Connect with us

Opinion

Friday Sermon] IPOB Killings: An Invitation To Another Civil War In Nigeria!

Published

on

IPOB militants

 

By Imam Murtadha Gusau

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all creation. May the salutations of Allah, His peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet, his family, his companions and his true and sincere followers until the Last Day – then to proceed:

Dear brothers and sisters! The terrorist group and Members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on Sunday mercilessly killed 12 people from the Northern Nigeria, including a pregnant woman, her four children and eight others at Isulo, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The slain woman was identified as Harirah Jibril, 32, while the four children were identified as Fatimah, 9; Khadijah, 7; Azizah, 5 and; Zaitunah, 2.

The terrorists waylaid them on their way back home after a visit to Orumba North. The slain woman was a native of Adamawa State.

And as I’m talking to you now all Hausa people from the North have completely deserted Ihiala, following heightened attacks on non-natives in the area.

The unprovoked evictions, attacks, killings, destructions of properties and other forms of violations against northerners in various parts of the South East had resulted from the hate campaigns and propaganda being conducted by regional and ethnic agitators.

These killings followed other coordinated attacks on northern traders and haulage trucks, killing some people and destroying millions worth of properties including the truck.

Nigerian Army Foils Attack On Imo Police Command,Eliminates IPOB Commander 

We strongly condemn these killings. It is brutish, horrendous and barbaric. No family deserves to be wiped out in this manner.

And we call on the security agencies to smoke out the killers and bring them to justice. At the same time, we ask all men of conscience to speak up and condemn this barbaric killing.

For peace to reign and to avoid reprisal killings in other side of the country our people must have the liberty to exercising their freedom of movement in Southeastern part of the country, we’re law abiding citizens, we, therefore, warn that these killings should stop forthwith, as the blood of our people can’t be used as a sacrifice to keep Nigeria as one.

Once again, we wish to call on security agencies to intensify efforts in ensuring the lawless elements behind the killings are brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others.

We also appeal to our people in the North not to retaliate. Because vengeance will only ignite a cycle of violence. Nigeria needs peace at this crucial time. Therefore, nobody should embark on reprisal killing please. It will only compound the problem.

Respected brothers and sisters! One of the distinctive characteristics of the times we live in is the overwhelming presence of bloodshed, crisis and violence in our societies. Whether it is an IPOB attacks and killings to our people in Dei-Dei Abuja and southeast, or a tribal and religious attacks, or a kidnappings where innocent people are held at ransom to achieve political ends, we live in an age, where the manipulation and loss of innocent lives has become commonplace.

Such is the all-pervasive nature of indiscriminate violence, that terrorism is considered as one of the prime threats to peace and security in our societies.

The word terrorism came into wide usage only a few decades ago. But one of the unfortunate results of this new terminology is that it limits the definition of terrorism to that perpetrated by small groups or individuals. Terrorism, in fact, spans the entire world, and manifests itself in various forms. Its perpetrators do not fit any stereotype. Those who hold human lives cheap, and have the power to expend human lives, appear at different levels in our societies. The frustrated employee who kills his colleagues in cold-blood or the oppressed citizen of an occupied land who vents his anger by blowing up a school bus are terrorists who provoke our anger and revulsion. Ironically however, the politician who uses age-old ethnic animosities between peoples to consolidate his position, the head of state who orders “carpet bombing” of entire cities, the exalted councils that choke millions of civilians to death by wielding the insidious weapon of sanctions, the terrorist group like IPOB, who are killing the northerners living in their areas, are rarely punished for their crimes against humanity.

It is this narrow definition of terrorism that implicates only individuals and groups, that has caused Muslims to be associated with acts of destruction and terror, and as a result, to become victims of hate violence and terror themselves. Sometimes the religion of Islam is held responsible for the acts of a handful of Muslims, and often for the acts of non-Muslims!

