The chief Imam of Apo Legislative Quarters Juma’at Mosque in Abuja, Sheikh Nurudden Khalid, that was suspended by the Mosque’s steering committee for criticising President Muhammadu Buhari over insecurity in the country, has been sacked.
According to a letter dated 4th April, 2022, the Imam was sacked following his ‘non-remorseful attitude’ towards his suspension on the 2nd of April, 2022.
The letter titled ‘LETTER OF DISENGAGEMENT FROM THE SERVICES OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MOSQUE’ reads, “We regret to inform you that from today the 4th day of April 2003 you have boon disengaged from the services of the above-mentioned mosque. This action is occasioned by the non-remorseful stude you exhibited folowing your suspension on 2nd April this year.
“Akamakallah, you know better than me by the teaching of Islam, the essence of administering punishment is to correct behavior.
“Unfortunately, your media reaction to the suspension creates the impression that you are not remorseful NOT to talk of humbly reflecting on the consequences of your utterances. Leadership demands a great sense of responsibility. If our words do more harm than good to larger interest of the country or the public, We have a responsibility to maximum restraint for the good of public. It is obvious however, that you don’t seem keen to modify your Friday sermon to be reflective of the votality of security situation in the country.
“You are an influencer, your words carry a lot of weights, your words can make or mar our situation. Your words can be taken advantage of by mischief makers, those responsible for these security challenges or enemies of the country for their devilish agendas. As leaders of the mosque we have a sacred responsibility to avoid utterances that are capable of making a bad situation worse. This is our fear and concern.
“Our decision is informed by our obsession to promote peace in the country. We are not oblivion of the implication of our action in view of the penchant of many Nigerians for critique of government of the day.
We however believe , no sacrifice is too much for the committee members to disengage you as part of our contribution ensure peace prevail in our mother land no matter the gravity of the consequences because we are convinced that you have no intention to change the mode of your sermon in the course of Friday prayers”.
