Press Release: ID AL-FITR MESSAGE:MURIC URGES SULTAN TO REFORM NSCIA 10th October 2007
INTRODUCTION:
We rejoice with all Nigerians on the occasion of the Id Al-Fitr. The long days of fasting in Ramadan symbolize days of struggling for emancipation from the shackles of Shaytan, immoralities and all forms of tyranny, Id al-Fitr is the festival commemorating this liberty. It is the symbol of victory of righteousness over evil, of kindness over tyranny and of freedom over bondage.
We remind Muslims of the lessons inherent in the fasting exercise which is a period of self-control, self-discipline, simplicity and unfathomable degree of patience. Nigerian Muslims must therefore shun all acts of anger, violence, extravagance, and corruption.
POVERTY IN NIGERIA:
The fasting exercise opened our eyes to the plight of the underpriviledged: millions of whom are threatened by hunger, disease and homelessness. We call on the wealthy in society to establish charity offices where the poor can receive attention. Government at all levels must establish social security measures to feed the hungry, house the homeless and care for the sick. Government must create genuine job opportunities to cater for the army of unemployed graduates.
SUB-HUMAN CONDITION IN NIGERIAN JAILS:
The recent jail-break at Agodi, Ibadan, calls for urgent reform in our prison system. Nigeria operates one of the slowest judicial systems in the world. As a result of this, 85% of prison inmates are awaiting trial. It is no longer a secret that our prisons are now mere recruitment centres for criminals. Rooms meant for four prisoners are occupied by more than twenty inmates and prisoners are compelled to sleep in turn. Nigerian prisons have become incapable of providing conducive atmosphere for human existence. Contrary to Article 5 of the UN Charter which says, “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment”, our prisons have become torture chambers.
In view of the fact that Ramadan is a vehicle of liberty, we of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) denounce the current prison conditions in the country. Just as Prophet Musa told Fir’awn (Pharaoh) to “Set the Israelites free” (Qur’an 7:105), we call on the authorities to “Let my people go”. MURIC demands immediate reform both of the prisons and the entire judicial system to usher in accessibility, civility and to lend a human face to the systems. Such reform must also ensure speedy and fair trials.
NEED FOR REFORM IN NSCIA:
For a long time the NSCIA has been incapacitated by bureaucratic cum legalistic shackles. MURIC deplores a situation where the Sultan alone can become the president of the umbrella organization. The Sultan’s leadership retards the progress of the body because he occupies a traditional stool and all traditional rulers are under the control of their state governors.
MURIC seizes the opportunity of this festival of freedom to call on Sultan Abubakar III to set the machinery in motion for a sweeping reform in the NSCIA. MURIC asserts that reform of the umbrella body is sine qua non for the emancipation of Muslims in the country. We remind the leaders of the NSCIA of the humiliating deposition of Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki in 1996 by the State Governor. In 2006, the Governor of Sokoto State disallowed former Sultan Maccido to attend Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s turbanning in neighbouring Adamawa state.
We also recall promises of reform made by past Sultans which were never really fulfilled. MURIC warns the present leadership not to procrastinate on the issue. It is better for the Sultan to take the initiative. He should not to allow other elements to snatch it from him. MURIC believes that the present generation of Muslims have been taken for a ride. Enough is enough.
We charge the Sultan to convene a national conference of Islamic organizations where each organization will be represented by at least two members. The terms of reference of such a forum is to review the archaic constitution of the NSCIA and agree on future leadership of the body. We suggest that a non-traditional ruler be chosen as president of the NSCIA while the Sultan becomes the Grand Royal Father. MURIC calls on the Sultan to act before it is too late. He must liberate Nigerian Muslims from an anachronistic traditional bondage.
Dr. Is-haq Akintola Mallam Yaqub Ahmad
DIRECTOR SECRETARY GENERAL |
