Disrespect to the Islamic Leadership is an affront to Nigerian Muslims – NSCIA

By Fatih Lawal-Garu

The General Purpose Committee (GPC) of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has warned government and political leaders to respect traditional institutions, especially when combined with Islamic leadership such as the Sultan of Sokoto sits. This was contained in a communique issued by the GPC which met on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 under the leadership of the Secretary-general of the NSCIA Prof Ishaq Oloyede.

We Recall that Prof Ishaq Akintola of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) recently revealed the possibility of the Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu to dethrone the Sultan. The Sokoto State Government denied any such plans while attributing the news as originating from “mischief makers”. But it admitted to enacting the Sokoto Emirate Council Amendment Bill which MURIC later described as “undisguised attempt at weakening” the Sultan and “making him less relevant in the scheme of traditional settings”.

Part of the communique states: “the NSCIA is strongly advising government and political leaders at all levels to continue to accord the traditional institution and its holders the due respect that they deserve, especially where such is combined with Islamic leadership. This is in order to ensure the protection of our cultural and religious heritage for sustainable peace and national development.”

“The Muslim Ummah in Nigeria, long before independence, unanimously resolved to entrust its leadership to an established Islamic institution that Muslims all over the country believe would always command the desired respect and attract the highest regards of reasonable all and sundry.”

“It, therefore, behoves the custodians of such institution to also reciprocate by acting in a manner that shows, both in words and deed, respect for Islam, its institution and the feelings of the generality of the Ummah. Any iota of disrespect to the institution is a direct affront on the Faith and its adherents.”

The meeting which also had in attendance prominent traditional rulers such as the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, CFR; Etsu Nupe, Alh. Yahaya Abubakar, CFR; Emir of Kazaure, Alh. Najib Hussaini Adamu, CON; and Emir of Gummi, Justice Lawal Hassan Gummi (Rtd), OFR reiterated absolute confidence in the leadership of the Sultan, established a committee under the Chairmanship of the Secretary General with a view to resolving the Imamship/Obaship tussle in Ogbomosho.

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