The Arewa Think Tank has condemned in totality the inciting stance of yet to be identified Islamic Cleric for calling on Muslims in the country to kill the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu.
The cleric had in a video which had gone viral recently addressed the First Lady in unprintable and uncharitable terms.
A statement on Sunday by the Chief Convener of Arewa Think Tank, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu said the Cleric’s speech was too gravious that every well-meaning Nigerian should rise up and condemn it without bias.
The group specifically charged Northern leaders and elders to do public condemnation of the inciting statement by the Cleric.
“We of the Arewa Think Tank want to condemn in totality what the Islamic Cleric said about President Tinubu’s wife, Oluremi, calling for her death as an Infidel. The Islamic cleric who expresses such views deviates from the core principles of Islam. Our religion teaches us to live peacefully with others.
“The Quran and Hadith lay emphasis on respect, tolerance, and kindness towards all individuals, regardless of their faith or background.”
“Islam advocates for peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and understanding among diverse communities.
“We call on relevant security agencies to ensure that the Islamic cleric in question is brought to book for prosecution.
“We believe that every Nigerian has the right to criticise government of the day, but it becomes a criminal offence to call for the death of a national figure, including every other Nigerian on the basis of religious belief
“Criticising the Government and its policies is within the ambit of democratic rights; but calling for the killing of the President’s wife by the religious cleric is unacceptable and completely condemnable.
“The fact that the First Lady is an Assistant Pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG has nothing to do with his official position at the corridors of power because like any other Nigerians, she has the rights of association and worship.
“We are calling for the public prosecution of the Cleric and wish to request that the said preacher should be restricted from preaching in Nigeria to serve as a deterrent to others”. The statement said.
In a similar development, Arewa Think Tank has cautioned the Director of Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Dr. Sam Amadi for raining abusive words on the former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon over comments on Biafra.
Gowon, who ruled Nigeria between 1966 and 1975, had recalled howp Nigerians said he could not prosecute the civil war because he was too slow.
After a meeting with President Bola Tinubu penultimate week, Gowon said, “If I can remember, when I was fighting the war I was told I was too slow and that probably Nigeria cannot make it and that we should now seek for discussion. Well, did we do it or not? They probably do not know the problem underground so that is where we are”.
Dr. Amadi had on his X handle described the comment of former Military Head of State, regarding the Biafra war as disgraceful, and lacking wisdom.
Amadi wrote: “The war was needless, infantile and evidence of lack of wisdom. It is actually a monumental failure that a nation went to war under his watch. To be proud of that failure is disgraceful”.
However, Arewa Think Tank warned Amadi to retract his statement and apologise to the respected Northern elder statesman and leader of the Nigeria Prays.
“Enough of this attack on General Yakubu Gowon who led and fought the civil war to keep Nigeria together as one united country.
“If we hear anything again against our respected elder, we shall reply that person or group of persons in the language that they understand because those who plotted and started the Biafra war know themselves. The statement said.
