Imams urge IGP to remain focused, protect lives, property

Niger state Forum of Imams has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Kpotun-Idris, to remain focused in discharging his official duties of protecting lives and property of Nigerians, despite the recent barrage of criticisms of police operations in the country.
Secretary of the Forum, Ustaz Umar Faruk-Abdulillahi, made the appeal when its executive members paid a courtesy visit to the IGP in Abuja yesterday.
He said: “Although constructive criticisms are useful to leaders or those in any kind of position, negative criticisms should not deter leaders from doing their best in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities.
“This is actually true as such phenomenon will continue to reoccur as even prophets, including Prophet Muhammad (SWA) were criticised, but that did not stop them from excelling.
“What leaders, however, need to succeed are patient, piety, diligence, courage and sense of patriotism.”
Faruk-Abdullahi, however, appealed to those who had formed the habit of undue criticisms to desist and remember the day of resurrection “when we will all account for our deeds before God Almighty.”
The secretary also urged Nigerians, as Muslims and Christians, to be objective and God-fearing in accusing our leaders at all levels as doing otherwise would have repercussions in this world and in the hereafter.
Also, the Chief Imam of Minna Central Mosque, Ustaz Ibrahim Isah, commended the police boss for boldly reducing crime and criminality in the Nigeria.
He prayed that “very soon,” normalcy would return to the country through police dedication to duty and unbiased operational strategies nationwide.
“We wish to commend the Nigeria Police under your watch for the dedication, commitment and complementary role to the civil authority at the centre in the fight against electoral fraud, insurgency, kidnapping, terrorism, cattle rustling, communal clashes as well as our silent enemy which is corrupting and indiscipline,” he said.
Chief Imam commended President Muhamnadu Buhari for reposing confidence in the police leadership and enjoined him to do more in tackling the menace of robbery, kidnapping and cattle rustling, and cases of rape.
Responding, Idris thanked the Forum for the visit and assured the members that he would live above board, and ensure adequate protection of lives and properties of Nigerians across the country.
Idris, however, appealed to adherents of the major religions in the country to pray fervent for President Buhari and God to assist security agents to overcome some of the security challenges bedeviling the nation. (NAN)