A retired Commissioner of Police, Dr Yinka Balogun, has argued against the amnesty given to those who deliberately killed and maimed innocent Nigerians, saying giving them pardon was against Allah’s injunction.
He spoke on Sunday at the sixth General Assembly of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) held at the multipurpose hall of the University of Ibadan Muslim community’s Islamic Centre.
Speaking on the theme of the General Assembly, ‘Insecurity in Nigeria: Effects on Human Psyche’, Dr Balogun attributed insecurity in the country to weak structure and incapability of the government in guaranteeing decent society, good education and youth mobilisation.
He also identified corrupt practices “that have become the norm” in the country and the widening gap between the rich and the poor as the bane of the country’s security.
“Part of the causes of insecurity are weak government that cannot guarantee the genuine expectations of a decent society such as freedom from poverty, good education, youth mobilisation and provision of other necessary conditions of good living,” he said.
Dr Balogun stated that it was time Nigerians rose up and challenged the people in authority to act the right way.
“It is time to rise and ask people in authority to do the needful. Enough of discussions and conferences; rise and instruct the capable – the president, governors, the IGP, senators, representatives – to do what is right for the people. ‘There is insecurity in the land. Please rise and make corrections,’” he emphasised.
He charged the government to be take responsibility for the insecurity in the country and find a lasting solution to the problem.
In a communique signed by MUSWEN President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo and Executive Secretary, Professor Muslih Yahya, after the General Assembly, MUSWEN stressed the importance of the empowerment of downtrodden Nigerians and restoration of their hope as part of the steps to check restiveness, crime and general insecurity in the country.
The oganisation hinged restiveness on poverty and lack of basic necessities and called on the government to look into this and tackle the challenges facing the country, especially in the area of security, head-on.
In an address at the event, MUWEN President, Alhaji Oladejo, noted that as a way of empowering indigent students, the organisation had consistently developed the capacity of poor but willing students in higher institutions.
“As we all know, education is the master key with which to open the locked door. That is why MUSWEN is now thinking of reopening the gate of scholarship and even bursary for some of our indigent students,” Oladejo stated.
He noted that since its establishment 13 years ago, MUSWEN had served as a rallying point for Muslims in the South West in terms of unity and provision of empowerment opportunities.
In a remark, a member of the Board of Trustees of MUSWEN and chairman of the Muslim Community of Oyo State (MUSCOYS), Alhajj Ishaq Kunle Sanni, observed that securing Nigeria should be the job of everyone.
Alhaji Sanni noted that security operatives could not be present everywhere at all times hence the need for the people to be security-conscious and provide support for the government where necessary.
“The Chief of Army Staff, Inspector General of Police and all the service chiefs cannot be everywhere and these criminals live among us. We are concerned about the security situation in the country; we should give intelligence report to the security agencies.
“I am not suggesting that Nigerians carry guns; if we are saying that we should carry guns, we are escalating the tentacles of violence. So, I will not subscribe to the call that everyone should carry guns.
“Every Nigerian should see themselves as part of those who want to see the end of the ugly insurrection,” he stated.
In a message to the General Assembly, the Oyo State governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, underlined the importance of unity of Nigeria and called on the people to utilise the slogan ‘if you see something, say something’ in enhancing safety of lives and property.
The governor, represented by Special Assistant on Islamic Affairs, Alhaji AbdRasheed AbdAzeez, urged the Muslim Ummah to embrace continuous engagement with his government with a view to enhancing good governance.
MUSWEN, through the president, Alhaji Oladejo, announced to the General Assembly the death, on Saturday, December 4, 2021, of legal luminary and former acting president of the organisation, Justice Bola Babalakin (retd), praying Allah to have mercy on the deceased.
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