By Our Correspondent

The Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria, MMWG, has called on the Federal Government to compel petroleum marketers to reduce fuel prices, arguing there is “no basis” to keep petrol above N1,000 per litre now that global oil prices have dropped to pre-war levels.

In a press statement issued Friday and signed by its National Coordinator, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, the group said the recent ceasefire between Iran and the United States has eased tensions in the Gulf Region and led to a fall in international oil prices.

“The America/Israel against Iran war that forced the prices of the petroleum products up has subsided following ceasefire agreement between Iran and America hence, there is no basis for petroleum marketers in Nigeria to keep the price of Premium Motor Spirit in particular to above N1000 per litre,” the statement read.

The group described the continued high pump prices as “highly insensitive and inhuman,” and accused marketers of economic sabotage against Nigerians. It said petrol and diesel, which directly affect the cost of living, must be forced down to below N1,000 per litre.

MMWG noted that religious bodies had intensified prayers for an end to the Gulf conflict over the past year. “How could the prayers be answered and some shylocks would still continue to prolong the hardship of our people?” it queried.

It added that reports show other countries affected by the war are already enjoying reduced fuel costs, “wondering why such is yet to happen in Nigeria.”

To ease hardship, the group urged the Federal Government to order marketers to revert to the “pre-war price of N700 per litre of petrol.” It also called on the Federal Competition and Consumers Protection Commission, FCCPC, under the Federal Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment, to intervene without delay.

“It must be stated that Nigeria’s economic hardship on the people would continue if the petroleum marketers are allowed to indiscriminately hike prices of petroleum products without check,” it warned.

The group commended the Dangote Group for leading petroleum refining reforms and efforts to ensure fair pricing, but however, urged the company to “champion the cause of forcing the prices of the commodity down to relieve Nigerians of serious hardship being faced presently.”

By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

Founder of the Al-Hakeem Islamic Foundation of Nigeria, AIFN, Alhaji Imam Abdul Hakeem Abdul Rasheed Adebayo, has said that Nigeria can defeat banditry by applying Qur’anic principles of justice, expanding economic opportunities, and investing in education and moral reorientation.

In a paper presented on “An Islamic Approach to Combating Banditry in Nigeria: Banditry as a Case Study of National Insecurity” in Osun State, Imam Adebayo described banditry as one of the country’s most serious security challenges, particularly in the North.

He said activities such as kidnapping, cattle rustling, village attacks, murder and destruction of property have caused loss of lives, displacement of communities, economic hardship and widespread fear among citizens.

Quoting the Qur’an 4:93, the cleric said: “Whoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell, wherein he will abide forever, and Allah’s wrath and curse are upon him,” adding that Islam therefore condemns all forms of unlawful violence and criminality.

Imam Adebayo defined banditry as organized crime involving armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom, extortion, attacks on villages, and destruction of lives and property. He said from an Islamic perspective, it falls under Hirabah, or waging war and spreading terror, which is prohibited in Qur’an 5:33.

The scholar identified six major causes of banditry in Nigeria as poverty and economic hardship, illiteracy and ignorance, weak law enforcement, corruption, proliferation of illegal weapons, and moral and spiritual decay.

He said the effects of the crisis include thousands of deaths, collapse of agricultural and trading activities, displacement of families, closure of schools, and psychological trauma for victims and affected communities.

To address the problem, Imam Adebayo proposed eight Islamic-based solutions for government, security agencies, religious leaders and citizens.

First, he said government must ensure criminals are prosecuted fairly and swiftly in line with the law, citing Qur’an 16:90: “Indeed, Allah commands justice.”

Second, he urged strengthening of the security architecture through better training, equipment and modern technology for intelligence gathering and rapid response.

Third, he called for tackling corruption, insisting that officials entrusted with security resources must be held accountable.

Fourth, the cleric recommended economic empowerment through investment in agriculture, vocational training and employment programs to reduce desperation among youths.

Fifth, he said government should expand quality education, especially in rural communities that are vulnerable to recruitment by criminal groups.

Sixth, Imam Adebayo advised local communities to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible intelligence while following lawful procedures.

Seventh, he tasked Islamic scholars, imams and educators to intensify teaching on the sanctity of human life, honesty and peaceful coexistence.

Eighth, he said individuals who genuinely repent and abandon criminality should be given opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration under government programs.

He made specific recommendations to the Federal Government, including improving intelligence and surveillance, enhancing welfare and capacity of security personnel, and strengthening border security to curb illegal arms trafficking.

Other recommendations are increased investment in rural development and youth empowerment, closer cooperation between government, traditional rulers and religious leaders, and intensified anti-corruption efforts within security institutions.

Imam Adebayo also called for effective rehabilitation programs for repentant offenders and justice for victims and affected communities.

He concluded that banditry remains a major threat to Nigeria’s peace, unity and development, but Islam provides comprehensive principles for security and social order.

“Through justice, effective governance, economic empowerment, quality education, moral reorientation, and sincere reliance upon Allah, Nigeria can overcome the challenge of banditry and achieve lasting peace,” he said.

By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

The Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria, MMWG, has called for a holistic review of the remuneration of National Assembly members and the outright abolition of plea bargaining for economic crimes, saying weak laws are fueling corruption and insecurity.

In a statement jointly signed by its National Coordinator, Ustaz Ibrahim Abdullahi, and National Secretary, Dr. Nasir Balogun, to mark 1st Muharram 1448 AH, the commencement of the New Islamic Calendar Year, MMWG said corruption remains one of the most significant causes of insecurity in Nigeria.

The group argued that the nation lacks strong legislation to prevent serious economic crimes, a gap it said has promoted poverty, unemployment, injustice and educational disadvantages for young Nigerians.

Still on corruption, MMWG reiterated its call for “benchmarking of bailable economic crimes and abolition of plea bargaining.”

“There should be no bargaining with looters of our Treasuries no matter their positions,” the group said, adding “we are having unimaginable proportions of corruption cases because our laws have been weak in dealing sternly with the crime.”

The group also called for a “holistic review of remuneration packages of the members of the National Assembly.”

Linking corruption to the current security crisis, MMWG said insecurity has reached “an alarming proportion” and poses a threat to the forthcoming general elections and the well-being of citizens.

It urged the Federal Government to “utilize the benefit of its international connections to stop the menace of insecurity” and to deploy technology urgently to fight terrorism, banditry and kidnapping for ransom.

While commending the military and other security forces, the group asked governments at all levels to promptly release annual budgetary allocations approved for them in the budget “so as to position them properly to fight the battle of insecurity confronting the Nation.”

1st Muharram 1448 AH marks the Hijra, the migration of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, SAW, and his companions from Mecca to Medina after persecution by idol worshippers.

Muslims in Nigeria have since 1980 marked the New Islamic Calendar Year with mass rallies, public lectures and parades by students.