Sheikh Nuru Khalid, the former Chief Imam of Apo Legislative Quarters Mosque, has slammed President Muhammadu Buhari’s government.
During a meeting with human rights activist Omoyele Sowore on Sunday, the digital Imam warned that the same government that negotiates with bandits and terrorists is now afraid of citizens speaking out, especially those who want their rights.
He believes that Nigerians should be allowed to talk freely without fear of harassment or intimidation, or else they would become slaves.
JUST IN: Abuja Imam, Sheikh Khalid Sacked Over ‘Anti-Government’ Sermon
“I have conditions for reconciliation,” he said. “One is that I will not retract any words I’ve spoken, and the second is that no one will caution me on any matter.”
“If it is against the will of the government, they have security operations, let them arrest me. If it is against the tenets of Islam, summon the FCT Committee of Imam to call me and ask. I am feeling as if I gained my freedom, I can speak out freely, I don’t mind anybody who feels good or bad.
“My mission is not to convert people to Islam but create awareness in the minds of Nigerians that we are not slaves; our mothers gave birth to us as free people, we are free people, that freedom is very vital.
“If we can maintain that freedom, we can speak out against bad governance but if we are afraid of them, we are now slaves. Somebody will just take one person and negotiate price.
“That’s what is happening in Nigeria today, they’re kidnapping citizens, selling them out. Look at someone that can bear to negotiate with criminals, now he’s afraid to listen to citizens. There’s a problem.”
Sacked Abuja Imam, Sheikh Khalid Gets New Appointment Hours After Sack
After preaching against President Muhammadu Buhari’s government and its management of insecurity in the country, Khalid was suspended as Chief Imam of Apo Mosque by the mosque’s steering committee.
After a recent terrorist assault on an Abuja-Kaduna train, the preacher chastised Buhari for not visiting Kaduna.
During the incident, eight passengers were reported dead, and many more were seized by the terrorists.
Terrorists raided the Kaduna airport before to the train attack, killing one person.
In addition, authorities in the state discovered and detonated devices twice in less than 24 hours.
The preacher purportedly encouraged followers and other Nigerians to boycott the 2023 elections if the government failed to address the country’s security issues and other crises.
Ahmed Gumi Calls Suspended Abuja Imam’s Sermon ‘Worse Than Kidnapping’
According to the committee that suspended and later sacked him, the sermon was capable of inciting public outrage.
Many Nigerians have criticised the government for allowing the sacking of the cleric, whom they have described as speaking truth to power.
Follow us on Facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.