▪︎ Investment in social protection, collective responsibility key to nation building: Lagos Dep Gov, Dr Shuaib, others
▪︎ Annual lecture a platform to share ideas, says Amir TMC
Nigerian Muslim scholars have advocated responsible leadership and citizenship to end Nigeria’s economic and political challenges, adding that both the leaders and the led have roles to play in making the Nigerian society a lot better.
The scholars, Imam Nojeem Jimoh and Dr. Abdullahi Shuaib made the statement at the 2024 Annual State Lecture of The Muslim Congress (TMC), Lagos State chapter, held at the DLI Nurudeen Alao Auditorium, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Lagos State.
The annual lecture also took place simultaneously in FCT-Abuja, Edo, Oyo, Niger and Ondo states on Sunday, 6th October and earlier on Saturday, October, 5th October, in Ogun and Kwara, with a unified theme, ‘Building a Great Nation: Collective Responsibility of the Leader and the Led’.
* Prioritise Social Development, Lighthouse Imam urges government
Speaking at the Lagos venue on the topic, “Good Governance: Catalyst for Economic Growth and Development”, Imam Jimoh, the Chief Imam of Lighthouse Mosque, Lekki, said the reason there is so much instability, criminality and banditry in Nigeria is because people have nothing doing.
He, therefore, urged the government at all levels to prioritise social development, saying it will translate to the desired changes even though it won’t come at once but over a period of time.
“Once people are positively engaged, they will look forward to a better future for themselves,” Imam Jimoh, who is also the National Naibul Amir of The Companion, noted.
The respected Muslim scholar also stated that the government cannot suddenly turn around in four years the decadence that the country has experienced in 25 to 30 years, adding that it will take a gradual process for the desired results to take place.
While speaking on the topic, Imam Jimoh identified three qualities of good leaders, without which good governance cannot be achieved. They are sincerity of purpose, visionary leadership and a sense of responsibility.
He concluded by saying leaders are a reflection of the citizens, adding, “If we say our leaders are bad, they are only a reflection of us. As we know, Allah will not change the conditions of a people until they change themselves as well. If we are better citizens, the nation will stand a chance of being better.”
Speaking on the expected cabinet reshuffle by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Imam Jimoh charged the President to make capacity to deliver on assignment his utmost consideration in designating portfolios to people.
“There are two hadiths of the Prophet (SAW). The first of them which is relevant to this cabinet reshuffle says that whoever is in control of the affairs of the people, and has to appoint others in managing certain things, and then he appoints someone who is not qualified, such would have betrayed Allah, and such would have betrayed the Prophet (SAW).
“So, on the part of the government, the number one consideration is capacity to deliver on the assignment to be given,” he said.
* Leadership is responsibility, not authority: Dr Shuaib
For his part, Dr. Abdullahi Shuaib, Director of Jaiz Takaful Insurance Limited, said leadership should be seen as a responsibility and not as authority or power.
Speaking on the topic: “Economic Stability: Insights from Islamic History”, Dr. Shuaib said the forerunners of Islam considered leadership as service.
“Leaders were always at the forefront of activities of Ibadah. They saw leadership as a responsibility not as authority or power. They put your interest before theirs as demonstrated in the story of Umar Bn Khattab and the missing camel. The leader being the servant of the people is a philosophical political tool,” he said.
“There is also an account of Umar Bn Khattab sleeping under the shade in the open without a guard. His Roman visitor was alarmed. He said: “Oh Umar, you ruled fairly, therefore felt secured and slept.”
Dr. Shuaib noted that Islam adopted the principles of zakat, waqf and sadaqah as a potent tool to eliminate poverty.
He cautioned against deals that involve interest, noting it is the worst enemy of economic prosperity.
The evil of compound interest according to the former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in August 2000 at the G8 Okinawa Summit said: “All that we had borrowed up to 1985 or 1986 was around $5 billion and we have paid about $16 billion yet we are still being told that we owe about $28 billion. That $28 billion came about because of the injustice in the foreign creditors’ interest rates. If you ask me what is the worst thing in the world, I will say it is a compound interest.” (Jubilee 2000 news update, 18 August 2000)
The Jaiz Takaful Insurance boss said political and economic stability in Islam revolves around five interrelated principles, which include faith, practice, personal morality, justice and fair play, and economic welfare.
