Clerics seek cohesion, unity

Islamic scholars in Southwest have come together to speak with one voice under the umbrella of ‘The Supreme Council for Islamic Preachers in Southwest Nigeria’.

The group held is inaugural meeting at Alausa Central Mosque, Lagos State.

Its leaders said the group was established to correct perceptions about Islam, ensure preachers do the right thing, return honour to fathers of the faith who had worked for its propagation and to let Christians see Islam as a friendly religion.

The Ameer, Alhaji Taofeek Akeuwgbagold, stressed that the council was not established to compete ‘but to support the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA) to propagate Islam positively.

“We are not here to compete and so we still operate under the guidance of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and abide by its rules. But we have chosen to organise ourselves into a body to sanitise the system.

‘’We want to ensure the right ethics of the religion are propagated by everyone, especially preachers who parade their trade on the Internet. We must spread the right values always.”

Spokesperson and Vice Ameer, Prof. Kabir Paramole, said the council was formed to further strengthen the Islamic faith.

“This group comprises Islamic scholars who have come together to move the Muslim society of Southwest forward, to ensure we have a single say on issues.

“We are not partisan, so we will not identify with any political party or politician, but we are here for the welfare of Muslims. This is an association of Islamic preachers, those who preach Islam, who act on Islam, who learn and know about Islam and want to project the image of Islam.”

The council covers Osun, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun and Lagos states.