entity called Nigeria.

He called on all Nigerians to play their part in enhancing national security, fostering unity and peace, and achieving sustainable development.

According to him, every Nigerian has a role in ensuring the country achieves lasting economic growth and development.

The cleric further urged Nigerians to deepen their devotion to the Almighty God with complete submission and to pray earnestly for the nation’s well-being and the restoration of peace in areas affected by insecurity.

He emphasised the need for religious leaders to continue preaching tolerance, unity, and love for one another, regardless of tribal or religious differences.

Sheikh Saleh-Al-Hussaini also expressed gratitude to the management of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, for recently conferring an honorary doctorate on him.

“The most important lesson on the conferment of an honorary doctorate on me by the management of ABU is that our institutions are recognising the contributions of religious leaders to nation-building,” he said.