The Chief Imam of Lagos Central Mosque, Ridhwan Jamiu, has reaffirmed his belief in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s competence, stating that the President has lived up to expectations in governance. Jamiu’s remarks came on the same day the National Secretary of the Labour Party (LP), Umar Farouk Ibrahim, highlighted the severe hardships caused by the current administration’s economic policies.
Delivering a sermon during Jumat prayers at the Lekki Central Mosque in Lagos, where President Tinubu joined other worshippers, the Imam expressed the Muslim community’s unwavering prayers and support for the President. He assured Tinubu of the Muslim Ummah’s commitment to his administration’s success in fostering peace, security, and prosperity in Nigeria.
Addressing the congregation, Imam Jamiu said:
“We are proud of you, Mr. President. During the campaigns, we encouraged people to vote for you because we believed in your abilities. Today, we thank God that you have not let us down. Your competence, sagacity, and leadership qualities remain evident. We pray that Allah continues to guide and support you as you lead this great nation. Remember, accountability is to Allah, and responsibility is to the people.”
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Quoting Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the Imam reminded Tinubu of the virtues of righteousness and justice in leadership: “The most beloved of people to Allah is a righteous and just leader.” He urged the President to maintain these qualities, emphasizing their significance for good governance.
The Imam also called for patience and gratitude among Nigerians during these challenging times, underscoring the importance of faith and resilience.
Economic Hardship Under Scrutiny
Meanwhile, the Labour Party’s National Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, criticized the administration’s economic policies, attributing widespread hunger and poverty to poor management and inflation. Speaking in Kaduna, Ibrahim lamented that the reforms introduced by Tinubu’s government have exacerbated the plight of ordinary Nigerians.
“Hunger has become a significant issue, turning into an epidemic in some regions. High inflation and poor economic policies have left millions struggling to survive,” Ibrahim stated.
He pointed to the tragic stampedes during food distribution events in Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as evidence of rising desperation. “It is only extreme poverty that drives people to such perilous actions,” he added, citing incidents of fuel scooping at accident scenes that have led to fatal explosions.
Ibrahim also linked the worsening crime rates to economic hardship, noting that hunger often drives individuals toward unlawful activities.
Calls for Policy Redirection
The Labour Party chieftain urged the government to prioritize food production and reduce the focus on other initiatives in 2024. “Over 70% of Nigeria’s arable land lies unused. Ministries responsible for agriculture and aquatic resources must step up and fulfill their mandates,” he stressed.
He also emphasized the need for a robust response to criminal activities, asserting that the protection of lives and property remains a fundamental duty of any government. “Today, life in Nigeria has become alarmingly devalued. Kidnappings and killings are rampant, with many citizens perishing while simply trying to make ends meet,” Ibrahim said.
President Tinubu’s Recent Activities
The Lagos visit marked Tinubu’s first public outing since attending Jumat prayers at the Alausa Central Mosque the previous week. Spending the festive season in the nation’s commercial hub, the President canceled several public engagements, including a planned boat regatta, to honor victims of the recent stampedes.
On December 23, Tinubu hosted the inaugural Presidential Media Chat at his Ikoyi residence, engaging with private visitors throughout the holiday period.
As Nigerians navigate these turbulent times, both religious and political leaders continue to highlight the critical need for compassionate governance and citizen support.