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Tayo Olanipekun
Chairman of the Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO), an umbrella body for various Islamic organisations in Nigeria, Sheikh Abdur-Rahman Olanrewaju Ahmad, has called for the arrest of one Comrade Chidi who allegedly praised the terror attack in New Zealand and called for same on the Abuja Central Mosque.
Ahmad decried the action of Chidi over the attacks on two mosques which left 50 worshipers dead and many injured, saying his arrest would serve as a deterrent to others.
“Chidi, a Christian by faith and of Nigerian origin should be arrested by law enforcement agents in order not to heat up the polity unnecessarily. That will serve as a deterrent to others who want to follow his footstep,” said Ahmad.
He condemned a situation he described as one in which “the lives of the peaceful Muslims are rendered so cheaply” without having committed any offence “except that they believe in Allah and practice their religion.”
Ahmad said: “We condemn this inhuman and animalistic action and an extreme hatred to Muslims and Islam. This is an extreme hatred for Muslims and Islam.
“We call on the UN to protect the lives of Muslims in the world, particularly Muslims in Europe, and areas affected by this, like New Zealand, Australia and other parts of Europe because of Islamophobia.”
He lamented that the UN and other world powers “showed less concern” for the killings and that the silence of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over the issue “is also worrisome.”
“CAN’s nonchalant attitude to making a statement on an event of such magnitude shows intolerance. This is unacceptable to us Muslims. We support the New Zealand Government to provide more security in places of worship for Muslims and non-Muslims. We also condemn the bad act and appeal that the perpetrator should be unfailingly brought to book,” said the cleric.
He praised the New Zealand government, and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s sensitivity and firm stand against the incident, saying it is highly appreciated.
“This is an example of ultimate tolerance and cohabiting instance that should be shown by all World leaders. We equally salute the courage of President Muhammadu Buhari for being among the early world leaders to condemn the obnoxious act.
Nigeria should emulate the provision of security at places of worship as currently seen in New Zealand Mosque attack. We urge the Nigerian Army to intensify efforts in combating terrorism in the country. The action of the Boko Haram sect is totally against Islam,” he said.
