News

‘Anti-govt’ Sermon: Outrage Over Abuja Imam’s Suspension

Published

4 years ago

April 3, 2022

Editor

Condemnations have trailed the suspension of the Chief Imam of Apo Legislative Quarters Mosque, Shiekh Nuru Khalid, over a sermon considered to be “anti-government”.

In the sermon, the cleric lambasted government over killings in Nigeria, advising Nigerians not to vote leaders who cannot guarantee the safety of lives and properties during the 2023 general election.

Though many Nigerians commended the Imam for speaking truth to power, the steering committee of Apo Legislative Quarters Mosque accused Khalid of “inciting” the electorate against politicians.

Many Nigerians condemned the action of the mosque committee headed by Senator Saidu Muhammed Dansadau, describing the suspension as an “oppression”.

While calling for the reinstatement of the Imam, they urged Khalid not to be intimidated.

Khalid, popularly known as Digital Imam, had after hissuspension said, “God is the most powerful. He gives (enthrones) and takes away power (dethrones) from whomever He wishes”.

Reactions as compiled by The PUNCH:

Senator Shehu Sani @ShehuSani:

Sheikh Nuru Khalid dusted the mirror the Clergies used to show GEJ and he showed it to the President and his colleagues couldn’t stand it.Khalid has demonstrated fidelity to his faith,to his conscience and to his conviction.
Many religious clergies lose their gospel voice or dilute their sermons when the oppressor is of their faith or denomination.

Reno Omokri @renoomokri:
The Chief Imam of Apo Jumat Mosque, Abuja, Sheikh Nuru Khalid, has been suspended for criticising Buhari over the Abuja-Kaduna train bombing. Yet, nothing has been done to the terrorists! They punish critics and victims.

The mosque steering committee said the sermon was “inciting” and in violation of “Islamic tenets.” But when Muslim clerics all over the North used to routinely curse and preach against Goodluck Jonathan in mosques for his inability to contain the intensifying insecurity in the country at the time, which pales in comparison with what we’re seeing now on Buhari’s watch, it was neither “inciting” nor against “Islamic tenets.”

In fact, there is a famous video clip of Sheikh Isa Ali Pantami crying like a baby during a sermon where he blamed Jonathan for being singularly responsible for the mass deaths of northern Muslims in the country. Now, his eyes are as dry as the Sahara desert even when more northern Muslims than ever before are being murdered daily as a result of Buhari’s dreadful ineptitude and unconcern.

The hypocrisy is galling! When/if a southern Christian becomes president next year, I can bet you that criticising a president would no longer be considered “incitement” or a violation of “Islamic tenets.” I don’t know how these people are able to live with this quantum of disgustingly reprehensible double standards.

FS Yusuf @FS_Yusuf_:
So, a popular Imam in Abuja is getting suspended for criticising Buhari over the Kaduna train bombing? So, it would have been acceptable if he had come to the mosque to praise Buhari for the killing and kidnapping of passengers? What are you people actually telling the world?

Kescambro@lordkeke:
It’s a shame that all our so-called fathers of faith in this country are silent about the suffering of Nigerian people. Abuja envelopes and contracts have closed their mouths to the death, poverty and suffering of the people. Thank you Imam for speaking the truth, you are a hero.

Technokrat @maestro_chimex:
I heard that a Sheikh, The Chief Imam of an Abuja mosque was suspended for calling out the government over insecurity in Nigeria. This should teach us that the battle is between the masses and the political elite and not regions or religion.

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

1 hour ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

2 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

3 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.