By Popular micro-blogging platform, Twitter has been awash with a flurry of comments following the decision of the Apo Juma’at Mosque in Abuja, to suspend its Imam, Sheikh Nuru Khalid for criticising President Muhammadu Buhari.
Delivering a Friday sermon, the Islamic cleric condemned the failure of the President to visit Kaduna State to commiserate with the families of Nigerians who lost their lives during the recent terror attack on an Abuja-Kaduna train.
The visibly emotional Khalid recalled that Buhari during his campaign told Nigerians that the military had what it takes to tackle insurgency yet “people are dying like fowls”.
“Killing is becoming norm in Nigeria under your watch, Mr President. If there is no Nigerian to tell you, I will take the responsibility of telling you, and I will take the responsibility of facing the consequences,” he said in the now-viral video.
Little did the Islamic cleric know that his courage to speak the truth to power will bring forth troubles for him as he was reportedly suspended by the mosque’s steering committee.
However, Nigerians have condemned the development, while saluting the fearless religious leader. Here are some reactions below:
Just read that Sheikh Nuru Khalid of Apo Juma’at Mosque has been suspended by the mosque for criticizing Buhari’s refusal to visit Kaduna over last Monday’s train attack. We blame our clerics of being enablers of poor governance, here we’ve one being victimized for truth-telling.
— Ba’ Shaba (@gimbakakanda) April 2, 2022
The suspension of the Imam of Apo Friday Mosque Sheikh Nuru Khalid by the Mosque Steering Committee is unconscionable.His criticisms of the Government reflects the views of most Nigerians.He spoke truth to power at the right time.I urge the committee to reverse the decision.
— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) April 2, 2022
Even before the almighty Allah Sheikh Nuru Khalid has done his own part.
They can only succeed in suspending him here on earth. But can’t take away his God given knowledge. Yeye Government. pic.twitter.com/pHDE1psF0D
— Shazy (@ShehuZubair) April 3, 2022
I will forever be proud of Sheikh Nuru Khalid. It takes extraordinary courage to speak the truth knowing fully well that it could cost you a lot. The compromise we refuse to accept today, would set the blueprint for others to follow tomorrow. This is how we build a just world.
— FS Yusuf (@FS_Yusuf_) April 3, 2022
https://twitter.com/abubakar_naziff/status/1510469643927965696?t=VO5ILKqRQH6gdTwpvrZ9mw&s=19
