The El-Birru Muslim Association of Nigeria (EMAN) has sent an appeal letter to the Council of Ulama’u of Nigeria, Kogi State Branch over the ongoing crisis in the Ebira Central Mosque on the selection of Chief Imam.
The letter which was signed by the National Ameer,Arc. Abdulyekeen Mamma,and National Secretary, EMAN,Salahudeen Ustaz Yunus and addressed to the Chairman, Task Force Committee (TFC),Council of Ulama’u of Nigeria,Kogi State Branch ,commended earlier proactive measures taken by Kogi state Governor,Alhaji Yahaya Bello and Paramount ruler of Ebiraland HRM Dr. Alhaji Ado Ibrahim.
The letter reads ;
The Chairman, Task Force Committee (TFC) ,
Council of Ulama’u of Nigeria,
Kogi State Branch,
Lokoja Kogi State.
Through the Committee Secretary
_Assalamu_ _Alaykum_ _Warahamatullahi_ _Ta’ala_ _Wabarakatuhu_
OBSERVATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS BY EMAN ON THE ONGOING CRISIS OVER IMAMSHIP IN THE EBIRA CENTRAL MOSQUE.
El-Birru Muslim Association of Nigeria (EMAN) was formed in 1994 and registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission in 2007 (CAC/IT /NO 25784) for the purpose of
Propagating Islam and Promoting Peaceful Co-existence among the Umma in Kogi Central and beyond.
The Association has since been carrying out Educational activities and Propagation of Islam in and around Kogi Central as well as in Farm Settlements within and outside the State borders .
We appreciate His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State’s proactive step in mandating the Council of Ulama’u of Nigeria ,Kogi State Branch to look into the Imamship crisis in Ebira Central Mosque, Okene, Kogi State and we also appreciate the blessing of the Committee by the Paramount ruler of Ebiraland HRM Dr. Alhaji Ado Ibrahim.
We hereby plead to the Committee to look into the remote and immediate causes of the crisis and nip it in the bud because Allah enjoins Justice on the Muslims ” O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah as just witness; and let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety; and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Well -Acquainted with what you do” . Surah Al-Maidah Ayah 8.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS:
EMAN thereby recommend the following Measures towards Peaceful Co-existence among the Muslims of Kogi Central:
1. That any time the Imamship position becomes vacant in the Ebira Central Mosque ( as it is currently), the Deputy Chief Imams should be given priority in choosing and appointing a successor. Currently there are five Deputy Chief Imams each representing one of the Local Goverment Council in the Centre. If the most senior Deputy Imam demonstrates the requisite knowledge and leadership qualities for the post, he should be appointed, but if he is found deficient, his other colleagues shoud be put to test. It is only if all of them are found to be deficient that other candidates should be considered.
2. The Custodian of the Ebira Central Mosque who is the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland will be the one to turban the selected Chief Imam.
3. The task for selecting a Chief Imam should continue to be vested in the Council of Ulama’u, Kogi State Chapter.
We should remember Allah’s Commandment when Muslims are in a rift : ” And if two parties or groups among the believers fall to fighting, then make peace between them both, but if one of them outrages against the other, then fight you (all) against the one that which outrages till it complies with the Command of Allah. Then if it complies, then make reconciliation between them justly, and be equitable. Verily! Allah loves those who are the equitable. Surah Hujurat Ayah 9.”
Finally, We should accept Islam as the basis of our identity and relationship with one another for peace to reign in the Umma.
Thanks for your anticipated cooperation and understanding as we await your response and successful rounding up of your onerous reconciliation among the contending parties as we equally enjoyed them to remember Allah Solace and Succour ” O you who believe! Seek help in patience and As-Salat (the prayer) . Truly! Allah is with As-Sabirun (the Patients). Surah Al-Baqarah Ayah 153.”
May Allah’s Mercy be upon the entire members of the Committee in this world and in the hereafter for their sacrifice towards finding lasting solution to Imam tussle in Ebira Central Mosque .
Yours in the cause of Islam.
Signed
Arc. Abdulyekeen Mamman
National Ameer, EMAN
Salahudeen Ustaz Yunus
National Secretary, EMAN
Cc:
1.Executive Governor
Kogi State ,
Government House, Lokoja ,
Kogi State
2. HRM ,The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Okene, Kogi State
3. The Chairman
JNI Kogi Branch,
Lokoja Kogi State
