Flying Officer Imran Zakariyya Hassan (file photo)
As Nigeria celebrates NAF Day, Chief Imam of 551 Nigerian Air Force Station Central Mosque, Jos, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria, Flying Officer Imran Zakariyya Hassan, has called on Nigerian Citizens to help the Military with intelligence reports towards tackling insecurities in the country.
Hassan, made the call, on Friday in Jos, while delivering sermon on the theme, “SUPPORTING THE EFFORTS OF NAF IN RESTORING PEACE: ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE,” as part of activities to mark the NAF day celebration.
According to him, the NAF, as member of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, has the responsibility of ensuring peace and stability in the country adding that, it cannot be achieved in a state or a country except through the support of its citizens.
He advised that the support could be by establishing mutual love, tolerance and compassion between the citizens and acting as one people.
“Information is part of the atom of every security. Raising alarm on an unusual movement or activities in our community or neighborhood will help the security personnel to tackle the problem of security.
“Fake news has caused calamities, civil unrest, tribal conflicts and senseless killings in our dear country. This fake news disunite the citizens and generate intolerance, hatred and discord in the hearts of many Nigerians,” he said.
The Imam added that it has become necessary for every Nigerian to verify any news they receive before acting upon it saying the people should become more responsible for the country by debunking fake news.
“Allah says, ‘O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.’
“The Prophet, (PBUH), has forbidden spreading of rumor,” he said.
The Imam observed that, kidnapping, banditry and other vices are major concern to all Nigerians but appeared to have been left for the government alone.
According to him, the only way the Nigeria government can effectively secure the nation is if the citizens play their parts.
“Among the ways we can play our parts is by eschewing sentiments on any national issue and peddling of tribalism in all our daily affairs.
“It is worrisome to know that we hardly assist others or employ others except he or she belongs to our tribe or state, this is evil. Tribal sentiment has caused disunity, enmity and conflicts in Nigeria.
“The Prophet (PBUH) said, ‘He who promotes tribal sentiments does not belong to us; and He who was killed championing tribal sentiments does not belong to us; and he who dies upholding tribal sentiments does not belong to us,” he remind the congregation.
He appealed to Nigerians to provide the Military with volunteering information that will help them towards the fight against insecurity especially by helping to expose the identities of criminals and refusing to harbor any criminal “in our midst whether they belong to our tribes or not.”
The Islamic Scholar prayed Allah to protect the citizens of Nigeria wherever they are from the hands of criminals.
“O Allah guide the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and grant him and his cabinet the wisdom to pilot the affairs of this country.
“O Allah grant your aid to the Chief of Air Staff and grant him the wisdom and foresight in discharging his duties. Grant his branch chiefs the vision, wisdom, and strength to implement his vision and mission. May all his policies on security bring lasting peace and stability back to Nigeria.
“O Allah, grant the NAF personnel the zeal, perseverance to support the CAS policies. May his tenure restore peace and stability back to Nigeria,” he prayed.
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