Sheikh Khalid: Does the voiceless have a voice?

 

Sheihk Mohammad Khalid (Picture courtesy legit.ng)

The socio-political terrain has been in a state of bad to worse. Nigerians home and abroad have practically been crying out, but all seems to have been falling to deaf ears.

A section of the media have also been echoing the voices of the masses. This cuts across the traditional media, but mostly on the social media platforms.

However, there’s little or no sign that the Authorities concerned have answers or ready to give one to the yearnings of the common people.

The clerics are part of those revered for speaking truth to power. Supposedly at least.

But then, the latest turn of events in Nigeria in the sacking of Sheikh Muhammad Nuhu Khalid for “not being remorseful” after his suspension as the Chief Imam of the National Assembly Legislators’ Quarters Mosque, Abuja for his mosque sermon over the state of the nation, particularly, political and security situations, has further cast doubt on the hope for a better Nigeria.

Senator Saidu Dansadau, acting in his capacity as the Chairman of Mosque Committee at the Apo Legislative Quarters in Abuja, expressed regrets that the Imam’s reactions after his suspension were not  acceptable, talk less of expecting any show of remorse from him over his remarks.

The committee said from all indications, the Imam had no intention of changing the tune of his last Friday’s sermon to be in line with how insecurity could be tackled in Nigeria.

Senator Dansadau said “he cannot lead us in prayers. The religious tenet agrees if you cannot be led in prayers by someone, you can change the Mosque where you worship.

“A Mosque is a place of worship, not an arena to criticise government,” he said.

But, according to Sheikh Khalid in an exclusive interview with Vanguard said, “My sack is a reflection of how Nigeria is today. Many people are hiding under the cover of religion to perpetrate all manner unwholesome acts.

“Such people would stop at nothing to take away people like me, who are pro-masses and bold enough to speak the truth to power always on behalf of voiceless Nigerians.

“This is the price we pay for aligning with the people and identifying with their sufferings”.

There have been various reactions following the final expulsion. While some say he went overboard, some say he(Sheikh Khalid) is a victim of circumstance and others say, he’s part of us. And so, shouldn’t criticize us publicly.

Whatever anyone’s position is, the ultimate concern is that, who speaks truth to power? The End SARS movement failed after purportedly being hijacked. Various outcries from within Nigeria and in the diaspora have not yielded any results. Let’s ask Nigeria, where’s is your hope? What is your future?