By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja
The Ulama Forum in Nigeria has expressed deep concern over “the declining state of affairs in Nigeria, particularly the excruciating suffering of ordinary citizens in the face of economic deprivation.”
The forum made this statement in a release issued on Saturday in Kano, signed by the convener, Mal. Aminu Ibrahim, mni, and Engr. Basheer Adamu, 23 others members and shared with The Reporters on Sunday.
The statement reads in part: “The Ulama Forum in Nigeria, upon reflecting on the situation, resolves and recommends as follows:
“Government at all levels should appreciate the gravity of the situation and respond with empathy and sympathy. They should review their economic policies and programs to ensure that they transparently and judiciously serve the interests of the Nigerian people.
“Take immediate measures to discard or halt ineffective projects, reduce the costs of food, energy, and transport to curtail poverty and hunger, as these are essential steps for survival, peace, and stability.
“Reduce the cost of governance and address the lavish lifestyle of officials, legislators, and other political officeholders who receive excessive, illegitimate salaries, allowances, and perks that offend public sensibilities and incite youth anger.
“Engage constructively with the youth instead of labeling them as criminals, hooligans, or saboteurs. Recognize them as legitimate, though frustrated, protesters who need to be listened to and handled with care, as they represent the future of the country.
“Reflect on the difficulties facing the people and the non-political aspects of the protests, even as the government contends with potential political conspiracy and foreign influence, as indicated by the youth burning the national flag and raising a foreign one.
“Roll out effective youth empowerment programs through extensive skills acquisition training and involvement in community projects such as building schools, road repairs, apprenticeships, and tree planting.
“Address the perceived bias in government programs by publishing details of beneficiaries and expenditures related to all empowerment initiatives.
“Take decisive steps to tackle insecurity in the North, which poses a critical existential threat and is a major cause of social dislocation, poverty, and hunger in the region.
“Recommend that state governments establish offices specifically to verify and secure their proportionate share of all federal support programs and publish these details to ensure accountability.
“Elected representatives should uphold the trust of their constituents and promote and protect the interests of the people. They should convene an emergency joint House meeting on the state of the nation to urge the executive to address public complaints.
“Political leaders should, as a gesture of goodwill and empathy, avoid ostentatious displays of wealth.
“The Judiciary should not only dispense justice but also be seen to do so by expediting hearings and resolutions of significant cases, avoiding frivolous adjournments.
“Nigerian youth should reflect on their protest conduct, which has been infiltrated by individuals with ulterior motives, leading to negative consequences and posing a greater danger to peace, security, and sustainable development.
“Call off further protests and engage in sincere dialogue with the government, presenting well-articulated and workable solutions to the nation’s economic and social problems.
“Use dialogue to seek explanations and accountability on government interventions and programs like the Skill-Up Artisan Programme (SUPA), the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA), the National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP), and other announced credit facilities.
“Track each program and strategize to benefit from them appropriately.
“Respect and listen to the advice of elders and religious leaders who advocate for good governance, peace, and morality in society.
” Avoid issuing generalized, unverifiable, disrespectful, inflammatory, and impudent statements about public officials and government offices. Instead, seek guidance and counseling from appropriate sources.
“Shun violence in advocating for demands and be cautious of elements seeking to distort protests to promote conspiratorial ambitions. Stop calling for a military coup and desist from waving foreign flags.
“The Ulama should:
” Sustain their efforts in providing religious guidance, moral teachings, and promoting peace; resist efforts to intimidate them into silence.
“Remain non-partisan while being religious and patriotic citizens concerned about people’s plight and advocating for good governance.
“Strengthen the spirit of Islamic brotherhood, uphold the etiquette of differing views, maintain fairness and objectivity, and reach a consensus to present a united front without grandstanding or conflicting views.
“The general public should:
“Prioritize national interests over personal and primordial concerns, amend personal behavior, combat corruption, and turn to Allah in repentance.
” Demand accountability from elected leaders at all levels and explore legal provisions to recall those who fail to perform.
“Stay alert to potential disturbances that could lead to chaos and further economic suffering.
” Engage in dialogue with the government through community leaders about grievances and potential risks to peace.
” Monitor government activities to ensure their representatives fulfill their duties.
“Demand explanations from legislative representatives regarding any silence or abdication of responsibility during critical times.
“Exercise patience and await the next elections to vote out underperforming or corrupt officials and parties.
“Encourage academics, professionals, and economic experts to develop and promote homegrown policies against IMF and World Bank-induced policies and engage with the government for sustainable development.
“Parents should ensure proper upbringing of their children, teaching societal values, civic responsibilities, respect for elders, and avoidance of destructive behaviors.
“The Ulama Forum urges the government to handle the situation with increased responsibility and involve all stakeholders to prevent further deterioration.
“The forum also calls on Muslims to pray for national peace, unity, and guidance for leaders, and to foster patience, resourcefulness, discipline, and respect among the youth. The forum advises the press and social media influencers to report and analyze situations with greater care.”
