Finally, Abuja Mosque Imam Joins ‘Unemployment Market’ Over ‘Anti-Govt’ Sermon
BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – For not feeling remorseful over his perceived “anti-government” sermon, Imam Nuru Khalid, has been sent packing into the unemployment market by the National Assembly Mosque Zone E, Apo Legislators’ Quarters, Gudu District of Abuja in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
His appointment has been terminated with immediate effect by the Mosque Management Committee led by Senator Saidu Muhammed Dansadau
Initially placed on an indefinite suspension after delivering a sermon on insecurity on Friday, April 1, 2022, in which he berated the government for failing to address the escalating insecurity and killings in the country, Sheikh Khalid finally lost his job on Monday, April 4, 2022.
In the controversial sermon, the outspoken Imam had also hinted at some measures that the electorate should take should the authorities’ failings to protect their lives and property continue unabated.
The now sacked Islamic cleric had in the contentious sermon that raised eyebrows in government circles, said; “Nigerian masses should resort to only one thing, which is – protect our lives. We will come out to vote; let us be killed, we will not come out to vote, since it is only elections that you people know.”
Thereafter, the preacher, popularly called ‘Digital Imam’, was suspended by the Mosque Management Committee whose Chairman, Senator Dansadau, in defending the action, accused him of inciting public outrage.
A letter served on Sheikh Khalid by the Mosque Committee’s leadership said; “I am informing you that you have been suspended from leading prayers in the Apo Legislative Quarters Mosque from today being April 2nd, 2022 until further notice.”
“The decision was taken due to the inciting Friday sermon you delivered on April 1st, 2022; where you advised people to protest against the government.”
However, obviously angered by the Imam’s claims that he was not given a fair hearing and only read about his suspension on the pages of newspapers, the Mosque Committee immediately followed up its suspension order with another letter dated April 4, 2022, informing the embattled preacher that he services are no longer required at the Mosque.
The new letter read thus; “We regret to inform you that from today, the 4th day of April 2023, you have been disengaged from the services of the above-mentioned Mosque. This action is occasioned by the non-remorseful attitude you exhibited following your suspension on 2nd April this year.”
“Akamakallah, you know better than me by the teaching of Islam, the essence of administering punishment is to correct behavior. Unfortunately, your media reaction to the suspension creates the impression that you are not remorseful, NOT to talk of humbly reflecting on the consequences of your utterances. Leadership demands a great sense of responsibility. If our words do more harm than good to the larger interest of the country or the public.
“We have a responsibility to maximum restraint for the good of the public. It is obvious, however, that you don’t seem keen to modify your Friday sermon to be reflective of the volatility of the security situation in the country.
“You are an influencer; your words carry a lot of weight, and your words can make or mar our situation. Your words can be taken advantage of by mischief makers, those responsible for these security challenges, or enemies of the country for their devilish agendas.
“As leaders of the mosque, we have a sacred responsibility to avoid utterances that are capable of making a bad situation worse. This is our fear and concern.”
