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•Rejects Plateau govt’s peace committee
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
An Islamic organisation, Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN), has asked the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to disclose the identity of the religious organisation sponsoring terrorism in the country.
The EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, at a one-day dialogue on youth, religion and the fight against corruption, in Abuja, last week, disclosed that some religious organisations, institutions, sects, and bodies, have been found culpable of money laundering and terrorism financing.
The anti-graft agency alleged that in the cause of its investigation of a N13 billion corruption case, N7 billion was traced to bank account of an undisclosed religious body.
The claim triggered reactions from some individuals and religious organisations in Nigeria, some of whom demanded more information on the discovery, and possible disclosure of the identity of such organisation by the anti-graft agency.
SCSN in a statement released in Abuja, yesterday, said the discosure by the EFCC boss about religious groups sponsoring terrorism in Nigeria sent shockwaves across the nation. The body demanded that the identities of such a person or organisation be revealed.
The statement jointly signed by the SCSN President and Secretary General, Sheik Abdularasheed Hadiyatullah and Malam Nafiu Baba Ahmad, respectively, noted that the gravity of the matter called for immediate action to address the disturbing nexus between religious groups and terrorism.
The Council suggested that the EFCC should publish the list of all sponsors involved in such criminal activities. “The issue of terrorism is a matter of grave concern, and citizens should demand proper legal action against sponsors, and those found complicit in financing activities undermining the nation’s security,” the Council insisted.
Meanwhile, the Council said it has also rejected the composition of a committee set up by the Plateau State Government to address the ongoing crises that have resulted in the loss of lives and property in the state.
It said: “The composition of the committee has raised serious questions about fairness and inclusivity since the entire members of committee are Christians, and are expected to superintend over a lingering religious crisis. This is a textbook antithesis of the principles of equality and transparency.
“The situation in Plateau State demands a comprehensive and impartial approach. The total exclusion of Muslims representation in the security committee does not only disregard the diverse fabric of the state that has, at least, 40 percent Muslims, but also jeopardizes the effectiveness of the committee in addressing the root causes of the ongoing conflicts.
“We urgently call for a re-evaluation of the committee’s composition to ensure that it is truly representative of the entire population. The imbalance does not only undermines the principles of justice, it also hinders the development of a united front against the challenges faced by the state.
“We, therefore, demand, as a right and in the interest of equity, that the Governor heeds the call for justice and equitable representation, as his action is sending a disturbing message to the world, and creating a recipe for compounding the crisis.
“Failure to reconstitute the committee will be interpreted as a reflection of the state’s disregard for its Muslim citizens, despite their significant population. This would be a stark contradiction to the values of equality and non-discrimination that Nigeria, as a diverse and democratic nation, upholds. The Governor should learn from other northern states with Christian minority, their sense of fairness and responsibility in similar situation.”
