… Warns against reintegrating convicted criminals

…Calls for swift execution of Owo church attackers

… Ondo Muslim leaders decry political marginalisation

A popular Islamic cleric in Ondo State, Sheikh AbdulRauf Lagbaji, calls on governments at all levels to ensure the execution of any bandits or kidnappers found guilty of criminal acts.

According to the cleric, who is the founder of the At-Tanzil Foundation, reintegrating convicted criminals into society would bring further calamity upon the country.

Lagbaji stated this during a lecture at the Ashura Day celebration organised by the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Ondo State chapter, where he urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to ensure the swift execution of those convicted for the 2022 Owo church massacre.

While speaking on the theme, ‘Ashura: Navigating Peaceful Pathways Amidst Hostilities: What Is the Practical Relevance in Contemporary Nigeria?’, Lagbaji said the government must not make the mistake of believing that bandits would genuinely repent, warning that if they are spared, Allah would not spare them in the hereafter.

Lagbaji further appealed to lawyers across the country to refrain from representing or serving as defence counsel for anyone involved in banditry or kidnapping while also calling on the government to review the Constitution to allow for the immediate execution of those found guilty of such crimes.

The guest lecturer also appealed to Muslim faithful and Nigerians to work tirelessly for peace to reign in the country, stressing that the essence of Ashura is to remain loyal to Allah and maintain good intentions towards others.

“In Islam, Diya (blood money) for a person killed is equivalent to 100 camels, which is about N200 million per person. Therefore, our religion does not permit the pampering of anyone who kills.

“The government must not make the mistake of believing that bandits will genuinely repent and spare them. If the government does so, Allah will not spare them in the hereafter,” he said.

On his part, the Grand Imam of Akure Kingdom, Alhaji AbdulHakeem Yayi-Akorede, called on Muslims in the state to become more actively involved in politics to ensure greater recognition and representation in governance.

Yayi-Akorede stated that their involvement would enable them to contribute meaningfully to governance while improving their chances of securing political appointments and leadership positions.

The Grand Imam, who commended the MMPN for organising the programme, described it as an avenue for enlightenment and spiritual reflection, while explaining that Ashura is a day of fasting and devotion rather than merrymaking, urging Muslims to observe it with seriousness and prayers for future generations and national progress.

Also speaking, the Chairman of thNigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, Leke Adegbite, expressed concern over what he described as the marginalisation of Muslims in political appointments in Ondo State, noting that despite the reasonable Muslim population in the state, they remain under-represented in key government positions.

Adegbite called on Islamic leaders to continue engaging political party leaders on the need to ensure fair representation of Muslims in governance, adding that Nigeria belongs to all its citizens and called on Nigerians to support the government in its efforts to address the country’s challenges.

The event, which brought together Islamic scholars, media practitioners and members of the Muslim community, was organised to encourage Muslim faithful to engage more in acts of worship, charity, fasting and prayers, according to the MMPN Ondo State Chairman, Mallam Jubril Bada.

Bada appealed to Muslims to embrace patience, tolerance and peaceful coexistence as among the lessons of Ashura while also calling on Nigerians not to relent in their efforts to promote peace and harmony in their communities.

He further urged Nigerians to ensure that the forthcoming general election is peaceful and free from violence, hatred and division.