* Leaders and followers have responsibilities in nation building, Hon. Jebe
The Lagos event was well-attended by dignitaries from all walks of life, including the national and state leadership of TMC and the Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Muslim Affairs, Dr. Jebe Abdullahi, who represented the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hazmat.
In his remarks, Dr. Jebe Abdullahi said both the leaders and the followers have roles to play in nation building.
“For a country or a subnational to grow, it is a two-way thing. We have the leadership and the followership roles. Everybody has his own role to play. The citizens must follow the rules and regulations. The leadership must also be there to guide the citizens and make sure that the laws that guide the country or a subnational is not too hard.
“If you reflect on the presentation of Imam Nojeem Jimoh, he said in the UK, before you can get a driver’s license, they must have screened you to a certain level. He also said there are two things that can lead any citizen to jail in London. He mentioned only one and that is a failure to pay tax. If you fail to pay tax in London, there is no connection you can have that will stop you from going to jail. That is the responsibility of the citizens. You must do your own side.”
The governor’s adviser decried irresponsibility on the part of some citizens, emphasising that the citizens have a critical role to play in development and they should do the needful.
“Look at Lagos as a case study. During the EndSARS protest, government property were destroyed. They burnt BRT buses. And these buses were bought with taxpayers money; they destroyed everything. At Lekki bridge, they destroyed all the pay points. It is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement,” he said.
“If you move on Mushin road, you see dirt and heaps of refuse outside. It’s bad. There are vehicles that move around to collect waste, but our people won’t use that. They throw refuse into the gutters and canals. When it rains, the gutters and canals will be blocked. It’s very bad. The leaders are to ensure that when you pay tax, we provide what is necessary which we do. And on the other hand, you are not doing the needful.”
Dr. Jebe urged people of different faiths to live harmoniously and tolerate one another.
According to him, “There is no religion that doesn’t speak of tolerance. Tolerance is acceptance. I accept what you are doing, accept me too.”
He explained that the Lagos State Government is effectively leveraging the National Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) to foster peaceful coexistence among people of different religions.
“All of us do things together. We must tolerate ourselves. Christianity teaches tolerance and acceptance. Islam also teaches tolerance and acceptance. We should live harmoniously,” he noted.
* Annual Lecture; platform for sharing views, ideas: Amir TMC
Earlier in his welcome address, the Amir of TMC, Alhaji Abdulwasi’i Bangbala, said the Annual State Lecture has been a platform for sharing views, ideas, and positions, with the aim of guiding the nation towards progress and prosperity.
The Amir, who was represented by the Waali of TMC Lagos chapter, Mal. Tajudeen Olusesi said the theme for 2024 resonates deeply with the trials Nigeria currently faces as a nation.
He said the struggles are real amid the dire economic circumstances, adding that the statistical figures are not just data but represent tangible hardship.
“Millions of people face palpable suffering, with families struggling daily to meet basic necessities. We are confronted with the harsh realities that many of our citizens endure every day. The rising cost of living has become a pressing concern for families across the country,” the Amir stated.
“Food prices have skyrocketed, making it increasingly difficult for the average Nigerian to put a meal on the table. The cost of energy has surged, leaving many in despair, while the exchange rate fluctuations have further exacerbated the economic strain on our people. Education, the bedrock of any great nation, is also under threat.
“At a time when accessible and affordable education is crucial for fostering inclusive growth and development, rising costs are rendering it unattainable for numerous families, thereby undermining the nation’s potentials.”
Alhaji Bangbala meanwhile noted that the burden of recovery from the challenges Nigeria currently grapples with rests on both the leaders and citizens.
He said, “It is our collective responsibility—leaders and citizens alike—to address these challenges head-on. We must demand that our government prioritize its citizens’ welfare. The time has come for our leaders to rise to the occasion, listen to the cries of the masses, and take decisive action to alleviate our people’s suffering. We need policies that address not only the symptoms of our economic woes but also tackle the root causes with sincerity and urgency.
“As we reflect on our responsibilities, let us remember that change begins with us. Each of us has a role to play in building a great nation. We must hold our leaders accountable, engage in constructive dialogue, and support initiatives promoting economic stability and social justice.
“Religious bodies and civil societies must also ramp up initiatives that will foster the spirit of unity and collaboration among all Nigerians, regardless of our differences. Together, we must strive to fix the systemic challenges that hinder Nigeria’s growth. Whether through advocacy, community service, or education, we must all step up and fulfill our roles as engaged citizens committed to the welfare of our nation.”
