By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has accused individuals and some sections of the media of persistently attacking Islam and profiling Muslims in Nigeria, warning that continued provocation could threaten national peace and cohesion.

The position was contained in a statement issued on behalf of the council by its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, under the leadership of the President-General of the NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar.

The council reaffirmed its commitment to the unity and peace of Nigeria but cautioned that its continued restraint should not be mistaken for weakness.

"The commitment necessitates silence and restraint despite unwarranted provocation, assault, and baseless profiling of Islam and the Muslims in the country," the statement said.

"It should be clear that restraint is not cowardice. But there is always a limit to endurance," the NSCIA added.

The Islamic body alleged that Muslims continue to face marginalisation in public life despite accusations that they dominate and oppress adherents of other faiths.

"While it is obvious that Muslims have been marginalized in public space in Nigeria, it is a paradox that there are still individuals... who accuse the obviously deprived Muslims of oppression and persecution," the council stated.

The NSCIA particularly condemned comments allegedly made by a former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) during a television programme, describing claims that "90-95 per cent of criminals are Muslims" as reckless and capable of inciting unrest.

"Some bizarre statements that 90-95% of criminals are Muslims... is one of such reckless, baseless and irresponsible statements that a government conscious of responsibility to all should have acted upon," the statement said.

The council argued that regulatory authorities and security agencies should have sanctioned such remarks in the interest of national security.

"This ought to have attracted at least a reprimand from responsible government regulatory agencies, in the interest of peace and national security," it said.

The NSCIA also accused sections of the media of applying double standards in reporting crimes allegedly linked to religion.

Referring to a recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State, the council said the suspect arrested was identified as a Christian pastor, contrary to earlier speculation that Fulani Muslims were responsible.

"The person recently arrested for the kidnap incident at Orire is not only a Christian but a pastor," the statement noted.

The council questioned why, according to it, the incident was not linked to Christianity in the same manner crimes allegedly committed by Muslims are often portrayed.

"What makes one of the Christian-owned media, Arise Television, to hypocritically dismiss the incident as not representative of any religion? If this has been a Muslim, by mere name, the opposite would have been conversed," it stated.

The NSCIA further argued that Muslims have continued to exercise restraint despite what it described as under-representation in key government appointments and recurring public criticism.

"Despite the fact that all ministers from the southern part of Nigeria are non-Muslims, when any of the few resigns or is removed, he or she is replaced by non-Muslim... Muslims keep their cool; yet they are being accused of persecuting others," the council said.

It also cited historical political alliances involving Christian presidential and vice-presidential candidates, arguing that similar combinations did not attract the criticism now associated with Muslim-Muslim tickets.

While appealing to Muslims to remain peaceful, the council called on the Federal Government and security agencies to take steps to address what it described as sustained attacks on Islam and Muslims.

"While the NSCIA continues to appeal to Muslims for continuous restraint, it is imperative that government and security agencies should do the needful before the Muslims run out of patience in the light of persistent attacks and marginalization," the statement said.

It concluded by warning that, "The barrage of open assault on the integrity of Islam and the Muslims in public spaces should be checked in the interest of peace and order. Enough is enough."

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