Could it be possible that Islam, whose light ended the Dark Ages in Europe, now propound the advent of an age of terror? Could a faith that has over 2 billion followers the world over, and over 10 million in America, actually advocate the killing and maiming of innocent people? Could Islam, whose name itself stands for “peace” and “submission to Allah Almighty”, encourage its adherents to work for death and destruction?

For too long, have we relied on popular images in the media and in Hollywood films, for answers to these pertinent questions. It is now time to look at the sources of Islam, and its history to determine whether Islam does indeed advocate violence. The Glorious Qur’an says:

“…take not life, which Allah hath made sacred, except by way of justice and law: thus do He command you, that you may learn wisdom.” [Qur’an, 6:151]

Islam considers all life forms as sacred. However, the sanctity of human life is accorded a special place. The first and the foremost basic right of a human being is the right to live. The Glorious Qur’an says:

Far from being a militant dogma, Islam is a way of life that transcends race and ethnicity. The Glorious Qur’an repeatedly reminds us of our common origin:

“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).” [Qur’an, 49:13]

Thus, it is the universality of its teachings that makes Islam the fastest growing religion in the world. In a world full of conflicts and deep schisms between human beings, a world that is threatened with terrorism, perpetrated by individuals and states, Islam is a beacon of light that offers hope for the future.

Fellow Nigerians! If you can remember, the same thing taking place today of hate campaigns, maltreatment, attacking and killing the northerners by Igbo people was what ignited the 1966 Nigerian civil war.

Advert

In August 1965 five Igbo Majors were beginning to plot a coup against incumbent Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. The coup was planned because the Majors as reported, were dissatisfied with the governments actions and that most Nigerian politicians were of Hausa or Fulani descent. In a memoir written by coup plotter Adewale Ademoyega he wrote:

“Our enemies are the political profiteers, the swindlers, the men in high and low places, that seek bribes and demand 10%; those that seek to keep the country divided permanently so that they can remain in office as ministers or VIPs.”

The coup plotters had five goals to achieve, to Strike simultaneously in regional capitals, arrest leading politicians-kill any who resist, avoid reprisals-kill all senior army officers, prevent troop movement-block Niger and Benue, and form a new Government. They planned to strike right before the Commonwealth Conference so that Tafawa Balewa would be distracted from any suspicious army movements.

In the weeks leading up to the coup Major Kaduna Nzeogwu carried out reconnaissance on Ahmadu Bello’s house in Kaduna. Nzeogwu often took his men on a night-time training exercise known as “Exercise Damisa” which was in actuality a practice run for a military coup. The commander of the 2nd Brigade, Brigadier Samuel Ademulegun, became irritated with the night-time exercises and reprimanded Nzeogwu in a telephone call to keep exercises a safe distance from Ahmadu Bello’s house. Although Ademulegun complained about the commotion he had no idea of the exercise’s true purpose. Nzeogwu’s control over his troops was so little that he had to conscript young soldiers from the Nigerian Military Training College at Kaduna. In the early hours on January 15, 1966 Nzeogwu decided to turn “Exercise Damisa” into a full blown military coup. Nzeogwu led his men to a bush adjacent to the house gates and informed them of their real mission. Nzeogwu and his men blew open the house gates and conducted a search of the residence, hunting for Ahmadu Bello Sardauna. After losing his temper at his initial failure to locate him, Nzeogwu found him with his wives. Ahmadu Bello was shot along with one of his wives who tried to shield him with her body. Also Ahmadu Bello’s faithful bodyguard came to defend him with a bow and arrows but was also shot.

So we have to be very very careful in order to avoid another civil war in Nigeria. Because if the killing of northerners in southeastern Nigeria continue, I’m assuring you that anything can happen…

All praises and thanks are due to Allah alone, Lord of the worlds. May the peace, blessings and salutations of Allah be upon our noble Messenger, Muhammad, and upon his family, his Companions and his true and sincere followers.

Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com or +2348038289761.

This Jumu’ah Khutbah (Friday sermon) was prepared for delivery today, Friday, Shawwal 26, 1443 AH (May 27, 2022).

