The cleric urges the federal government to prioritise security, protect farming communities and provide direct relief to vulnerable households.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

The Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah Mosque and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosque in Okene, Kogi State, Malam Murtadha Muhammad Gusau has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to address insecurity and economic hardship in Northern Nigeria, saying the twin challenges have deepened public frustration and weakened confidence in government.

KANO FOCUS reports that in his Friday sermon delivered, the cleric said the grievances in the region were rooted primarily in persistent insecurity and the rising cost of living rather than ethnic differences or political disagreements.

The sermon, titled “A Sincere Cry From Northern Nigeria,” examined the government’s responsibility to protect citizens, ensure their welfare and uphold justice from the perspective of Islamic teachings.

Imam Gusau said banditry, terrorism and kidnapping had prevented farmers from accessing their farmlands, disrupted transportation and exposed families to persistent fear.

“Without peace, there can be no worship, no business, no education, no farming,” he said, arguing that protecting lives and property must remain the government’s foremost responsibility.

He added that the economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, particularly the removal of petrol subsidies and the floating of the naira, had contributed to rising prices of essential commodities, including maize, millet and rice.

According to the imam, the combined effects of insecurity and inflation have placed an enormous burden on households, particularly in a region heavily dependent on agriculture and road transportation.

‘Security must come first’

Imam Gusau argued that economic recovery would remain difficult to achieve without lasting improvements in security.

He said farmers could not produce enough food if they were afraid to cultivate their land, while investments in businesses and other economic activities would yield limited benefits in communities affected by violence.

The cleric urged the federal government to intensify security operations in agricultural areas, protect vulnerable communities and ensure that farmers could return safely to their fields.

He also called for targeted food and agricultural support to reach vulnerable households directly, warning against the diversion of assistance through bureaucratic processes.

Although he acknowledged the administration’s reported security initiatives, the imam said more decisive action was needed to protect rural communities, highways and farming settlements.

He maintained that the success of the government should be measured not only by economic indicators or international engagements but also by whether ordinary Nigerians could travel safely, sleep peacefully in their homes and work on their farms without fear.

Leadership as a trust

Imam Gusau said Islamic teachings regard leadership as a sacred responsibility, or amanah, for which those in authority would be held accountable before Allah.

Quoting a prophetic tradition reported in Sahih al-Bukhari, he reminded leaders that every person entrusted with responsibility would be questioned about those under their care.

He cited the example of Umar ibn al-Khattab, the second Caliph of Islam, whose concern for the welfare of citizens was reflected in accounts of his personal efforts to understand the difficulties facing ordinary people.

The imam said the example illustrated the importance of accountability, compassion and responsible use of public resources.

He also referred to the Islamic legal maxim that the exercise of authority over citizens must be guided by their welfare and best interests.

According to him, government policies should prioritise the protection of lives, education, healthcare, family welfare and economic security, particularly for the most vulnerable members of society.

He explained that these responsibilities were consistent with the higher objectives of Islamic law, known as Maqasid al-Shariah, which include the preservation of life, religion, intellect, lineage and wealth.

Calls for compassion and accountability

The cleric warned that persistent insecurity and hardship could further alienate citizens if the government failed to respond to their concerns with practical measures.

He urged leaders to demonstrate compassion through policies that directly address the needs of ordinary Nigerians rather than relying solely on assurances of future prosperity.

He also condemned the activities of bandits, terrorists and kidnappers, stressing that Islam places a high value on human life and prohibits the unjust killing of innocent people.

Imam Gusau called on communities to support victims of violence, assist displaced families and strengthen cooperation across religious and social divides.

He said collective solidarity was essential to preventing insecurity from destroying relationships and deepening divisions among Nigerians.

The imam also encouraged Muslims to remain steadfast in their faith, practise patience and seek Allah’s forgiveness while working to improve their circumstances.

He cautioned against allowing political frustration to weaken religious conviction, arguing that Muslims should combine prayers and repentance with personal integrity, compassion and responsible conduct.

However, he stressed that spiritual responses to hardship should not diminish the responsibility of leaders to protect citizens and provide for their welfare.

Urges Nigerians to uphold integrity

Imam Gusau further called on Nigerians to examine their own conduct, saying the fight against corruption and injustice should begin with individuals and communities.

He urged traders and business owners to avoid exploiting consumers through artificial price increases and dishonest practices, particularly during periods of economic difficulty.

He said citizens should maintain honesty, support one another and avoid despair despite the challenges facing the country.

The cleric concluded that Northern Nigeria needed peace, justice and economic relief, insisting that improved security and effective welfare measures would help restore public confidence and encourage cooperation between citizens and government.

**Mr Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah Mosque and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosque in Okene, Kogi State.

Ibrahim Khalil

The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Kano State Chapter, will hold its leadership election on Saturday, October 10, 2026, to elect new executives for the association.

KANO FOCUS reports that the election will take place at the Social Welfare Department, Gyadi-Gyadi Court Road, Kano.

Ahead of the exercise, the Chairman of the JONAPWD Kano State Chapter Electoral Committee, Malam Yusha’u Ibrahim Kofar Waika, has urged members, accredited delegates and representatives of the various disability clusters to arrive at the venue on time.

He said punctuality and adequate preparation were necessary to ensure a smooth and orderly electoral process.

Kofar Waika also called on all disability clusters to make the necessary arrangements and participate actively in the election.

The exercise is expected to usher in a new leadership for the association in Kano State.

The election is an important step towards strengthening democratic participation, unity and inclusive leadership among persons with disabilities in the state.

It is also expected to support effective representation and advocacy for the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

Imam Nura Garba Mato has urged Muslims to remain conscious of their actions, saying that divine reward and punishment often correspond to the nature of people’s deeds.

KANO FOCUS reports that the imam made the call while delivering a Friday sermon at Jami’u Ansar wal Muhajirun Jumaa Mosque, Cotton Ginnery Layout, Zawaciki, Kano State.

The sermon, titled “Al-Jazā’u Min Jinsil-‘Amal” (Recompense Is According to the Nature of Deeds), focused on the Islamic teaching that people’s actions have consequences and that good deeds attract divine reward.

Imam Mato said Allah had established enduring principles in human life that do not change, urging Muslims to understand these principles and allow them to guide their conduct.

He explained that one of these principles was that recompense corresponds to the nature of one’s actions, stressing the importance of living righteously and fulfilling one’s responsibilities to Allah and fellow human beings.

The imam called on Muslims to observe *taqwa* (consciousness of Allah), remain steadfast in their faith and follow the teachings and traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

He also highlighted the importance of helping people in difficulty, easing the burdens of others and showing compassion to fellow Muslims.

Quoting a prophetic tradition, the imam emphasised that whoever relieves a Muslim of a hardship in this world will receive relief from Allah on the Day of Resurrection.

He further explained that whoever conceals the faults of a fellow Muslim would receive Allah’s concealment of their faults on the Day of Resurrection, while those who make things easier for people in difficulty would receive Allah’s assistance in this world and the Hereafter.

The sermon also underscored the importance of supporting others, noting that a Muslim’s relationship with Allah should be reflected in their treatment of fellow human beings.

Imam Mato urged Muslims to reflect on their deeds and recognise that their conduct carries consequences, encouraging them to embrace good actions, assist those in need and uphold the teachings of Islam in their daily lives.

He stressed that Muslims should make righteousness, compassion and service to others central to their lives in pursuit of Allah’s pleasure and success in the Hereafter.