A renowned Islamic scholar, Alhaji Abdul Rafiu Lagbaji, has decried the growing insecurity in Ondo State, describing it as worrisome.
Lagbaji spoke at the maiden Ramadan Lecture organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, with the theme: Islam, Leadership and Good Governance: Panacea for Nigeria’s Economic Challenges.”
The renowned Islamic scholar noted that the primary responsibility of a responsible government was the protection of lives and property.
Lagbaji, who is the Chief Imam of Allahu Wahid Central Mosque, Ondo, charged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to strengthen security measures and equip security agencies, especially the Amotekun Corps, to combat rising insecurity in the state.
The cleric while acknowledging the efforts of late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu in fighting insecurity not only in the state but across the South-West, frowned at the spate of recent killings across Ondo State.
He equally called on government at all levels to leverage on equity and fairness in the distribution of political positions to promote unity and security in Nigeria.
“As far as the fair distribution of political positions is critical, the government should make conscious efforts to improve economic opportunities, prosperity and equality for all segments of the society irrespective of their religion,” Lagbaji stated.
He noted that the provisions of the Constitution and the Federal Character Act with respect to the distribution of political positions should be objectively implemented.
Lagbaji said: ”The transparent implementation is the major step in obtaining public trust about the government’s commitment to achieving national unity and cohesion.
“To move this country forward, we need equity and fairness at the federal, state and local governments. Providing economic opportunities for all, including marginal groups, will reduce the propensity for conflict and rivalry.
“Also, there must be religious unity. We must see ourselves as one. Once we acknowledge this, our problem is half solved.”
The Islamic scholar also berated professionals for delving into politics for their selfish interest, calling on them to leave politics to politicians.
He said that “In Nigeria, you see Engineers, Doctors, academia leaving their work for politics just because they want quick money, so that they can have billions of naira within a short period of time. This isn’t good for the development of Nigeria.”
In his address, the Chairman, Correspondents’ Chapel, Ondo NUJ, Tosin Ajuwon, said fostering religious tolerance, promoting peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths are some of the constitutional responsibilities of media professionals, hence the need for putting up the event by the chapel.
“As we fast and pray, we also need a deep reflection, looking through that Nigeria is passing through a fundamental period at this stage. We are all both experiencing the hardship in the country.
“There is now a wide gap between the rich and the poor as a result of our economic challenges.
“The poverty level is so high, and hardly could people afford their daily needs. It’s a difficult period and worsening situation in our country.
“Without missing words, this could easily be linked to the type of leadership we have by providing solutions to the numerous problems, including poverty that are confronting us in the country,” Ajuwon said.
Similarly, the Chairman, planning committee and the state Vice Chairman of NUJ, Hakeem Gbadamosi, said the essence of the event was to re-awaken Muslims, particularly during the month of Ramadan, to the teachings of Islam.
Gbadamosi said “as we embark on Ramadan, the correspondents’ chapel and journalists in the state want to reaffirm our unyielding support for the rights and religious freedoms of all Nigerians.
“We will continue to stand against any force of division or oppression, as we are committed to promoting peace, justice, and equality for all.
“However, while we observe this month in peace, we must not forget the millions of people fighting and struggling to survive the economic hardship, which led to the choice of the theme for today’s lecture, Ramadan: Islam, leadership and good governance, Panacea for Nigeria’s Economic Challenges.”
