The National Assembly Mosque Zone E, Apo Legislators’ Quarters, Gudu District Abuja has announced the sacking of Imam Nuru Khalid.
Recall that Nuru Khalid had, on Friday last week, in Abuja, during a sermon, castigated the government over its failure to stem the wave of perennial insecurity and killings in the country.
No sonner had he made the scathing assessment of the present administration than the mosque committee suspended him for anti government preaching.
Senator Saidu Muhammed Dansadau, Chairman of the committee, said sheikh Khalid sermon was inciting.
“I am informing you that you have been suspended from leading prayers in the Apo Legislative Quarters Mosque from today being April 2nd, 2022 until further notice.”
Reacting to his suspension, the Imam later said he was not given fair hearing, adding that he only read about his suspension.
However, in a letter dated April 4, 2022, the mosque committee told Imam Khalid that his appointment has been terminated.
According to the committee, a character of sheikh khalid standing should not be seen excoriating the government as his remarks could be leveraged on by the opposition, noting that remarks that were capable of aggravating current troubling situation should be avoided by leaders of the mosque.
“You are an influencer; your words carry a lot of weight, your words can make or mar our situation. Your words can be taken advantage of by mischief makers, those responsible for these security challenges or enemies of the country for their devilish agendas. As leaders of the mosque we have a sacred responsibility to avoid utterances that are capable of making a bad situation worse. This is our fear and concern.” it reads
“We regret to inform you that from today the 4th day of April 2023 you have been disengaged from the services of the above-mentioned mosque. This action is occasioned by the non-remorseful attitude you exhibited following your suspension on 2nd April this year.”
The committee said the reaction of the imam to his suspension did not show any form of contrition and that left it with no other option than to relieve the Sheikh of his duties.
“Akamakallah, you know better than me by the teaching of Islam, the essence of administering punishment is to correct behavior. Unfortunately, your media reaction to the suspension creates the impression that you are not remorseful, NOT to talk of humbly reflecting on the consequences of your utterances. Leadership demands a great sense of responsibility. If our words do more harm than good to the larger interest of the country or the public. We have a responsibility to maximize restraint for the good of the public. It is obvious however , that you don’t seem keen to modify your Friday sermon to be reflective of the volatility of the security situation in the country.
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