The reported ultimatum by a group based in Sokoto, “Muslim Solidarity Forum,” calling on the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev Matthew Hassan Kukah to tender an unreserved apology to the entire Muslim Ummah over his recent...
...”malicious comments” against Islam, or quietly and quickly leave the state, is wrong because it is not in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Under our Constitution, every citizen has the right to, among others, freedom of speech and expression, the right to own property and reside in any part of the country, and the right to move freely without any inhibitions. Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity.
The right for all religions to co-exist is enshrined in this country's Constitution. The duty of the government, more so, this democratic government, is to ensure that the Constitution is respected. But all must respect the rights and sensitivities of their fellow Nigerians.
Father Kukah has greatly offended many with his controversial remarks against the government and the person of the President, with some even accusing him of voicing anti-Islamic rhetoric.
On matters such as these, responsible leadership in any society must exercise restraint.
Knee-jerk reactions will not only cause the fraying of enduring relationships, but also the evisceration of peaceful communities such as Sokoto, the headquarters of the Muslim community as beacon of pluralism and tolerance.
The Sultanate has historically had good relations with followers of all faiths. That is why Father Kukah was received on his arrival in Sokoto with friendship and tolerance.
Under our laws, groups or factions must not give quit notices, neither should they unilaterally sanction any perceived breaches. Where they occur, it is the courts of law that should adjudicate. Unilateral action is not the way to go.
Groups such as the Muslim Solidarity Forum must be seen to share and uphold the country’s multi-religious principles. And individuals like Father Kukah must respect the feelings of his fellow Nigerians in his private and public utterances.
Yes
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President Muhammadu Buhari felicitates with Professor George Obiozor on his election as the new President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Welcoming the new position of Nigeria’s former Ambassador to the United States, Israel and Cyprus, the President urges the eminent diplomat and scholar to deploy his immense experience within and outside government to forge greater unity of the country.
According to President Buhari, “Given Prof. Obiozor’s rich background, especially, in international affairs and pan-Nigerian commitment, I have little doubt that his election is well-deserved and will serve not only the interest of Ndigbo, but also that of his fatherland.”
Ina mai neman afuwa dangane da kuskuren da na yi, inda na ce adadin daliban Makarantar Sakandaren Kimiyya ta Kankara (GSSS) da aka yi garkuwa da su, su 10 ne.
Ba da gangan na yi wannan furucin ba. Na samu wannan bayani da na sanar a lokacin, daga bakin wadanda ya kamata a ce sun san hakikanin adadin kafin su sanar da ni cewa su 10 ne.
Dalili kenan aka ga adadin yawan da na furta, ko kusa bai kai yawan wadanda ake cigiya ba a lokacin.
I apologize for the incorrect communication citing that only 10 students were kidnapped at the science school, Kankara
This communication of numbers was provided by persons that should ideally know. These numbers were seen to conflict with what was available at that time.
Please understand that this communication was in no way done to downplay the seriousness of the situation.
President Muhammadu Buhari has welcomed release of kidnapped students of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State, describing their safe return as a big relief to their families, the entire country and international community.
In a short remark shortly after their release was announced, President Buhari expressed the nation’s appreciation for the steps taken by all involved to make their release possible.
President Buhari specifically cited what he called the “spirit of partnership and the collaborative efforts of the government of Katsina, Zamfara and military leading to the release.’’
President @MBuhari on Wednesday participated in the 36th Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting from his country home in Daura, via video conferencing, contributing to major decisions on procurement of COVID-19 vaccines, drugs for HIV-AIDS and equipment for cancer treatment.
In the historic meeting, presided over by Vice President @ProfOsinbajo in Abuja, the President paid close attention, following discussions on a mix of 33 memoranda dealing with policies, contracts and reports, & where he felt the need, he also asked for recognition & intervened.
The meeting took some critical decisions, which include approvals for procurement of essential drugs for HIV-AIDS treatment, equipment for cancer treatment for University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, first in North-Eastern States.
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed heartfelt commiserations with the family, friends and associates of Nigeria’s Out-going Ambassador to the United States, Justice Sylvanus Adiewere Nsofor over his demise.
In a telephone call to Jane, the widow of the retired justice in New York on Friday, the President described Amb. Nsofor as “an outstanding judge of rare courage and truth who is not afraid to give justice to whom justice is due.”
Apparently referring to the 2003 presidential election during which Justice Nsofor delivered a minority judgment as a member of the Election Appeal Panel in favour of Gen. Buhari as candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP),...