By Yinka Salaam, Oshogbo
* Gathers scholars, leaders, members for annual lecture in Osun
The Muslim Congress (TMC), a prominent faith-based organisation, has applauded the Nigerian government for upholding human rights and due process, even under pressure from foreign interests.
The commendation follows the recent release of the leader of the Palestinian community in Nigeria, Abu Ramzy Ibrahim, who was detained for a month by Nigeria’s intelligence agency.
Speaking on Sunday at the TMC Annual Independence Lecture in Osogbo, Osun State, held to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed Adekunle, praised the relevant security agencies for their professionalism and respectful handling of the case.
He noted that Abu Ramzy’s rights were not violated during his detention and commended the authorities for adhering to due process by releasing him at the appropriate time.
Dr. Adekunle said, “This act demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to justice, human rights, and the rule of law — values we must continue to uphold as a sovereign and independent nation.”
Abu Ramzy, a Palestinian by birth and naturalised Nigerian, has lived in Nigeria for 33 years. He is an alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University and is fluent in both Hausa and Yoruba.
Terrorists cannot fight terrorism
Dr Adekunle recalled that Abu Ramzy was arrested almost immediately after Nigeria had a security pact with Isreal to fight terrorism.
He wondered why Nigeria, a proud global citizen and a strong, sovereign African nation will partner with a country renowned for terrorism, assassinations and outright disrespect for international laws and peace agreements.
“Nigeria should be wary of bringing foreign interest to fight terrorism. It’s a known fact that the terror groups are already infiltrated by foreign interests, hence we should not compound our insecurity problem by inviting a terror nation whose leaders and security apparatus are wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes as well as crimes against humanity”.
“Israel, a nation already isolated by almost all the countries of the world, cannot and should not be allowed to dictate Nigeria’s cause of action, thereby pushing the giant of Africa to violate human rights of the peaceful advocates who dared to speak out against crimes against humanity”, he said.
Fairness on the global stage
The Rector called for fairness and justice on the global stage and national governance, warning that no civilisation lasts forever without these virtues.
“Let the world powers be fair and just. Look at what is happening in Gaza, it’s clearly a matter of injustice,” he stated.
“The super powers should remember that civilisations rise and fall depending on how they uphold justice and fairness.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s 65 years of independence, while commending President Tinubu’s bold steps that have improved and stabilised the economy, Dr Adekunle urged governments at all levels to improve citizens’ welfare through better economic and educational policies.
“Each government may role out its achievements, but there are still rooms for improvements, we need equity and fairness in the economy, education, and politics to build an egalitarian society,” he said.
The Rector however called on the citizens to embody the teachings of the Qur’an in addressing conflicts peacefully.
He posited that if citizens, live by the teachings of the Qur’an, many communal conflicts would not occur,” he said.
Empathy in Economic Reforms, Call for Peace in Gaza
Also speaking, TMC Amir (president), Alhaji AbdulWasii’ Bangbala commended the current economic reforms of the Nigerian president but urged the government to adopt human-centered approaches that prioritises the welfare of the poor.
“The true measure of any policy is its impact on the most vulnerable. The plight of the common Nigerian grappling with the rising cost of living demands not just policy, but palpable empathy and immediate relief.”
On international affairs, the TMC leader condemned the continued attacks on Gaza and called for a permanent ceasefire and global action rooted in justice.
The speech which was delivered by Alhaji Iyiola Mikail Oyedeji added that the crisis in Gaza is a scar on the collective conscience of humanity and that the pursuit of peace must be proactive, courageous, and grounded in justice.
TMC seeks full legal recognition of Shari’ah system alongside common law
Also speaking at the event, the Amirul Awwal (first President) of TMC, Alhaji AbdurRazaq AbdusSalam, popularly known as Abu Baba urged the Nigerian government to grant full legal recognition to the Shari’ah system, allowing it to operate alongside the common law up to the Supreme Court level.
He called for the constitutional rights of Muslims to be upheld, emphasising that Shari’ah should not be limited to personal matters but should be allowed to function as a parallel legal option for those who choose to be guided by it.
According to him, “We want the Sharia to stand with the common law, Let people be free to make their choices. Give the Sharia the full length of power so that Muslims who want to be guided by it can do so easily. Currently, the Sharia is limited to personal matters, and even when judgments are made at the appellate level, the Supreme Court can overturn them.”
The respected scholar also noted the need for public education on the true principles of Shari’ah, particularly in the southwestern region, where resistance to its implementation remains widespread due to misconceptions.
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