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We’ll Protect Nigerians’ Rights, Regardless Of Religious, Ethnic Origins – Shettima
We’ll Protect Nigerians’ Rights, Regardless Of Religious, Ethnic Origins – Shettima
- Lauds efforts on peaceful coexistence among different faiths
By: Our Reporter
Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has assured that the rights of all Nigerians, regardless of their religious and ethnic beliefs, will be protected under the current administration.
This is even as President General of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijjaniyya) and14th Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II, implored Nigerians to file behind the Tinubu administration to move the country forward.
In a move aimed at promoting unity and tolerance in the country’s diverse society, the Vice President emphasized the importance of inclusivity and respect for religious freedom in a nation with a population of over 200 million people divided along religious and ethnic lines.
Senator Shettima made the pledge in Lagos on Saturday during a special prayer organized by the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya of Nigeria in honour of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
The VP assured the gathering that President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is guided by the message of the day, and is committed to protecting the rights and freedom of all Nigerians, regardless of their beliefs.
“The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) serve as a compass guiding us through the complexities of a multicultural world. He left us a template to manage a diverse society fairly. He taught us ways to build peace and resolve conflicts through dialogue, through kindness and through tolerance,” he stated.
Delivering his keynote address on the theme, “Searching For A Compass In A Multicultural World,” the Vice President expressed gratitude to Secretary General of the Tijjaniyya International and President of the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya for their exemplary guidance and dedication to preserving moral values.
He called for accountability in deeds and actions, urging all individuals to uphold the Prophet’s message of fairness and inclusivity in their daily interactions.
“The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) offer a beacon of light navigating the complexities of our multicultural world,” VP Shettima noted, adding that the Holy Prophet left behind “a roadmap for managing diversity with fairness, building peace through dialogue, and resolving conflicts with kindness and tolerance.”
Addressing the challenges faced by the nation, Shettima acknowledged the burden of trust bestowed on President Tinubu by the Nigerian people.
He called for reflection and prayer for the President and other leaders, urging all citizens to remember their purpose in a world filled with trials and distractions.
On behalf of the President and Nigeria’s over 200 million people, the VP expressed deep appreciation for the special prayer session held by the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya, where the Quran was recited 4,444 times for Nigeria and its leader.
“In our diverse nation, it is our duty to ensure every Nigerian can practice their religion freely without fear or discrimination. We extend a hand of friendship to the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya, commending your efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence among different religious communities,” he stated.
VP Shettima also spoke about the importance of internal transformation as a prerequisite for societal change, saying “as Allah instructed in the Qur’an, we can only guarantee change in our condition if we change that which is within us.”
He urged all Nigerians to lead by example, recognizing their intellectual, spiritual and moral capabilities.
His words: “We are all in search of our roads to redemption. Here, we are offering to build a nation that upholds the dignity of each person, recognizes the rights of each group, and emphasizes the essence of tolerance.”
The Vice President called for collective action, stressing the need to build a nation with the bricks of compassion, justice and fairness.
He implored Nigerians to join hands in the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood in fulfilling the nation’s obligations to its people and embracing the Prophet’s timeless teachings.
“Our road to the place of hope is strewn with our commitment to building a nation with the bricks of compassion, justice, and fairness. The miracle of this dream rests on our adherence to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, and I urge all Nigerians to join us in the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood on our long walk to fulfil our obligations to the people,” Shettima said.
Earlier, President General of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijjaniyya), Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II, implored Nigerians to file behind the Tinubu administration to move the country forward.
Specifically, the 14th Emir of Kano and Khalifa of Tijjaniyya in Nigeria called on politicians, the business community, religious scholars and traditional rulers to focus on Project Nigeria, and work towards rebuilding the nation.
“We are aware that you have taken over this country in a very difficult time, and at this time all Nigerians need to come behind you to end politics and face governance and move Nigeria forward.
“Every year on this occasion we try to complete at least 4,444 recitation of the Qur’an, with the sole intention of praying for the peace and stability of our country, for the protection of our leaders and our people.
“On behalf of the members of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen I must recognize and acknowledge all the cooperation and support we have been receiving from the Federal Government, the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and President Bola Tinubu.
Sanusi particularly thanked the President and the Vice President for the donation of an edifice to the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijjaniyya) in Abuja.
“We will not forget it. We pray to Allah to guide our leaders to give good direction so that they are able to implement policies that, as a nation, will move us forward,” he said.
Also, the International Secretary of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijjaniyya) Worldwide, Sheikh Mohammed Lamin Inyass, stressed the need for unity among the Muslim community, adding that Islam commands all Muslims to honour humanity irrespective of tribe or religion.
According to him, a true Muslim is a brother to his fellow Muslim, irrespective of their sect or whatever understanding.
Dignitaries who attended the event include Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; National Secretary of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijjaniyya), Saiyadi Yahaya Al-Qasim, former Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Barr. Mukhtar Abdullahi Mohammed; Sheikh Siraj Inyass; Sheikh Maulud Fall Murtania; Sheikh Buba Inyass, Sheikh Tijjani Sani Auwal and Khalifa Danlami Agege.
