The Muslim Congress (TMC) has called on all governments to put in place urgent measures to cushion the economic hardship associated with the economic reforms in the country.
Alhaji AbdulWasi’i Bangbala, TMC National Amir, made the call on Sunday in Akure at the Annual State Lecture organised by the Ondo State chapter of the congress in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
The theme of the lecture was “The Nigerian State and Lesson from Contemporary History”.
Bangbala, represented by Alhaji Abdulhafeez Adebiyi, Naibu Amir External Affairs, said behooved on all Nigerians to acknowledge the economic reforms initiated by the present administration in the spirit of nation-building.
“We recognise the decision aimed at restructuring our economy for long-term stability and growth.
“However, history also teaches us a timeless lesson: that the true measure of any policy is it’s impact on the most vulnerable.
“We are compelled by our faith and our conscience to make a passionate appeal to the authorities;
“Please, let urgent and comprehensive measures be put in place to cushion the incapacitating effects of the reforms on the masses.
“The plight of the common Nigerian, grappling with the rising costs of living, demands not just policy, but palpable empathy and immediate relief.
“A nation’s strength is derived from the well-being of its citizens,” he said.
The national Amir, who said the congress was deeply concerned about the brewing crisis between PENGASSAN and Dangote Group, called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and help to broker a lasting resolution.
“We must forestall any action that will plunge the citizens into further avoidable hardship. Dialogue and justice must prevail,” he said.
Also, Alhaji Saeed Salma, Deputy Registrer Council Affair, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, who delivered the annual lecture, called on all Nigerians both at home or in diaspora, to shun anything that could tarnish the image of the county.
“As citizens, we should be working always to ensure Nigeria is moving forward not backwards.
“In respect of the place you find yourself locally or internationally, you should be able to represent Nigeria positively.
“We need to understand that Nigeria is our country and anything that could tarnish the image of Nigeria should be avoided as much as possible,” he said.
He, therefore, called on religious leaders to always encourage political leaders on things that would benefit the citizens and Nigeria as a whole in respect of their affiliation.
“As a country, We cannot live or do things alone, we are not an island. We live with other countries but lets be cautious of what we take from them, whatever is given to us should not be taken lightly.
“Rather, we must try to evaluate and measure those that are suitable to us in Nigeria, let us implement it and those that will not suitable should be jettisoned,” he said.
Earlier, Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo, a former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, commended TMC for their impact in the country and the state.
He said there was need for more participation of Muslim faithful in politics for good governance.
Similarly, Alhaji AbdulHakeem Yayi-Akorede, Chief Imam of Akure, appreciated the congress for their contributions especially in the state Muslim communities.
He charged other Muslim faithful to emulate them for the betterment of the society.
The highlight of the event was the distribution of back-to-school materials which included 50 school bags, 750 exercise books, written material, sandals among others to some students in Akure.