 

“…if any one slew a person – unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land – it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people.” [Qur’an, 5:32]

Such is the value of a single human life, that the Qur’an equates the taking of even one human life unjustly, with killing of all humanity. Thus, the Qur’an prohibits homicide in clear terms. The taking of a criminal’s life by the state in order to administer justice is required to uphold the rule of law, and the peace and security of the society. Only a proper and competent court can decide whether an individual has forfeited his right to life by disregarding the right to life and peace of other human beings.

Even in a state of war, Islam enjoins that one deals with the enemy nobly on the battlefield. Islam has drawn a clear line of distinction between the combatants and the non-combatants of the enemy country. As far as the non-combatant population is concerned such as women, children, the old and the infirm, etc., the instructions of the Prophet are as follows:

“Do not kill any old person, any child or any woman.” [Abu Dawud]

“Do not kill the monks in monasteries” or “Do not kill the people who are sitting in places of worship.” [Musnad of Imam Ahmad]

During a war, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) saw the corpse of a woman lying on the ground and observed:

“She was not fighting. How then she came to be killed?”

Thus non-combatants are guaranteed security of life even if their state is at war with an Islamic state.

While Islam in general is misunderstood in the western world, perhaps no other Islamic term evokes such strong reactions as the word ‘jihad.’ The term ‘jihad’ has been much abused, to conjure up bizarre images of violent Muslims, forcing people to submit at the point of the sword. This myth was perpetuated throughout the centuries of mistrust during and after the Crusades. Unfortunately, it survives to this day.

The word Jihad comes from the root word jahada, which means to struggle. So jihad is literally an act of struggling. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said that the greatest jihad is to struggle with the insidious suggestions of one’s own soul. Thus jihad primarily refers to the inner struggle of being a person of virtue and submission to Allah in all aspects of life.

Secondarily, jihad refers to struggle against injustice. Islam, like many other religions, allows for armed self-defense, or retribution against tyranny, exploitation, and oppression. The Glorious Qur’an says:

“And why should you not fight in the cause of Allah and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated (and oppressed)? – Men, women, and children, whose cry is: “Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from you one who will protect; and raise for us from you one who will help!” [Qur’an, 4:75]

Thus Islam enjoins upon its believers to strive utmost, in purifying themselves, as well as in establishing peace and justice in the society. A Muslim can never be at rest when he sees injustice and oppression around him. As Martin Luther King Jr. said:

“We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people.”

Islam enjoins upon all Muslims to work actively to maintain the balance in which Allah created everything. However, regardless of how legitimate the cause may be, the Glorious Qur’an never condones the killing of innocent people. Terrorising the civilian population can never be termed as jihad and can never be reconciled with the teachings of Islam.

Even Western scholars have repudiated the myth of Muslims coercing others to convert. The great historian De Lacy O’Leary wrote:

“History makes it clear, however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims, sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever repeated.” [Islam at Crossroads, London, 1923 page 8]

Muslims ruled Spain for roughly 800 years. During this time, and up until they were finally forced out, the non-Muslims there were alive and flourishing. Additionally, Christian and Jewish minorities have survived in the Muslim lands of the Middle East for centuries. Countries such as Egypt, Morocco, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan all have significant Christian and/or Jewish populations.

This is not surprising to a Muslim, for his faith prohibits him from forcing others to see his point of view. The Glorious Qur’an says:

“Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah hear and know all things.” [Qur’an, 2:256]

 

Opinion

Kwankwaso/US Congress And The Jow Jow With Jungle Justice-Bala Ibrahim

Published

on

Head Of Kwankwasiyya Movement and former Governor of Kano,Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

 

By Bala Ibrahim.

