A group, the Arewa Think Tank, has criticised an Islamic cleric for inciting Muslims in the country to attack the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, and urged the government to restrict the cleric from preaching in Nigeria to serve as a deterrent to others.
A statement issued at the weekend by the Chief Convener of Arewa Think Tank, Muhammad Yakubu noted that while Nigerians have the right to criticise the government and its policies, calling for the murder of the president’s wife by the religious cleric was unacceptable and condemnable.
The inciting speech had attracted reactions and condemnation by many Nigerians, calling for the identification and arrest of the cleric to face justice.
However, Arewa Think Tank in its statement specifically charged Northern leaders and elders to embark on a public condemnation of the inciting statement.
The group stated that the First Lady being an assistant pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) had nothing to do with her official position at the corridors of power because like any other Nigerians, she has the rights of association and worship.
The group also called for the prosecution of the cleric and that he be restrained from preaching in Nigeria.
“We of the Arewa Think Tank condemn in totality what the Islamic Cleric said about President Bola 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.
“The Quran and Hadith lay emphasis on respect, tolerance, and kindness towards all individuals, regardless of their faith or background. Islam advocates for peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and understanding among diverse communities.
“We call on relevant security agencies to ensure that the Islamic cleric in question is brought to book for prosecution.
“We believe 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,” it said.
It stated that while 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.
In a similar development, the group also cautioned the Director of Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Dr. Sam Amadi, for allegedly raining abusive words on the former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon over his 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.
Amadi had on his X handle described the comment of the former Nigerian leader regarding the Biafra war as disgraceful, and lacking wisdom.
However, the group 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 Gen. 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 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.
Wale Igbintade
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