In a recent gathering in Abeokuta, the Progressive Muslim Cleric (PMC) of Ogun State called on the national government to take swift and comprehensive measures to eradicate the growing threat of insecurity plaguing Nigeria. Speaking during a press event tied to the 1448 Hijrah celebrations, PMC president Abdul Wasiu Akinyemi emphasized the urgency of restoring safety and normalcy for all citizens.
Akinyemi refuted the notion that insecurity is confined to a particular ethnic group, pointing out that acts like kidnapping and terrorism have historically occurred across various regions. He referenced the 2010 bombing at Eagle Square under President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure as clear evidence that such threats are not ethnically exclusive. “We often see on television and read in newspapers that individuals from different backgrounds—whether Chinedu or Adamu—are caught committing these crimes. Some southerners even adopt northern names to disguise their identity, but their true origins are revealed upon arrest. This shows that blaming a single tribe is misguided,” he stated.
The cleric also discussed Islamic legal perspectives on punishment, noting that Shariah law prescribes severe penalties for bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers based on the severity of their offenses. He explained, “In Islam, the principle of ‘an eye for an eye’ applies. For those who kill, the punishment may be death. For others, it could be amputation or banishment, which is akin to life imprisonment.”
Acknowledging Nigeria’s secular framework, Akinyemi urged the government to harmonize constitutional mandates with religious insights from both Islam and Christianity to craft effective anti-crime policies. “As a Muslim scholar, I recognize that Nigeria is secular. The government must balance the constitution with what Islam and Christianity teach, and then find a common ground. The primary responsibility lies with the federal government to tackle and uproot insecurity so that we can live as normal citizens. They need to do more,” he added.
The celebration’s theme, “Voices in Myriad Pathways: From Migration to Civic Action,” highlighted the Hijrah as a symbol of hope and resilience. Akinyemi noted that Prophet Muhammad’s migration represented a shift from hardship to success, urging Nigerians to embrace similar transformations—from conflict to peace, corruption to integrity, and poverty to prosperity. He called for the new Islamic year to inspire spiritual renewal, economic progress, and sustainable national development.