Ex-Kwara jurist to Nigerians: Pray for leaders, stop public condemnation
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Former Grand Khadi of the Kwara State Shari’a Court of Appeal and Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Council of Ulamah, Justice Saliu Olohuntoyin Muhammad, has
urged Nigerians to stop public condemnation of government, insisting that Islam only prescribes prayers and constructive advice for leaders rather than protests and abuses.
Speaking in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, the retired jurist said political office is a trust (amanah) from God, and citizens have a duty to respect and guide those in authority through lawful means.
“Government offices are a trust from Allah and the people. Leaders must discharge them with sincerity. But as followers, our role is to pray for government and guide them with advice. Condemnation and abuse are not the way of Islam,” he stressed.
He maintained that even when government fails to meet their expectations, public protests and criticisms are not sanctioned by Islamic law. “Peaceful protest, whatever name you call it, is not recognised in Islam. You pray for guidance for those in power,” he added.
Justice Muhammed, however, appealed to the government to establish a regulatory framework for religious preaching across faiths, saying the absence of control has allowed abuse of the pulpit.
“The moment you can say ‘Allahu Akbar’, people call you malam. That is wrong. There must be law and regulation for both Christian and Muslim preachers. It should be a national policy,” he declared.
The jurist, who is a UN Peace Ambassador, distanced Islam from terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes, describing them as signs of the end of time. He, therefore, urged Nigerians to begin addressing the menace from the family level by guiding their children early.
The former Grand Khadi advised Nigerians to always approach the government using dialogue whenever they are not dissatisfied, rather than resorting to media attacks.
“If you see areas the government is not doing well, book an appointment with the relevant officials and present your advice. That is the Islamic way,” he said.
Justice Muhammed, who earned his UN Peace Ambassador title after a presentation at a Baptist Convention in the United States, recalled mediating in conflicts in Sudan, Gambia, London, Malaysia and the US, adding that his experiences reinforced his belief that constructive dialogue and mutual respect are the foundation of peace.
The retired Grand Khadi further called on the government to ban graduation ceremonies in pre-primary and primary schools, describing them as a misplacement of values.
He argued that such celebrations burden parents financially and distract pupils from the true essence of early education.
“Graduation in nursery and primary schools should be banned. It is unnecessary, a waste of money, and it encourages competition that is not healthy at that level,” he said.
Justice Muhammad maintained that children should be taught humility, discipline, and knowledge at that stage rather than being exposed to what he described as “miniature convocation parades.”
The Kwara Council of Ulamah, which he serves as the Executive Secretary, was inaugurated in 2020 by the Emir of Ilorin to promote peaceful coexistence and resolve disputes across the State. The body also screens new Jumat mosques before approval.