FROM IBRAHIM ALIYU, STAFF REPORTER
KADUNA, Nigeria – A major convergence of Islamic clerics from across Northern Nigeria held a one-day summit in Kaduna to address the pervasive issues of insecurity and socio-economic challenges bedeviling the region.
The summit, held at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Conference Hall, marked a rare display of unity, bringing together historically distinct Islamic organizations under one roof. Attendees included representatives from the Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI), both major factions of the Jama’atul Izalatul Bidi’a wa’ikamatul Sunnah (JIBWIS), the Tijaniyya and Kadiriyya Movements, the Supreme Council for Shari’a in Nigeria, and the Salafiyya Organization.
High-ranking clerics and political figures were present, including Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, JNI Secretary-General Dr. Khalid Aliyu, Sayyid Bashir Dahiru Usman Bauchi, Dr. Ahmad Gummi, and the Emir of Zazzau, Dr. Ahmad Nuhu Bamali, who represented the Sultan of Sokoto, Alh. Sa’ad Abubakar.
In his opening remarks, Sheikh Bashir Aliyu Umar, Chief Imam of Al-Furqan Juma’at Mosque in Kano, stated the summit’s primary objective: to establish a common position among the clerics to effectively advise the Federal Government on possible solutions.
The agenda focused on a crucial debate regarding security, with clerics invited to present their perspectives on the options of engaging in dialogue with bandits versus adopting a purely kinetic (military) approach. Discussions also centered on regulating the challenges arising from the improper use of social media platforms.
Speaking at the summit, Senator Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar (Zamfara West) advocated for the creation of a unified forum of Islamic Scholars to ensure their counsel to the government is presented with a single, authoritative voice.
Similarly, Senator Shehu Umar Buba (Bauchi South) endorsed the summit, suggesting the successful non-kinetic approach currently being used in Kaduna, involving peace pacts, should be replicated in other states affected by banditry.
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