The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has raised concerns over what it described as persistent attacks, profiling and marginalisation of Islam and Muslims in Nigeria, warning that government and security agencies must act before tensions escalate.
The apex Islamic body, under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the NSCIA, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar III, said Muslims in the country had continued to exercise restraint in the face of provocation, stressing that such restraint should not be mistaken for weakness.
In a statement issued by its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, the Council alleged that Islam and Muslims were increasingly being subjected to negative profiling in public discourse, while accusing some interests of deliberately seeking to create division and unrest in the country.
The statement partly reads: “The commitment necessitates silence and restraint despite unwarranted provocation, assault and baseless profiling of Islam and the Muslims in the country. It should be clear that restraint is not cowardice. But there is always a limit to endurance.”
According to the Council, recent comments attributed to a former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) during a television programme, alleging that the majority of criminals in the country were Muslims, were reckless and capable of undermining national cohesion.
“Some bizarre statements that 90-95 per cent of criminals are Muslims… is one of such reckless, baseless and irresponsible statements that a government conscious of responsibility to all should have acted upon.”
The Council argued that such comments should have attracted sanctions or reprimand from relevant authorities in the interest of national security and peaceful coexistence.
“This ought to have attracted at least a reprimand from responsible government regulatory agencies, in the interest of peace and national security,” it added.
The NSCIA further expressed concern over what it described as selective reactions to issues involving religion, alleging that Muslim leaders and adherents were often subjected to harsher public scrutiny.
The Islamic body also cited political appointments and public representation as examples of what it termed the marginalisation of Muslims in certain segments of national life.
While appealing to Muslims across the country to continue to maintain peace and exercise restraint, the Council urged government and security agencies to take proactive steps to address grievances and prevent further divisions.
“While the NSCIA continues to appeal to Muslims for continuous restraint, it is imperative that government and security agencies should do the needful before the Muslims run out of patience in the light of persistent attacks and marginalisation.
“The barrage of open assault on the integrity of Islam and the Muslims in public spaces should be checked in the interest of peace and order. Enough is enough.”
The Council reiterated its commitment to the peace, unity and stability of Nigeria and called on all stakeholders to avoid actions and statements capable of deepening religious divisions in the country.