Provide solutions to Nigeria’s economic woes, Cleric charges leaders

A cleric, Mallam Abdullah Musa Abu Jabar, has called on those at the corridors of power to provide succour to Nigerians as a result of the economic downturn which the country is presently passing through.

Abu Jabar, also known as Pen Abdul, gave the admonition at the 17th Annual Ramadan Lecture/Iftar organised by the Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates’ Association (UNIFEMGA) in Abuja on Wednesday.

Speaking on the topic “Reconnecting with Allah in times of hardship”, Abu Jabar charged the leaders to come up with urgent solutions to the myriad of problems Nigerians are battling as a result of government policies which has dropped many citizens below the poverty line and make life unbearable for many.

He equally called on the leaders to have the fear of Allah in the discharge of their duties, connect with Him and display patriotism at all times.

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“Nigerians are passing through a lot as a result of the economic situation in the country. I want to appeal to those at the corridors of power to provide urgent solutions and ways out to ease the affairs of the citizens. The leaders should depend on Allah, fear Him, connect with Him and make life more comfortable for the citizenry,” he said.

Abu Jabar, an architect by profession, also called on Nigerians especially Muslims to stand firm with Allah in times of hardship saying it is during trying times that people should reconnect with Allah and ask Him for guidance and direction.

He added that Almighty Allah has not promised his creatures a smooth sail saying life is a testing ground for every believer to move closer to Allah.

“Don’t allow the challenges of life to disconnect you from Allah. The challenge of a believer is that of a tender plant that the wind controls but after it stands tall and firm again. When Allah loves people, He tests them. A believer must seek Allah’s forgiveness at all times to reconnect with Him. The calamity that befalls you to turn to Allah is better than the blessings that turn you away from Allah.”

The chairman, UNIFEMGA FCT chapter, Alhaji Ismail Okunlola, said the association was established to promote Islamic brotherhood through scholarships, dawah (lecture) and empowerment.

He said since the inception of the scholarship scheme in 2008, more than 850 indigents have benefited. He also called on the government to come up with policies to reduce poverty among Nigerians.

“We want the government to address the immediate and remote cause of poverty in the society to contain the escalating crimes, reduce inequality and huge dependency ratio among the people, promote projects and programs that create jobs and productive opportunities for the people as well as enhancing security to promote socio-economic development of the people in both rural and urban areas,” Okunlola told Tribune Online.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE