Abuja: The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called on the Federal Government to renew its commitment to peace, security, and national development. The council made the call in a Democracy Day message to Nigerians, contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the NSCIA, led by its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, joined Nigerians in commemorating the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy, constitutional rule, and the rule of law. The council emphasized the significance of June 12, highlighting its historical importance and its role as a reminder that democracy thrives where justice, accountability, inclusion, and respect for human dignity prevail. The NSCIA expressed hope that the sacrifices of the heroes of Nigeria’s democratic struggle would not be in vain.
While acknowledging progress in Nigeria’s democratic journey, the NSCIA expressed concern over persis
tent security challenges across the country. It noted that insecurity continued to claim lives, disrupt livelihoods, displace communities, and undermine national development, condemning all acts of violence and criminality. The council urged those involved in such activities to abandon them, emphasizing that insecurity affects all Nigerians and requires collective efforts to address.
The NSCIA reaffirmed that Islam, like other divinely revealed religions, neither condones nor permits the shedding of innocent blood, kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, or any form of criminal conduct. It also decried attempts by some individuals to associate Nigerian Muslims with criminal activities, describing such profiling as false, misleading, and unfair to the vast majority of peace-loving Muslims. The council urged media, opinion leaders, and other stakeholders to exercise professionalism, accuracy, and fairness in their reporting and public commentary.
Furthermore, the NSCIA cautioned against narratives capable of inflami
ng tensions or deepening mistrust among Nigeria’s diverse communities. It stated that criminality should neither be given ethnic nor religious coloration, as such narratives deepen divisions and undermine collective efforts to address insecurity and achieve lasting peace. The council commended the Federal Government, security agencies, and community leaders for their efforts to tackle insecurity, calling for stronger collaboration to restore peace and stability nationwide. It also prayed for divine protection and strength for security personnel in their efforts to safeguard lives and property.