The ambition of the justice system, as highlighted in the law books I read, is to maintain social order and public safety by enforcing laws, upholding the rule of law, and resolving conflicts fairly. It acts to protect individual rights, provide justice for victims, punish offenders, and rehabilitate criminals to prevent future offenses. I am not a lawyer, but having practiced journalism for decades, I am very conversant with the meaning of the word, fair. Fair hearing, fair trial, fair presumption and fairness in the resolution of conflicts. By my understanding, the best process of resolving conflicts should involve peace or peaceful and mutually satisfactory solutions, through listening to the parties and negotiating with them in order to find a comprise or address the root causes of the problem. Ultimately, and without engaging in emotion, the goal is to reach a solution that satisfies all parties. That way, you arrive at a “win-win” situation, thereby avoiding conflict.

America’s status, as the beacon of human rights, justice and democracy, is being contested, because of its regular prioritisation of interests over values. This deliberate bias of interest is making the meaning of fairness ridiculous. And by extension, putting a question mark on the historically projected position of the United States, as the beacon of justice and fair play. As I write this article, some American lawmakers have introduced a bill to the US Congress, seeking to impose sanctions on the former Governor of Kano state and former Minister of Defence, Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, over allegations of violations of religious freedom. To the best of my knowledge, no one made attempt to hear from Kwankwaso. According to the provisions of the bill, Kwankwaso is identified as one of the individuals contributing to systemic religious “persecution of Christians that has persisted” in Nigeria.

Let me start by putting the records straight. I am not a supporter of Kwankwaso. We belong to different political parties and we have differences in ideological beliefs. But our differences not withstanding, I am totally in disagreement with the position of those behind the bill that is seeking to sanction him. It is wrong, very wrong and brazenly in conflict with the meaning of fairness. Even the local and international observers of events that are unfolding in Nigeria, would vehemently disagree with that claim. Kwankwaso can be crucified for some sins, political sins, but to implicate him in religious persecution is not only ridiculous but loudly laughable. Anyone familiar with Kwankwaso, knows that he doesn’t belong to the class of people engaged in religious fanatism. Far from that. It is probably an attempt by the powerful, to give the powerless a bad name, in order to hang him. And that smells like a jow jow with jungle justice, I think.

Advert

It reminds me of that old book, written by George Orwell, called the Animal Farm. The famous line from the book says, “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” For some reasons, today, America is acting like a country that is in the script of George Orwell’s Animal Farm. The Animal Farm was written based on the Russian Revolution concept, by showing how those in power can be corrupt and how they can oppress the people they’re supposed to help. In todays world, the “Almighty” America is playing the bully, by hurting or attempting to hurt or frighten, some people or countries, so as to force them to do something that they do not want to do. Nigeria has since fallen into the category of those victims. And now, attempt is being made to unjustly, add the name of Kwankwaso.

It is heartening to hear that his movement, the Kwankwasiyya movement, through the NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, had issued a statement, describing the whole thing as a blackmail. “The months before the latest development, Kwankwaso had openly reacted when President Donald Trump re-designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious persecution. Kwankwaso cautioned against what he described as oversimplified characterizations of Nigeria’s internal challenges. Kwankwaso stated that it was important to emphasize that our country is a sovereign nation whose people face different threats from outlaws across the country.”-Johnson.

Indeed America is acting according to the 7 rules in the Animal Farm, which goes thus:
1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.
2 Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend.
3.No animal shall wear clothes.
4.No animal shall sleep in a bed.
5.No animal shall drink alcohol.
6.No animal shall kill any other animal.
7.All animals are equal, BUT some animals are more equal than others.

I cant talk about MACBAN and the two others, whose names appeared alongside that of Kwankwaso, but despite my political disagreement with him, I can attest to the religious tolerance of Eng. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. So, the US Congrees men should put on their thinking caps, and know that the name to put in there, is not Kwankwaso.

Continue Reading

Opinion

Honourable Murtala Sule Garo; he who the cap fits

Published

on

 

By Abubakar shehu kwaru

Let me begin by confessing that, going by the little knowledge i acquired when I was an undergraduate at Bayero university Kano, about two decades ago on the qualities of good leader as contained in the fourteen principles of Henry Fayol, a scholar of business administration as
according to him, a leader must be honest, hard working, responsible, exemplary , discipline, knowledgeable, conceptual thinker, decent and above all be able to unite subordinates.

