As Nigerian Muslims join their counterparts all over the world today to celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, he Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto and the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’d Abubakar III.
MURIC also felicitated with leaders of all Islamic organizations in the country, the entire Muslim population and all Nigerians for witnessing the occasion.
The message was contained in a Maolud message signed by the director and founder of the human rights organization, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Tuesday 20th November, 2018.
MURIC called on Nigerian politicians to focus on the plight of poor Nigerians instead of nursing selfish ambitions. “Problems like epileptic power supply, sub-standard public health facilities, bad roads, poverty and desertification of qualitative education are what our politicians should be addressing. 2019 should not be about stealing our common patrimony. Politicians should eschew bitterness, greed and selfishness.
“We urge Nigerians to ignore flambouyant politicians. This is the time to choose leaders who possess some of the virtues of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in terms of transparency, integrity, simplicity and trustworthiness. Muhammad is being celebrated today because he was the epitome of self-discipline. He shunned opulence throughout his lifetime and he was nicknamed Al-Amiin (i.e. the Trustworthy) even before he became a prophet on account of his transparency and Spartan way of life.
“We charge Nigerian youths to shun politicians who seek to exploit them during the electioneering campaigns. The children of politicians are studying in foreign countries and enjoying themselves. Nigerian youths should turn their backs against those who seek to use them for thuggery and hooliganism. They should tell such politicians to bring their own children to do their dirty jobs. Our youths are advised to shun drugs and cultism and to concentrate on productive enterprises that can make them great in the future.
“Nigerian parents are urged to inculcate in their children the virtues of self-respect, frugality, honesty and industry. They should stop encouraging consumerism and a culture of waste as manifested in funeral parties and expensive wedding ceremonies. They should stop leading false lives.
“Finally, we invite religious leaders in all faiths to come closer, to spread love, send out messages of peace and to emulate the great leaders of their faith.