By
Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
The President of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), Sheikh Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar, OON, has issued a strong call for faith-driven leadership, national cohesion, and urgent reforms amid worsening insecurity and economic hardship.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Council’s Annual Pre-Ramadan Lecture and General Assembly held at the NICON Luxury Hotel in Abuja, Sheikh Umar welcomed scholars, traditional leaders, professionals, and representatives of Islamic organisations from across the federation, describing the gathering as both a sacred trust and a strategic responsibility.
With the theme, “Nigeria’s Future: Faith, Justice, and Leadership,” the event highlighted the anxieties of ordinary Nigerians facing inflation, unemployment, multiple taxation, and persistent violence, while urging leaders to uphold fairness, protect lives, and restore public trust.
In a speech reflecting the everyday struggles of communities across Nigeria, the SCSN President outlined the Council’s interventions over the past year, including concerns over tax reforms, poor budget implementation, imbalance in federal appointments, and the plight of victims of terrorism.
He rejected divisive narratives such as the “Christian genocide” claim, insisting that honesty and balance are needed to prevent deeper national polarisation.
Sheikh Umar also reaffirmed Muslims’ constitutional right to Shari’ah implementation, stressing it applies only to Muslims and does not infringe on others, while calling for peaceful coexistence.
Beyond politics, the Council appealed to ulama nationwide to use Ramadan Tafseer sessions to promote unity, repentance, moral reform, responsible social media conduct, and civic participation through voter registration and conscientious voting.
In his remarks, Sheikh Sirajudeen Muhammad, Coordinator of the Edo Muslim For Equity and Good Governance (EMEGG), who represented Edo State noted that it is imperative for Muslims to unite adding that Ulamas should be mindful of their speeches during Ramadan Tafseer. He noted that Islam condemns terrorism, encouraging all Muslims to preach against it widely.
Sirajudeen also called on the federal government to implement people centered policies to better the lives of Nigerians
As Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle, the message from Council's Annual Ramadan was clear, for millions seeking hope amid hardship, the nation’s future depends on justice, credible institutions, and leaders who see governance as a sacred trust.
