NEWS

JNI CALLS OUT PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT ON APPOINTMENT OF SENOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT ON INDIGENOUS MUSLIMS

Following appointment of Special Assistants to the Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh, on Indigenous Muslims, the Muslim Community in the State has raised concern. 

Jama'atu Nasril Islam, Plateau State chapter has in a Press Statement made available to Ideal Reporters recognized the prerogative of the Governor to make such appointment, further appreciated him for so doing, believing his action is well intended. The JNI however, believes that Islam is an indivisible religion that sees all Muslims as one entity, regardless. Appointing SSA on Indigenous Muslims contravenes the position of the religion, JNI noted.

Quoting a verse of the holy Qur'an to buttress its position, JNI recommends that the Governor reconsider appointing SSA on Islamic Affairs to better conform with the teachings and position of Islam, an action that would strengthen the unity of Muslim Community in the State.

The Statement, as signed by Dr Salim Musa Umar on behalf of JNI, on 23rd August, 2024 reads;

"POSITION OF JNI ON THE APPOINTMENT OF SSA ON INDIGENOUS MUSLIMS IN PLATEAU STATE

The attention of JNI has been drawn to an appointment made by the Plateau State Government where a Senior Special Assistant is appointed to handle the affairs of indigenous muslims. 

PLSG is at liberty to appoint whoever they deemed fit to occupy any position of responsibility in discharging its duties as a government. Such is its prerogative and we are not questioning this.

While thanking the State Government for this appointment, we deem it necessary as a religious organization to draw the attention of the state government on some salient issues regarding this appointment. 

We consider this appointment of an SSA to 'indigenous muslims' as not well thought out, because in Islam, any social stratification that is not embedded in the teaching of Islam is frowned at.

The position of Islam as a religion is very clear on this; Surah Al-Hujurat (Chapter 49 of the Quran); "O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted." (Qur'an 49:13)

Going by the above verse in the holy Quran, every Muslim is not going to be comfortable with this appointment. We are all Muslims irrespective of any consideration.
 
It would have been an all encompassing appointment where an SSA is appointed on Islamic Affairs, where all muslims will feel that sense of belonging.

We call on the government to reconsider this appointment and accord it the necessary moral and religious approach to allow all muslims in plateau state that sense of belonging and inclusivity. 

Thank you.

e-signed:

Dr. Salim Musa Umar - fcida 
Secretary JNI Plateau State".

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