Others are Sheikh Adenekan Khaliful Khulafa (South West), Alhaji Ibrahim Bayero, Dan Madamin Kano, Sheikh Faruq Suleman Almiskinubillah, Sheikh Mushri Murtania, Sheikh Abdullahi Uwais, Khalifa Aminubillah Akoshole, Sheikh Nuruddeen Inyass, and Sheikh Shehi Maihula, among others.
We’ll Protect Nigerians’ Rights, Regardless Of Religious, Ethnic Origins – Shettima
Gunmen kill village head, wife in Adamawa, son hospitalised
By: Zagazola Makama
Unknown gunmen have killed a village head and his wife in Tunga Waja community, Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 8:50 p.m. on April 2, when the assailants attacked the residence of the village head and opened fire on him, his wife and their son.
The sources disclosed that the village head died on the spot, while his wife and son sustained gunshot wounds and were evacuated to a medical facility in Tingno for treatment.
According to the sources, the wife later died at the hospital, while the son is currently receiving treatment.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
The incident has heightened concerns among residents, as security agencies intensify efforts to restore calm and prevent further attacks in the area.
Gunmen kill village head, wife in Adamawa, son hospitalised
Three soldiers injured in road accident during pursuit of bandits in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Three soldiers have sustained injuries following a road traffic accident during an encounter with suspected armed bandits in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 3:00 p.m. on April 2, when troops of 2 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base Dogon Dawa were returning from an administrative patrol.
The sources explained that the troops reportedly sighted a group of armed bandits attempting to block the road at Ngede Allah and engaged them, forcing the criminals to flee.
During the pursuit, however, three soldiers fell off a military gun truck and sustained varying degrees of injuries, including fractures to the hand and leg.
The injured personnel were immediately evacuated to the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna, where they are currently receiving treatment and responding positively.
Security operations in the area have continued as troops maintain pressure on criminal elements within the axis.
Three soldiers injured in road accident during pursuit of bandits in Kaduna
Cleric decries ‘false narrative’ against Muslims in Plateau, demands justice for all victims
By: Zagazola Makama
A Muslim cleric, Imam Tajuddeen Muhammad Adigun, has strongly condemned what he described as a persistent false narrative portraying Muslims as perpetrators of violence in Plateau, insisting that the religion does not condone killings and that its adherents have also been victims of repeated attacks.
Speaking during a Khutba at MCC Masjid in Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, the cleric said it was “very unfair and unfortunate” that Muslims were often blamed whenever violence occurred in the state.
“It is always being implied these days that whenever anything happens, the finger of accusation is pointed at Muslims. It is very unfair, it is unfortunate,” he said.
He alleged that such narratives were driven by bias and power imbalance, stressing that Muslims in Plateau lacked political control and could not be responsible for orchestrating violence at the scale often alleged.
“If Muslims want to be brutal in this country, it is not about where they take charge, it is about where they have the strength and control, where they have the guns, where they control commissions and policies.
“But in Plateau State, which strength do you have as a Muslim? The governor is a Christian, the deputy is a Christian, all commissioners, all advisers — that is where the power lies,” he said.
The cleric maintained that Muslims had instead been subjected to marginalisation, attacks and killings, without adequate justice for the victims.
“After marginalising them, after brutalising them, after killing innocent Muslims, then you turn around and raise accusations against them. It is unjust,” he said.
He cited the killing of a senior military officer, identified as retired Maj.-Gen. Alkali, as an example of unresolved violence, questioning the outcome of investigations.
“He was killed in Plateau. It became a national issue. They constituted a committee, a powerful committee, to investigate the issue. Because a General in any nation is a General. He had given his life to serve that nation. He shouldn’t be killed like that innocently, like a rat.
“But he was killed in Plateau. Investigation was carried out, even with intelligence. The investigation led to the discovery of a pond where the General was found, and dozens of vehicles from Gombe Line, Borno Express, and many other Muslim victims were killed and thrown into the pond in Plateau.
“But where are the results? Where are the judgments? The criminals behind these assassinations — were they caught? Were they punished? When are they going to be punished? When are they going to be punished? When are they going to be punished?” he said.
“And you open your mouth to tell an intelligent Muslim that Muslims are killing Christians in Plateau? That is not correct. When do we have power? When do we have control of the state that we will oppress anybody? We will never do that. The Qur’an has given us responsibility and we will never abuse it,” he added.
Emphasising Islamic teachings, the cleric stated that the religion forbids injustice and the killing of innocent people.
“A Muslim will never call for hiding a criminal Muslim. We will never do that. It is against the Qur’an. We are people that follow the Qur’an. When we have power, we will not oppress anybody,” he said.
The cleric stressed that Muslims across Plateau had suffered losses from violent attacks and deserved justice like any other group.
“So many innocent Muslims have been killed, but there is no expression, no justice. Why are the perpetrators not being prosecuted?” he asked.
“The blame should go to the government — both state and federal — to investigate and act. Anybody found guilty should be dealt with,” he said.
The cleric also referenced broader insecurity challenges in the country, including killings of Muslims by bandits in Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara and other states, urging authorities to respond with fairness and urgency.
He concluded with prayers for peace, justice and unity in the country.
Cleric decries ‘false narrative’ against Muslims in Plateau, demands justice for all victims
Gunmen kill village head, wife in Adamawa, son hospitalised
Three soldiers injured in road accident during pursuit of bandits in Kaduna
Cleric decries ‘false narrative’ against Muslims in Plateau, demands justice for all victims
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