Founder of the Markaz-ul-Uloom School of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Sheikh Tunde Abbas Abdul-Azeez, has called on President Bola Tinubu to prioritise the fight against insecurity, warning that some of the nation’s challenges are being fueled by actors operating within government structures.
He also cautioned against narratives of religious division, asserting that there is no genocide in Nigeria.
The cleric made the remarks during the school’s 40th-anniversary celebration in Lagos, themed “Markaz-ul-Uloom: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.”
Sheikh Abdul-Azeez appealed to President Tinubu to focus on restoring peace rather than engaging in political manoeuvres ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Life is too sacred to be politicised,” he said, adding that insecurity in the country persists because ‘sponsors and handlers of terrorists have infiltrated government structures.’
The scholar called on both the President and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to intensify efforts to protect lives and property.
“This is indeed a trying time for Nigeria. I beseech Allah to grant us peace of mind and internal security,” he prayed.
Responding to recent international claims of Christian persecution in the country, Sheikh Abdul-Azeez emphasised that attacks target all citizens regardless of religion.
“There is no genocide in Nigeria. Terrorists are killing Christians, Muslims, and non-Muslims alike,” he said, urging religious leaders and citizens not to allow divisive narratives to fracture national unity.
He emphasised Islam’s teachings on tolerance, stating, “These people are not Muslims because the Qur’an forbids the killing of innocent souls.”
The cleric also encouraged Nigerians to support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities.
“Let us be our own security. If you observe unusual activity, report it to the police or military. Cooperation is key,” he said.
Sheikh Abdul-Azeez noted that Lagos remains relatively peaceful, a factor that allowed the anniversary event to be held without incident.