Imams to FG: Don’t underrate our influence in fighting insecurity… our sermons calm tensions

The committee of FCT imams initiative (CFII) has advocated the inclusion of religious leaders in tackling the country’s security challenges.

Tajuddeen Adigun, chairman of the initiative, stated this at the 17th extraordinary dawrah (conference) of the FCT imams, held in Abuja on Saturday.

The conference was themed: ‘Unity of Imams as a Forte to the Ummah and Secured Nation’.

According to Adigun, people listen to religious leaders more than politicians.

“The reality is that people have belief and listen to their imams much more than the politicians. This is not to underrate the position of politicians,  because Allah has handed over power to them,” he said.

“However, politicians should not underrate the influence of imams. If government decides to pay salaries to religious leaders so as to maintain peace, it is not too much.

“When I say religious leaders, I mean generally including the non-Muslim religious leaders, because all religions have influence over their followers.

“In FCT, I can tell you we have so many examples of calamities that when 75 percent of the imams deliver uniform Friday sermons, it will calm the situation.”

He added that even if government does not recognise the role of imams in tackling insecurity, imams should recognise it and play their roles responsibly.

On his part, Muhammad Bello, minister of the FCT, commended the contributions of the imams in tackling insecurity, and in ensuring the implementation and success of policies of the FCT administration.

Represented by Bashir Mohammed, director, FCTA human resource management, Bello said the FCT administration was particularly appreciative of the efforts of the league of FCT imams in the fight against COVID-19.

According to NAN, the conference was also attended by imams from the 19 northern states.