A Sokoto-based Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Murtala Bello, has prayed for the planned nationwide protest to bring an end to the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Sheikh Bello also slammed Islamic clerics that describe protest as unislamic and discourage Muslims from participating.
Prominent Islamic scholars such as Dr Sani Rijiyar Lemo and Sheikh Aminu Daurawa have discouraged Muslim faithful from participating in the planned nationwide protest against hardship.
They argued that it is unislamic and will likely bring instability and loss of lives and property in the country as obtained currently in Libya, Sudan and elsewhere.
But in a viral video while delivering a sermon, Sheikh Bello said most of the states in the Northwestern region are already enduring unspeakable horror from the incessant terrorism and banditry similar to the happenings in Sudan and Libya.
He argued that most of the clerics speaking against the protest that they are not living in the bandit-ravaged areas of Sokoto, Katsina and Zamfara states, adding “they do not understand the pains these people are going through.”
“Some clerics are claiming that this protest will bring about instability and disruption of peace. There is no form of terror that hasn’t been experienced in places like Zamfara, Sokoto and Katsina. People have been abducted, killed, properties destroyed.”
“Women are raped, thousands are in the hands of bandits in many LGAs in the affected states”
“We hope and pray that this protest brings about a change of government and end of President Bola Tinubu’s government.”
Some Clerics on Protest
WikkiTimes recalls that Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa had on July 11th, called on Muslim faithful to desist from participating in the protest, arguing that it will only yield to more harm than good.
The Kano based Sheikh said some mischief makers might grab the chance to orchestrate instability in the country.
But for Sheikh Dr Ahmad Gumi, protesting is a good way to communicate the current hardship to the government but should be done in a peaceful manner.
While delivering a lecture in Kaduna, Gumi called on youths to desist from destroying properties and causing havoc in the name of protesting.
However, Sheikh Sani Rijiyan Lemo argued that there is no certainty that a peaceful protest will remain peaceful till the end.
He cited an instance with Libya, saying it started as a peaceful protest but escalated to a violent movement. He therefore advised against the protest.