On the other hand, some scholars are of the view that some people were born to lead and are charismatic in nature hence possess qualities of good leadership but unfortunately they are rare in a given environment.

Way back in 2007, when i attended a Millennium Development Goals MDG youth sensitisation programme organised by citizenship and leadership Training centre Abuja,
absolutely, during the fora, we were specifically taught on the attributes of a credible leader.

A leader with the aforementioned qualities in the contemporary days can be a special or an extra ordinary person whom can be lonely amidst thousands of people, that is why I picked Honourable Murtala Sule Garo as my idol thus, the writing is solely on him.

You can believe me if I confess that I am lucky in my long research and findings having of few potentials to the very sensitive and most top ranking positions in the commercial nerve centre in the west Africa sub-region.

Bearing in mind that, sometimes ‘man proposes but God disposses ‘ as God time is the best and boldly speaking, what He destined in you is the best despite your hastiness, anxiety, qualifications, exposure and massive admiration.

It will be recalled that, way back during 2023 elections, the All progressive Congress (APC) anointed the then Deputy Governor Dr Nasir Yusuf Gawuna and Honourable Murtala Sule Garo (aka commander) as its flag bearers for Governor and Deputy Governor ‘s seats in kano respectively but the dream was not practical as God the supreme being has chosen the incumbent chief executive Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf for the exalted post .

The secret behind the nomination of these candidates absolutely, would not be unconnected with their track records in politics and their superb rapport with the wider society.

Advert

Take the running mate Honourable murtala Sule Garo for example, a considerate, amiable, courageous , kind-hearted dedicated, hard working, agile, peace loving, patriotic and a leader par excellence who has all the qualities of steering a state like Kano if accorded the mandate.

Honourable Murtala Sule Garo was born about five decades away in Garo town of kabo local government area, Kano north senatorial district and hailed from a royal family as his father Alhaji Sule Galadima Garo of blessed memory was a traditional title holder (Galadiman Garo).

He attended both islamic and western education schools since his childhood before he joined politics.

Garo was onetime state organising secretary of Peoples Democratic Party PDP until his election as Executive chairman of Kabo local government council in 2013 and consequently chairman of All local government of Nigeria (ALGON) Kano chapter during the second tenure of senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso as Governor, a position that opens up and exposed the ability, capacity and leadership attributes of the young talented political icon in kano.

Honourable murtala Sule Garo as time goes on was appointed commissioner for local government by Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in 2015 and reappointed him on similar post in 2019 in view of his effort in matching words with actions hence called with several handsome names that matches his traits.

It is no longer a story that Commander as he is fondly called by his admirers used all available means in transforming lives of many irrespective of their party affiliations as well as gave free hands to council chairmen to observe their spelt out functions.

Definitely, describing murtala Sule Garo as the type of politician that Kano needs the most especially in this present situation when the state Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is committed in turning Kano to a mega city which is one of the major reasons that
compelled him to decamp from NNPP to APC recently.

There is no doubt that, selecting a workaholic, resilient, and true democrat will steadily but surely reboost the cardinal objectives, policies and programmes of the present administration in the state.

Delightfully, With Garo as second in command, by virtue of his political antecedents Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf will sleep with two eyes closed.

The lieutenants behind the Grand commandant (Garo) will be all out and ready for the battle including his immediate successor at the ministry for local government and former Executive chairman of Nassarawa local government council and ALGON Chairman then, Honourable Lamin Sani Kawaji as well as Former Executive chairman of Karaye local government council and Garo’s successor at ALGON level Honourable Ibrahim Ahmad Karaye (Madaki).

Other commanders are former Executive chairmen of Kano municipal Mukhtari Ishaq Yakasai, Honourable Saleh Kausani of wudil, Abubakar Ali Minister of Ungogo, Honourable Ibrahim Hamisu Rimi of Sumaila but to mention a few.

