…..Delivers NUJ Chapel Ramadan Lecture, Laments inequality in distribution of nation’s Resources, political offices
A renowned Islamic scholar and the Chief Imam of Allahu Wahid Central Mosque, Ondo, Alhaji Abdul Rafiu Ajiboye Lagbaji, has 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.
Lagbaji made the call on Thursday in Akure, the Ondo State capital at the maiden Ramadan Lecture organized by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo state Council.
The cleric who spoke on the theme: “Islam, Leadership and Good Governance: Panacea for Nigeria’s Economic Challenges“, said 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.
According to him, the provisions of the Constitution and the Federal Character Act with respect to the distribution of political positions should be objectively and transparently implemented, stating that the transparent implementation is the major step in obtaining public trust about government’s commitment to achieving national unity and cohesion.
His words: “To move this country forward, we need equity and fairness at the federal, state and local government. 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.”
Lagbaji who identified the lackadaisical attitude of the federal government to control commodity prices as one of the challenges confronting Nigerians tasked the FG through its agencies to develop policies to fight illegal hikes in the prices of food items.
“In Ondo town, we buy 6inchs block for N1,400 but it is sold in Akure for N800.So, what’s the government doing about price control? The people are in pain. Our advise to government in this period of Ramadan is to fear God.”
The Islamic scholar also berated professionals for delving into politics for their selfish interest, calling on them to leave politics to politicians.
“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 the Nigeria.
“Most people delve into politics not for the interest of the masses but for their personal gains. Look at what is happening in Rivers state. The state doesn’t belong to Nyesom Wike but the entire people of the state but the former governor wants to take it as his personal property. These is abysmal and undemocratic.”
He however, acknowledged the effort of the late governor of the state, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in fighting insecurity but frowned at the spate of recent killings across Ondo State.
Lagbaji added that the primary responsibility of a responsible government is the protection of life and prosperity called on governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to swing into action by empowering all the security agencies, especially the state Security Network Agency, Amotekun to curtain criminal elements in the state.
In his address, the Ondo State Chairman of NUJ, Prince Leke Adegbite tasked government and security agencies to up their game against insecurity, saying no meaningful economic growth can take place without security.
Earlier, the Chairman of NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, Tosin Ajuwon said fostering religious tolerance, promoting peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths are some of the constitutional responsibilities of Journalists, hence the need for putting up the event by the chapel.
“As we fast and pray – Economic Challenges – 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
“And 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 confroting us in the country.”
Similarly, the Chairman, planning committee and 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.
“As we embark on Ramadan, the correspondents’ chapel and journalists in the state want to reaffirm our unylelding 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.”
The ramadan lecture that took place at the NUJ Press Centre, Akure was attended by representatives of the immediate Past Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro; Ondo State SSG, Dr Kehinde Fasoranti, FOMWAN leadership & members; a medical Doctor, Dr (Hajia) Fausat Aragbaye as well as NACOMYO leaders.