By Daniel Tyokua
The Committee of FCT Imams Initiative (CFII) has said religious leaders should be involved in security architecture in the country.
Speaking at the 17th Extraordinary Dawrah (Conference) of the FCT Imams, in Abuja, chairman of the initiative, Dr Tajuddeen Adigun, said that Imams are part of those who could make the nation to be peaceful because they have followers who listen to them more than the politicians.
He said, “The reality is that people have believes and listen to their Imams much more than the politicians. This is not to underate the position of politicians because Allah has handed over power to them we must respect.
“However, politicians should not underate the influence of Imams. If Government decide to be paying salary to religious leaders so as to maintain peace, it is not too much.
“When I say religious leaders I mean generally including the non-Muslim religious leaders because all religions have influence over their followers”
He said that even if government did not recognise the role of Imams in tackling insecurity, Imams should recognise it and play their roles responsibly.
On his part, the minister of FCT, Malam Muhammad Bello, commended the contributions of FCT Imams not just in tackling insecurity but also in ensuring the implementation and success of policies of the FCT administration.
Represented by Malam Bashir Mohammed, the Director, FCTA Human Resource Management, Bello said the FCT Administration was particularly appreciative of the efforts of the league of FCT Imams in the fight against COVID-19.
However, the Chief Imam of Al-Furqan Mosque, Kano, Dr Bashir Umar, described Imams as gatekeepers of the consciousness of the nation and emblems of security as well as the develoment of the country.
