Let us first and foremost state that this development provides the long-awaited impetus to galvanise our organisation and Nigerians at large to confront what we consider the troubling tendencies of political power struggles, self-serving interests and the inordinate ambitions of politicians who, in our assessment, have failed to demonstrate meaningful commitment to the development of the country.
When Bayo Onanuga issued a statement a few days ago announcing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s planned Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia to offer prayers for the success of the forthcoming general elections and the security of Nigeria as a nation, some individuals expressed strong objections. One such individual, Phrank Shaibu, a publicist associated with Atiku Abubakar, issued a statement demanding that videos and photographs documenting President Tinubu’s movements and activities during his spiritual pilgrimage be made available to Nigerians daily. For all intents and purposes, the Nigerian Presidency provided timely updates on the activities of the President during his personal spiritual sojourn in Saudi Arabia.
To the surprise and dismay of many religiously tolerant Nigerians, Shaibu reportedly issued another statement questioning the spiritual significance of the Kaaba, which President Tinubu visited. We consider such comments deeply offensive to the religious sensibilities of Muslims and an unfortunate contribution to an already sensitive national discourse. The statement attributed to Atiku’s camp raises serious questions about religious understanding, moral responsibility and the need for restraint in political communication.
It appears that Atiku’s camp is expressing grievances over the spiritual significance of the Kaaba in a manner that could unnecessarily inflame religious sentiments and deepen political divisions in the country. Nigeria is a secular state with substantial Christian and Muslim populations, and political actors must recognise the importance of respecting the religious sensitivities of all citizens, irrespective of their ethnic, political or religious affiliations.
The controversies surrounding the Deborah episode in Sokoto have previously generated considerable debate about Atiku’s political positions and the consistency of his responses to sensitive religious matters. The latest comments attributed to his camp have once again brought these questions to the fore. We believe that political differences should never become an excuse for undermining the spiritual values and religious convictions of fellow Nigerians.
Atiku’s perceived grievances appear to revolve around the question of whether a Yoruba political leader should be accorded the privilege of access to the Holy Kaaba by the Saudi Arabian authorities. We believe that access to such a sacred place should not be reduced to a political contest or an instrument for measuring the religious standing of individuals.
Why does Atiku, through his associates, frequently allow political spokespersons such as Dino Melaye, Phrank Shaibu and Timi Frank to make comments on sensitive religious matters, particularly those relating to Umrah and Islamic pilgrimage, without demonstrating adequate sensitivity to the spiritual significance of such issues?
It is increasingly becoming apparent that the controversy surrounding President Tinubu’s spiritual visit to the Holy Kaaba has generated considerable political reactions. We recall that late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, also undertook spiritual journeys associated with his religious convictions. Such historical examples should remind political actors that matters of faith and worship deserve respect rather than partisan controversy.
If the Kaaba has no special spiritual significance, as the statement attributed to Atiku’s camp appears to suggest, why have generations of prominent Muslim leaders undertaken spiritual journeys to the sacred site? Is the spiritual significance of such visits being questioned merely because of the political identity of the individual undertaking the pilgrimage? We believe that religious worship should never be subjected to partisan interpretations or political rivalry.
It is still fresh in our memory that questions were raised concerning Atiku’s alleged replacement of an elected minority-tribe Muslim ADC governorship candidate in Adamawa State with another candidate. Such developments deserve objective examination, particularly when political actors make claims about religious inclusion, minority representation and national unity.
Atiku’s alleged discriminatory tendencies and the perceived selective application of religious and ethnic considerations in pursuit of political objectives raise important questions about national cohesion, inclusion and the protection of Nigeria’s diversity.
We are increasingly concerned about the apparent double standards in the treatment of Muslims within the political space. Why should some Muslims be accorded respect and recognition while others are subjected to criticism or marginalisation, irrespective of their religious convictions and spiritual commitments? We believe that every Muslim deserves equal respect, regardless of ethnic background, political affiliation or geographical origin.
We must state that the comments attributed to Atiku’s aide reflect an unfortunate lack of sensitivity towards Islamic spiritual values. Such statements, particularly when made within an already polarised political environment, could undermine inter-ethnic and interreligious harmony. Political spokespersons must exercise restraint and demonstrate a proper understanding of the religious implications of their public statements particularly in a matter as sensitive as religion.
If President Tinubu is being criticised by members of Atiku’s political camp over his spiritual activities and religious background, what implications could such attitudes have for the broader question of religious and ethnic inclusion in Nigeria? These are important concerns that deserve serious consideration, particularly in a country as diverse as ours.
Why has Atiku, whose political associates have frequently advanced arguments relating to Northern political representation, allowed the controversy surrounding President Tinubu’s special prayers at the Holy Kaaba to become another source of political division? We believe that the spiritual significance of Islamic pilgrimage should transcend political competition and personal ambitions.
The criticism directed at President Tinubu over his prayers for the prosperity, peace and security of Nigerian citizens at the Holy Kaaba represents an unfortunate development in the political discourse surrounding the 2027 general elections. Religious worship should not become another battleground for political rivalry.
We therefore appeal to Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic, religious and political affiliations, to approach this controversy with wisdom, restraint and a commitment to peaceful coexistence. We also urge political leaders and their spokespersons to demonstrate greater responsibility when commenting on matters of faith. The Muslim Ummah deserves respect, and religious institutions must not be drawn unnecessarily into partisan political battles. We consider what was said in the statement as abominable, sacrilege and a blasphemy of the first order by these spentforces who are plagiarist, mental health patients and people that cannot be proud to be called matured individuals.
Dino Melaye’s previous legal controversies and public conduct have also attracted considerable political attention. However, we believe that public discourse must remain focused on verifiable issues and relevant questions of accountability rather than personal insults or unsubstantiated allegations. Public figures and political spokespersons should be held accountable for their statements and conduct through appropriate democratic and legal processes. Dino has never conducted himself as a matured individual since he was elected into the National Assembly and till date the pampers wearing individual behave as if he owns the country when he is supposed to be in a mental home due to his mental health issues. His display of personal effects on social media platforms is indeed a huge joke, shame and disgrace to the political trajectory of the country.
The public associations and political relationships among these trio individuals have also generated discussions and aberration. Nevertheless, political relationships should be examined through credible evidence and substantive issues. We leave this discussion for the future where we will unearth the necessaries to put the record straight once and for all. Whatever that is done behind the curtain is also known to the public. A word is enough for the wise.
We are glad that the controversy has not been allowed to degenerate into further allegations concerning the President’s personal conduct. Nigerians deserve a political environment where issues are addressed with facts, restraint and respect for public institutions.
Lastly, we urge the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, the Sharia Council of Nigeria, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) and other prominent Islamic organisations to examine the comments attributed to Atiku Abubakar’s political camp concerning the spiritual significance of the Kaaba. We believe that the matter deserves appropriate clarification and a responsible response from the relevant Islamic authorities. Any statement perceived as undermining an important pillar of Islamic spiritual life should not be dismissed without careful consideration.
We must not be seen as playing to the gallery or dissipating our collective energy on disagreements with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over relatively minor or mundane issues while remaining silent when comments perceived to undermine an important pillar of Islamic pilgrimage are made. We have observed what appears to be a lack of sufficient public engagement by some practising Muslims, Islamic organisations and religious bodies across the country. We therefore call for constructive engagement, principled leadership and responsible intervention to protect the sanctity of Islamic values, promote religious understanding and preserve national harmony.
SIGNED:
Ustaz Yusuf Abdulaziz
Chairman
Alsunnah Islamic Redemption Network