The Muslim Congress (TMC) has expressed concern over what it called ‘the biting effect of the current economic reforms’, saying beyond policies, Nigerians deserve empathy and immediate relief to ameliorate the current hardship.

The body also expressed worry over brewing crisis between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Refinery, calling on President Tinubu to urgently intervene and broker a lasting solution to the conflict.

The body also expressed concern over the biting effect of the economic reforms being implemented by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration on Nigerians.

The Waali of the Ogun State chapter of TMC, Dr. Abdulrazaq Ogunmoye, who raised the concern in Abeokuta on Saturday during the 18th annual lecture of the Organization in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day, stressed the need for the administration to put in place comprehensive measures to cushion the effects of the reforms on the masses.

The faith-based organization during the annual lecture with the theme, “The Nigeria State and Lessons From Contemporary History”, however, appreciated the economic reforms initiated by the administration which aimed at restructuring the economy for long-term stability and growth but called for measures to reduce the burden on the people.

“The plight of the common Nigerian, grappling with rising costs of living, demands not just policy, but empathy and immediate relief. A nation’s strength is derived from the well-being of its citizens,” he stated.

On the crisis between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery over the issue of unionization of workers, TMC warned that such conflict, if allowed to fester, could cause serious threats not only to the energy sector but the entire economic ecosystem with devastating consequences on every single Nigerian.

“We respectively and urgently called on His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to intervene and help broker a lasting resolution. We must forestall any action that would plunge the citizens into further avoidable hardship. Dialogue and justice must prevail,” he appealed.

TMC equally raised its concern over what it described as devastating and heart-wrenching crisis in Gaza, Palestine in the Middle East.

“The scale of destruction and loss of innocent lives, especially those of women and children in Palestine, is a scar on our collective conscience. We therefore sue for peace. We charge the world leaders to rise above rhetoric and do much better in the arena of international diplomacy”.

TMC then called for immediate and permanent ceasefire between Israeli forces and Hamas in Gaza.

The Amir of Ogun State TMC described the annual lecture of the organization as catalyst for action and a renewal of commitment to building a Nigeria, where justice reigns, prosperity is shared and peace is unshakable.

Delivering a lecture titled “The New World Order: Local Political Dynamics, Global Diplomacy and Pathways to Genuine National Sovereignty,” Prof. Ishaq Akintola, emphasized the importance of economic independence by building local industries in agriculture, energy, and technology.

The Founder and Director of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), represented by Dr. Abdulkareem Nurudeen, called for expansion of intra-trade among member-country under Organization of Islamic Co-operation and adopting of Islamic finance mechanism, so as to reduce reliance on Western banking.

He maintained that institution of Shari’ah system would ensure accountability and combat corruption in the country while advocating for political renewal that promotes leadership style grounded in trust and justice.

“Nigeria Sovereignty challenge is both external and internal while the New World Order subjects Nigeria to global economic and political pressures, internal corruption, disunity and leadership failures deepen, its vulnerability from a Muslim perspective, Sovereignty is not just about state power but about aligning governance with divine guidance, justice and self-reliance.”

“By pursuing intellectual renewal, economic independence, political reform, diplomatic realignment and spiritual revival, Nigeria can resist the manipulation of the New World Order and reclaim genuine sovereignty. Such a path would allow Nigeria to lead not only Africa but also play a transformative role in the Muslim world,” he concluded.

Another guest lecturer, Sheikh Abdul Hafeez Ariremako, speaking on the second lecture titled, “Shariah in a Pluralistic Society: Prospects, Challenges and Strategies for Effective Implementation”, said major challenge facing Shariah Law is the misconception of the Shariah in South West Nigeria and lack of its understanding even among some Muslims who ought to have known and enlighten non- Muslims.

He attributed the militating factors against the acceptance of Shariah in South West to hatred for Islam, hypocrisy and insincerity on the part of the people.

The Islamic Scholar stressed the need for a round table discussion between Muslim leaders and other religious leaders to explain the spiritual and socio-economic importance of Shariah in the society.

Similarly, Chairman of the event and Baba Adini of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Ishola, in his speech, enjoined both leaders and followers in the country to have fear of Allah in their daily activities while calling on Muslims to always be constructive in their criticism of those in government.

Ambassador Ishola who was Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, urged Muslims to always pray for the leadership of the country, for Allah to guide them to do the needful for overall benefits of every one.

He lauded the leadership of the State chapter of TMC for the sustenance of the annual lecture while expressing his readiness to always support the organization.

In their respective goodwill messages, Olowu of Owu-Kingdom Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, represented by Prof. Moruf Adelekan, and the Principal of Alaye High School, Ayetoro, Hajia Rofiat Olaleye, urged Muslims to always be good ambassadors of Islam.

Also, the drawing of N100 million Ogun State Secretariat of The Muslim Congress (TMC) was formally unveiled for the individuals to contribute to the construction of the building.

Free Medical Services were also provided for some of the participants at the Alake Pavilion venue of the annual lecture. (Daily Trust)