2nd October, 2015
An Islamic group called The Muslim Congress (TMC) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to use intelligence to engage captured Boko Haram members with the aim of getting the masterminds of insurgency in the country.
Dr Luqman AbdurRaheem, the Head of TMC, made the call at a lecture in Osogbo, Osun state capital, organised to mark this year’s independence day.
He also expressed the Muslim group’s support for the president to probe treasury looters in the country.
“We want a far-reaching probe into the Boko Haram saga by unveiling the elements behind the calculated attempt to dismember this country by declaring a terrorist war on the North East.
“As we have always maintained, peace and stability can only be achieved in an atmosphere of justice and mutual respect for the values held dearly by the various members of our plural society.”
He sympathised with Muslims worldwide on the tragedy which trailed this year’s Hajj exercise.
AbdurRaheem, however, frowned at the purported statements credited to Saudi authorities, blaming African pilgrims for the stampede, saying the remark had racist undertone.
“We support the call for thorough investigation into the stampede by the Sultan of Sokoto, Abubakar Sa’ad III.”
He said that Sa’ad, the President of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), had called for investigation into the tragedy in order to avert a recurrence.
It would be recalled that Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South Senatorial District), who was made senate leader by Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has been accused of sponsoring Boko Haram.
Similarly, a former governor of Borno state, Ali Modu Sheriff has also been accused of sponsoring the Islamist sect but none of them have been found guilty.
Ndume who was granted leave to attend the Muslim pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia is expected to return his passport to the court 72 hours after returning to Nigeria as his case is still ongoing.