Segun Babatunde in Bauchi
A renown Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman has expressed concern over the unrest in the country as a result of series of protest by citizens against police brutality, saying that dialogue remains the pathway in resolving conflicts and grievances.
The Islamic scholar made this known on Thursday when he led thousands of Muslims at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium Bauchi to celebrate the Eid el-Mulud.
Sheikh Dahiru lamented that this year’s maulud came with some challenges, particularly the EndSARS protest which took place in various parts of the country.
“This year celebration of Eid-el-Malud came at a time when the country is counting losses as a result of ENDSARS protest in some parts of the country, which resulted to violence, destructions and killings.Allah created everybody and made us into Nations, religions, tribes and ethnicities.
This is so for us to unite and relate with one another, hence Nigerians should desist from all forms of ethnic prejudice and hostilities.In connection to this, I want to draw the attention of the government to be apt in its responsibilities by giving a listening ear to the demands of its citizens.
It is not wise for the government to ignore the yearnings and aspirations of its citizens and allow protest to degenerate into chaos”
“I am also calling on the citizens and protesters to shun all manners of social disturbances that may lead to anarchy.They should seek the path of dialogue on their demands.When there is civil unrest in the country, it has the capacity to destroy the peace enjoyed in the country.
The government has listening ears and will heed to it’s citizen’s demands .We want the government to follow the path of peace with the citizens and not use force on them, because a burning flame is never quenched with another flame” he said
While calling on Nigerians to pray for the peace of the nation, the Islamic scholar warned youths in the country against involving themselves in criminal acts that can jeopardize their future.
