From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Lere Olayinka, has responded to comments by Prof. Ishaq Akintola of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) regarding the suspension of Shehu Ahmad Hadi, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
Olayinka advised Akintola to focus on issues related to the propagation of Islam and to desist from promoting religious discord among Nigerians.
He emphasised that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s decision to suspend Hadi was not influenced by religion.
“The suspended FCTA Executive Secretary was not appointed as a Muslim,” Olayinka stated. “Anyone trying to cover his suspension with the garment of religion will be doing a disservice to religious harmony in the country.”
He noted that the reasons for Hadi’s suspension remain undisclosed but insisted that such decisions do not require public justification.
Olayinka referenced Islamic teachings, saying:
“It is obligatory for you to listen to the ruler and obey him in adversity and prosperity.”
The FCT Minister’s spokesperson further explained:
“Just as it is not obligatory for he who appoints to give reasons for appointing, it will also not be obligatory for he who suspends to tell the public reasons for suspending, as long as the person suspended knows why he was suspended.
“Most importantly, the position of the FCDA Executive Secretary is not a family chieftaincy title, and the business of the office, once occupied by Engr. Shehu Ahmad Hadi, is running perfectly.”
Olayinka also called Akintola’s attention to Prophet Mohammad’s (PBUH) position on obedience to authority, saying:
“I doubt if Prof. Akintola is aware that, on the authority of Abu Huraira, it was narrated that Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said: ‘It is obligatory for you to listen to the ruler and obey him in adversity and prosperity, in pleasure and displeasure, and even when another person is given (rather undue) preference over you.’
“If Prof. Akintola is aware of this and has imbibed it, he will simply counsel the suspended FCTA Executive Secretary to accept his fate as a Muslim, rather than this seeming sponsorship of media attacks against the Minister and fanning the embers of religious discord.”