By Luminous Jannamike
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, has warned the Federal Government and security agencies to act before Muslims ‘run out of patience’, saying the community’s continued restraint amid what it described as persistent attacks, profiling and marginalisation should not be mistaken for weakness.
The council said Muslims had deliberately responded with restraint despite what it described as repeated provocation, while calling for swift justice over recent killings in Kaduna and Benue states and investigations into alleged police misconduct.
The warning was contained in a statement by the NSCIA’s Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, on behalf of the council led by its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
“While the NSCIA continues to appeal to Muslims for continuous restraint, it is imperative that government and security agencies should act decisively before the Muslims run out of patience in the light of persistent attacks and unbridled marginalization,” the council said.
The NSCIA also called on the government to ensure that those responsible for what it described as heinous crimes in Kaduna and Benue states were brought to justice without delay.
“The NSCIA hereby calls on government to ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous crimes in Kaduna and Benue States are brought to justice, without delay and according to the laws of the land. Anything short of this is an invitation to anarchy,” the statement said.
The council urged the authorities to rein in what it described as persistent attacks on Islam and Muslims in public spaces, saying that was essential to preserving peace and national cohesion.
“The barrage of open assaults on the integrity of Islam and the Muslims in public spaces should be checked in the interest of peace and order. Enough is enough,” the statement added.
It also demanded a thorough investigation into allegations that divisional police officers handed over a female Muslim scholar for burning, as well as claims that the officer who allegedly invited the slain Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, should be investigated and brought to justice.
According to the council, Muslims had remained committed to Nigeria’s unity despite feeling increasingly marginalised and unfairly portrayed as oppressors.
“The commitment necessitates silence and restraint despite unwarranted provocation, assault, and baseless profiling of Islam and the Muslims in the country. It should be clear that restraint is not cowardice. But there is always a limit to endurance,” it said.
The body also faulted remarks it attributed to a former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, during a recent live television programme, describing the comments as reckless, and arguing that the programme should have attracted sanctions from the appropriate government agencies.
The statement added that if a Muslim leader had made similar remarks, he would likely have been invited for questioning by the police and other security agencies.
The NSCIA also rejected claims by some Christian leaders linking Muslims and Fulani communities to recent kidnapping incidents in Oyo State, saying those arrested in connection with the incidents bore names suggesting otherwise and that the suspect arrested over the kidnap and murder in Oriire Local Government Area was not only a ‘Christian’ but also a pastor.
It further accused Arise Television of applying double standards in its coverage of the incident, alleging that the station dismissed it as unrelated to religion but would have taken a different position had the suspect been identified as a Muslim.
The council also cited the killing of Benue State Chairman of MACBAN, Alhaji Ardo Risku Muhammad, and his associate, Mallam Yakubu Isah, after a peace meeting, alleging that it formed part of what it described as a systematic attempt to provoke Muslims into retaliation.
Beyond security concerns, the council also alleged that Muslims were being sidelined in public appointments, particularly in southern Nigeria, arguing that when Muslim office holders left office they were often replaced by non-Muslims. It cited Mr Adebayo Adelabu as an example.
The statement further criticised opposition to Muslim-Muslim political tickets, arguing that similar objections were not raised when Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief Obafemi Awolowo sought the presidency with Christian running mates, or when General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) appointed Awolowo Federal Commissioner for Finance and Vice-Chairman of the Federal Executive Council.
Even so, the council reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s peace and unity, while urging the government, security agencies and the media to act responsibly to prevent religious tensions from escalating.
