The management of the Apo Legislative Quarters Juma’at Mosque in Abuja has disengaged Sheikh Nuru Khalid from his position of the Chief Imam of the mosque, SaharaReporters reports.
The mosque’s steering committee had earlier suspended Khalid for criticising President Muhammadu Buhari over the last Monday night’s attack on an Abuja-Kaduna train.
The Imam, in his Friday sermon, had criticised President Buhari for failure to visit Kaduna over the terrorist attack, saying mere condemnation wasn’t enough.
He argued that the president was in Kaduna for campaigns but refused to visit the state after the bomb attack on the passenger train.
“Everyone condemned the incident, except the bandits. So condemnation is not enough. The president should visit the state to sympathise with the victims.
READ ALSO: Suspended Abuja Imam’s sermon worse than kidnapping – Ahmed Gumi reacts
“The president has been to Kaduna for campaigns but couldn’t go to the state on a sympathy visit,” he had said.
The Islamic cleric said he had been given a letter of disengagement.
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The letter according to Daily Post read,“You are an influencer; your words carry a lot of weight, 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.
“We regret to inform you that from today the 4th day of April 2023 you have been disengaged from the services of the above-mentioned mosque. This action is occasioned by the non-remorseful attitude you exhibited following 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 behaviour.
“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 the larger interest of the country or the public.
“We have a responsibility to maximize restraint for the good of the public. It is obvious, however, that you don’t seem keen to modify your Friday sermon to be reflective of the volatility of the security situation in the country.”
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