A renown Islamic scholar and Malami Ubandoma of Ilorin Emirate, Dr. AbdulKadir As-Salman Solagberu, has cautioned Nigeria’s youths to shun all the actions that can cause chaos and anarchy in the nation.
The cleric who is also the National President of Shehu Alimi Foundation for Peace and Development and urged them not to embark on the planned-nationwide protest adding that the current economic hardhip is not peculiar to Nigeria alone.
He stated this on Friday during his weekly radio programme tagged: “Ile Kewu Shehu Alimi”, a programme designed to promote peaceful co-existence in the country.
Dr. AbdulKadir noted that the economic decadence affecting the nation has been orchestrated by bad governance during the past administrations adding that “No nation can develop within a year due to the complexities and peculiarities of Nigeria.
“There is need for Nigeria citizens to be circumspect to the fact that the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR is doing his best to ensure that the wellbeing of Nigerians is well taken care of. He has lunched several programmes to alleviate poverty in the land.
“Let’s continue pray for the nation especially President Tinubu by being patriotic and not allowing laws and orders to be broken. As we can also see that there is tension everywhere and if the nationwide protest should be allowed, the image of the nation would be at jeopardy within the international community.”
Speaking further, Dr. AbdulKadir, the Promoter of a reputable educational institution, Darul Kitab Group of Schools, noted that the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR established the Shehu Alimi Foundation for Peace and Development in order to maintain harmony in the society.
He emphasized the importance of patience and constructive engagement with the government saying: “We must remain patient and avoid any activities that could destroy the peaceful nature of our community.”
The cleric who is also the piooner chairman of the Kwara State Arabic Education Board, appealed to those organizing the protests to redirect their energy towards dialogue and constructive engagement stressing that the Emir of Ilorin is a proponent of peace, attributing the tranquility in Ilorin and Kwara State to his wise leadership.
He said: “People that are sponsoring the nationwide protest have hidden agendas and we must not succumb to their deceit. All imams should make it a point of duty to sensitize all their followers on the need to maintain peace and harmony always.
“The Emir’s wisdom has greatly contributed to the peace we enjoy in Ilorin and Kwara State. We should follow his example and maintain this peaceful path. Islamic Shari’a law offers a nuanced stance. Shari’a law permits peaceful protest and criticism of the government but strictly prohibits rebellion or violence.”
“It is true that the religion of Islam allows for demonstration but with laid down principles and rules. You will agree with me that we are not yet matured enough to put the all the required rules into practice for such unproductive and unprofitable venture.
“The aftermath of the previous protests such as ENDSARS is yet to fizzle out in our country. Many businesses collapsed, many people were killed while several others were injured. To this effect, I appeal to us to thread softly by embracing dialogue and shun protest of anykind.
“You can visit other countries of the world and check if they don’t have their own side of the stories of tbe current global economic hardship that they are also experiencing. Go to Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, Switzerland and France, they’re experiencing the same challenges. Let’s all support Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu in order to ameliorate our economic misfortunes and restore prosperity in the society.”
