BITTER TRUTH : SERMON THAT GOT THE CHIEF IMAM SUSPENDED.


By Mike ALADENIKA


Shiekh Nuru Khalid, Chief Imam of Apo Legislative Quarters Mosque, Abuja, to many who are conversant with his ideas on non-conformist stand on issues concerning humanity, and service to God, will attest to the fact that the Jos born Islamic cleric who founded the Islamic Research and Da’awah Foundation IRDF as well as being the  leader of the FCT Imam delegation 2014, is a perfect non conformist who speak truth to power, irrespective of who is concerned. 

On many occasions, Shiekh Nuru Khalid had been critical of government's decisions that he perceved inimical to peaceful co- existence, religious tolerance, good governance and human dignity. 

Sometime ago, he commended the Nigerian Legislators and the President for refusing to legalize the gay marriage in the Country, which he said is against the teachings of  Islam, Christianity as well as been against the norms and value of the Nigerian people. 
He pointed out that same sex marriage will destroy the natural Reproduction system. He hails Nigerian Government for prohibition of gay marriage and advised them to keep working together on issues in peace, unity and understanding.

Perhaps the latest outburst of the imam on Insurgency and Terrorism may not have been his first as he had been severally quoted to have 
condemned terrorism and insurgency of islamic fundamentalism. He stated that unemployment and corruption are the major causes of insecurity in Nigeria and called the Government to increase job opportunities for the youth.

It is however hard to believe that considering the antisedent of this Islamic scholar, as well as his resolve to always speak truth to power, Nigerian government would have taken his homily seriously and attempt a positive change for the better. 
The questions on the lips of many are, "what did the Imam say that he has never said before"?  "Why is government or agents of government now reactive towards his stated position?".

In the said  sermon, the Sheik was said to have flayed the government over its failure to tame the escalating insecurity and killings in the country.

The imam hinted at some measures that electorate should devise should the authorities fail to protect lives.

He said, “Nigerian masses should resort to only one term which is – protect our lives, we will come out to vote; let us be killed, we will not come out to vote, since it’s only elections that you people know."

Following the attendant response of the mosque management Committee to suspend the imam, Shiekh Nuru Khalid, in his mannerisms dismissed his punishment  with the back of his left hand. 

According to Daily Trust report,
Senator Saidu Muhammed Dansadau, Chairman of the committee, accused the Sheik of inciting public outrage.

“I am informing you that you have been suspended from leading prayers in the Apo Legislative Quarters Mosque from today being April 2nd, 2022 until further notice.”

“The decision was taken out of the inciting Friday sermon you delivered on April 1st, 2022; where you advised people not to vote come 2023 general elections unless politicians respond to some critical questions.

“You should have advised them to vote out those that transgress the Almighty and breach people’s social contract as well as the state,” Dansadu said in a notice to Sheikh Khalid.

Meanwhile, the highly undisturbed Sheik in his reaction on Sunday said he learnt of his suspension in the media.

He vowed to continue speaking the truth, daring those who perceived his sermon as inciting to show evidence.

He added that “God is the most powerful. He gives (enthrones) and takes away power (dethrones) from whomever He wishes”.

“Oh God! The master of sovereignty, you give sovereignty to whom you please, and seize sovereignty from whom you please, you honour whom you please and you abase whom you please, all good is in your hands, indeed you have power over all things.”

The Sheik said he would accept whatever God decides for him and Nigerians.
Sheikh Muhammad Nuru Khalid , born October 1, 1960 in Jos Plateau State  is a Nigerian Islamic cleric, and was the Chief Imam of Apo Legislative Quarters Juma'at Mosque in Federal Capital Territory before his suspension on 2nd April, 2022 by the mosque's committee, following his criticism of APC government over the state of insecurity in the country. He was the founder of Islamic Research and Da’awah Foundation IRDF and a leader of FCT Imam delegation 2014.
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