In the quest to ensure good and transparent administration, credible, reliable and grassroot politicians must be brought forward aimed at attaining better results.

That is why people like Murtala Sule Garo will righteously and honestly be an outstanding pairing partner to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf when the time comes as they have similar attributes which is glaringly serving the community to the best of their ability.

Continue Reading

Opinion

Ja’oji, City Boy Movement and Tinubu’s Penetration

Published

on

 

By Abba Anwar

Whether Nasir Bala Ja’oji’s name rings bell or not, in Kano’s political arithmetic, his new appointment as the Kano state Director, City Boy Movement, highlights many things. Especially about his direct relationship with the Presidency.

While Malam Salihu Sagir Takai’s – a rare gentleman of national repute-Coordinator position of Renewed Hope Agenda, in Kano, is in charge of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s philosophy, Ja’o’ji’s City Boy Movement is directly linked to the personality of Mr President.

Come to think of it, City Boy is a nickname given to Tinubu during the heydays of 2023 presidential campaign. A term of endearment, referring to his roots in Lagos, a major city in Nigeria. The name also explains his shrewedness as a grassroot politician, who has strong connection to the city. A CITY BOY.

Ja’oji, currently the Senior Special Assistant on Citizenship and Leadership to President Tinubu, is a strategic, logical, calculated, and informed choice to become the Director of this Movement. The pedestal is accurate and not injurious.

While his pedigree as someone who previously served as Special Adviser on Mobilisation to the Kano State Governor, a member of the Governing Council of Coordinated Arewa Youth Groups, advocating for women and youth empowerment, among others, his appointment, still, speaks volumes of his uninterrupted relationship with the Presidency.

Advert

For those who don’t understand how powerful, relevant and engaging this position is, to Tinubu’s interest in Kano, against 2027 power struggle, just look at the category of people congratulating the appointee, Ja’oji. All of them know and understand the influencing power and attitude place on the position. As a build up to 2027 political struggle.

Not only Ja’oji’s pedigree, was what gave him an edge over many for this new appointment, the impact of his being, also speaks a lot. Politicians from South, especially South West, have their yardstick, for measuring what position goes to who and under what circumstance? Unlike, our North, in South, one has to sweatly earn respect, position and influence.

I cannot say City Boy Movement is a shadow government. Why? Because the movement goes round all the 36 states and Abuja. BUT, my but is in capital, the way I see it, State Directors, could be given the same or very similar political responsibilities to shoulder, as equal as that of Ministers and other highly placed positions in states and Abuja, when 2027 election proper, comes calling.

Therefore, Ja’o’ji’s appointment, is not only domineering in its breath and length, it is a stamp of trust and acceptance of loyalty, from Mr President directly. Believe it or not, Presidency must have objectively assessed, the impact of this young man, in his state, before reaching this point.

The way I know the strategic disposition of Ja’oji, as Adon Garin Kasar Hausa, a title conferred on him by Daura Emirate, which recognizes his unwavering commitment in advancing the welfare of women, children, youth and vulnerable groups, City Boy Movement, will definitely be a rallying point of genuine support to President Tinubu, months, years to come. How to achieve that, Ja’oji knows better.

As multi – tasking as I know Ja’oji, this position will not render his other official responsibilities redundant. In fact, this could be a driver to propel others to progress. This, I have no doubt. So for Ja’oji, you should know that, all eyes are on you now.

I am sure the confidence repose in him by the society, will not allow him goofed. He will hopefully stand firm and wield more power and influence. While sky is his limit, the good choice of co-travellers is a prerequisite.

I hope there will be monitoring and evaluation mechanism directly from Presidency, to examine the take-off and activities of all the 36 Directors of the Movement, and that of Abuja. This will help to periscope, in clearer terms, commitment, hardwork and patriotism.

Anwar writes from Kano
Saturday, 7th February, 2026

Continue Reading

Trending