From Olanrewaju Lawal,Ilorin
A former National Chairman of Hajj Commission and Professor at the Department of Islamic Studies, University of Ilorin, Professor Badmas Olanrewaju Yusuf has noted that injustice, corruption are the main causes of crisis in Nigeria.
Yusuf said that leaders in the country failed to handle their positions with care by eschewing some unethical behaviour and conduct which could hinder peaceful coexistence and stability of human society.
The Islamic scholar who stated this while delivering 156th inaugural lecture of University of Ilorin entitled ” Utilising the Qur’an,stabilising the Society”, said leadership should not be an avenue to amass wealth.
He said: “A large part of the world today including our dear country is experiencing instability and insecurity because leaders promote injustice and corruption and neglect the welfare of their followers;
“Only recently a former Secretary of State for the United States of America, Mrs Hillary Clinton, lambasted the Nigeria leadership for squandering the resources of the people and indirectly festering corruption”.
Yusuf who recommended the glorious Qur’an for stability of the country, said application of provisions in the Holy-Book on the maintenance of justice and fair play in the society as well as kicking out corruption and indiscipline from the governance will bring about stability and tranquility.
“Through various stories of leaders and wealthy people narrated in the Qur’an,it is possible for the rich and those in leadership positions to realise that failure to obey the natural and divine rules set to guide may lead to the same consequence suffered by the Fir’awn and Qarun.
“If leaders will function well according to expectation, there would be a functional economic package which will benefit the rich and the poor. No room should be left for manipulation of the measurements or exploitation of the poor and the less privileged members of the society.
“In the light of the ordinance in the Qur’an which prohibits extra-judicial killing and man’s wickedness to man, politicians are hereby implores to moderate their utterances and avoid any action that could cause instability before, during and after the forthcoming 2015 general elections in Nigeria”.
Professor Yusuf who recommended the teaching of Holy Qur’ran at all level said Muslim leadership in Nigeria should come together with a view to evolving guidelines from the Glorious Qur’an to guide both private and public activities of the Muslims.
