* Nigerian politics needs Abu Bakr’s model of governance
The AbdulAzeez Islamic Foundation has successfully hosted its 33rd Annual Ramadan Lecture at the De Blue Roof Auditorium of LTV 8, Lagos, drawing Islamic scholars, community leaders, and concerned citizens to discuss pressing societal issues.
Themed “Returning to the Roots: Reconnecting with Islamic Values in Light of Global Challenges,” the event tackled topics ranging from ethical leadership to inter-faith unity and socio-economic struggles.
In his keynote address, Imam Dr. Abdul Fattah Shith Abdur Rafih of Emmanuel Alayande University of Education emphasized the need for accountability in leadership.
Citing the first sermon of Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA), he noted, “In Islam, the source of leadership is from the public. That’s why Abu Bakr (RA) said, ‘I was chosen for you as a leader, I didn’t choose myself.’ He asked them to apply accountability on him, saying, ‘If I do good, support me. If I do bad, correct me.’”
The scholar decried the lack of this principle in Nigerian politics, where governance has been reduced to a battle between pro- and anti-government factions.
“The public, who should hold the government accountable, are divided into political camps. This attitude cannot take us forward,” he lamented. He called for ethical politics, reminding attendees that “truthfulness is an amanah (trust).”
Speaking on insecurity, he argued that “The government is not incapable of tackling insecurity, but negligence from the public has allowed the crisis to fester.” Tracing Nigeria’s security woes from Boko Haram to the rise of banditry and kidnapping, he stressed that the situation could be reversed if leaders adopted the Abu Bakr (RA) model of governance.
Advocates inter-faith harmony for national development
Dr. Sirajudeen Femi Bakri, Chief Imam of Fountain University, Osogbo, focused on the necessity of inter-faith harmony for national development.
He addressed growing concerns over the establishment of Shari’ah panels in the southwest, emphasizing that “There can never be harmony if the rights of any Nigerian are denied.”
He advocated for equal rights for Muslims, including the right to wear hijab in schools and access Islamic judicial structures.
Responding to concerns about hostility from non-Muslims, he said, “The problems we face today, especially with our Christian neighbors, were inherited from our colonial masters, who ruled through division. To achieve peace and harmony, we must discard this legacy and embrace mutual understanding.”
Prioritize welfare of citizens: Alhaja Nafisat Hassan urges lawmakers
Alhaja Nafisat Hassan of Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan, spoke on Nigeria’s socio-economic hardships.
She called on lawmakers to prioritize the welfare of citizens, saying, “People are really suffering. Beggars are too many. If they are employed, street begging will reduce.”
Addressing female attendees, she urged Muslim women to balance their spiritual and domestic responsibilities during Ramadan.
Sonaike praises organisers for consistency over 33 years
Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Thabit Wale Sonaike, Deputy President 2 of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), praised the AbdulAzeez Islamic Foundation for its consistency over 33 years.
He noted the continuous support of the organization for the underprivileged.
He noted, “Doing this consistently for over three decades, feeding the needy and providing essential items, is truly commendable.”
He expressed disappointment at the lack of recognition for Muslims in governance especially at national level.
“We have a Muslim president, yet our people, particularly from the southwest, are not adequately represented in his administration, he said.
He also reiterated the demand for the establishment of Shari’ah courts, arguing that “If the government refuses to take it up, Muslims should be allowed to run their Shari’ah panels independently.”
It keeps growing yearly: Balogun
The foundation Admin Secretary, Mustafa Olakunle Balogun, highlighted the event’s success, noting an impressive turnout and extensive charity efforts.
He stated, “We distributed food items and provided standing fans to vulnerable people. This is what distinguishes us from other Muslim organizations.” He also emphasized that the foundation remains self-funded, relying solely on the dedication of its founder.
The event reinforced the importance of ethical leadership, religious unity, and social responsibility, with attendees leaving with renewed commitment to fostering a just and harmonious society.
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