NAN-H-83
Values
By Akeem Abas
Ibadan, Oct. 9, 2017 (NAN) An Islamic scholar, Prof. Kamil Oloso, says Nigerians should allow religious values and virtues to guide their political activities in order to ensure national stability and economic prosperity.
Oloso spoke at a special service organised by the Oyo State Judiciary at Oja’ba Central Mosque in Ibadan on Monday to commence the 2017/2018 Legal Year.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oloso, who is the Head of Department, Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan, delivered a lecture entitled: “Religious Values and Political Mandate.’’
NAN also reports that the session was attended by Justice Munta Abimbola, the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Sheikh Abdulganiyu Abubakri, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, and Mr Akeem Agbaje, the Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) in Oyo State.
“If political stability and economic prosperity will not continue to be elusive in Nigeria, the citizenry ought to be encouraged to allow their religious values and virtues guide their political activities.
“Non-Muslims and non-Christians too should be encouraged to let the ethics of their beliefs or ideologies moderate their activities.
“Any attempt at rebranding or restructuring Nigeria without putting this into consideration is bound to fail as usual,’’ he said.
Oloso also called on the Federal Government to set up a commission made up of religious scholars and leaders to put together the ethical values of each religious group.
“Government should establish a National Institute for Moral Training where those aspiring to political leadership at all levels or tiers, judiciary inclusive, should pass through for moral rebirth,’’ he said.
He also urged government to ensure that character-building was included in the general studies programme of the nation’s tertiary institutions.
Oloso further called on Muslims and Christians to eschew religious bigotry and refrain from acts of oppression, suppression and aggression.
“The rivalry between Muslims and Christians in Nigeria over whose religion is right or wrong is uncalled for, destructive criticism of each other is parochial.
“We must unanimously commend and reward only the righteous and condemn the evil one even if they call themselves Muslim or Christian senators, ministers, directors, imams or pastors,’’ he said.
Gov. Abiola Ajimobi, who was represented by Dr Azeez Adeduntan, the State Commissioner for Health, commended the courage, cooperation and independence of the Oyo State judiciary.
“The Oyo State judiciary is progressively becoming a true bastion and place of succour for the common man.
“I am sure the virtues exuded by my Lord informed the recent appointments offered by the National Judicial Council.
“On our part as a government, we duly recognise the need to upgrade our justice delivery system,’’ he said.
The governor expressed the hope that government’s ongoing support for the establishment of the Customary Court of Appeal, Multi-door Court and other justice sector reforms would bring the desired egalitarian society. (NAN)
TAA/FF/OJO
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(Edited by Fela Fashoro/Mufutau Ojo)