Provide succour for Nigerians, cleric charges leaders

A cleric, Malam Abdullah Musa Abu Jabar, has called on those at the helm to provide succour for Nigerians in the midst of the economic downturn.

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

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 the country is battling as a result of government policies which have dropped many citizens below the poverty line and made 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.

“Nigerians are passing through a lot as a result of the economic situation in the country. I want to appeal to those in power to provide urgent solutions and ease the affairs of the citizens. The leaders should depend on Allah, fear Him, connect with Him and make life 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 said Allah has not promised his creatures a smooth sail, noting that life is a test for every believer to move closer to Allah.

“Don’t allow the challenges of life to disconnect you from Allah. The challenges of a believer are like a tender plant that the wind controls, but which later stands tall and firm again.

“If Allah loves people, He tests them. A believer must seek Allah’s forgiveness at all times to reconnect with Him. The calamity that befell you to turn to Allah is better than the blessings that turn you away from Allah,” the cleric said.

The chairman of the FCT chapter of UNIFEMGA, Alhaji Ismail Okunlola, said the association was established to promote Islamic brotherhood through scholarship, da’wah and empowerment.

Okunlola said since the inception of the scholarship scheme in 2008, more than 850 indigents have benefitted.

He 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 programmes that create jobs and opportunities for the people and enhance security for smooth socio-economic activities in rural and urban areas,” Okunlola said.

Taofeek Lawal