Worried by security threats in Okene Local Government, military arrests, accusations of biased and counter accusations culminating into tension and anxiety among residents of the area, the Executive Chairman of Okene Local Government, Engr. Abdulrazaq Muhammad on Thursday convey stakeholders meeting to brief the people on the ongoing scenario and of course solicited the support of the people to sustain peace in the council.
Abdulmumin Abubakar,
Special Adviser Media & Publicity said the Local Government boss took the public on a little memory lane on the peaceful resolution of Imamship crisis at the central mosque first at the instance of late Alh. Idris King where the stakeholders resolved in favour of late Sheikh Musa Galadima as the Chief Imam and seriously frowned at those calling on him to step aside. After the demise of the late Chief Imam, the state government made pronouncement that, Sheikh Salihu Abere should step-in as Acting Chief Imam and his administration upheld and implemented the governor’s directive.
At different times, he had had cause to mediate between Tijjanniya and Ansar groups over issues arising from the management of the central mosque. According to the council boss, he had also directed Tijjanniya group to observed their Sunday Asr prayers at the old palace mosque. This was done to give free day to Sheikh Lukman’s weekly lecture and of course prevent any possible crisis.
Hon. Abdulrazaq made it categorically clear that his administration never ordered the arrest of anyone. The ongoing arrests of some persons are normal military operation especially after soldiers lost two of their men in an ambush by unknown gunmen in Okene on 23rd December, 2020. His duty was to ensure no innocent person suffered unjustly as a result of the attack but could not in any way halt military investigation.
Hon. Abdulrazaq further explained to his audience of a petition against his person by Sheikh Lukman Abdullahi which was copied to all security agencies, clans in Okene Local Government and other organisations alleging that he had perch tent with Tijjanniya group and out to annihilate his ‘Ansar’ group from Ebiraland. The Council Chairman wish to state categorically that he has no hand in whatever ordeal by members of Sheikh Lukman’s group and the allegations against him were false and should be discarded.
The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Ohi of Okengwe/Okene, President of Ebira Supreme Council of Elders, Engr. Sule Aliyu, former Council Chairman, Alh. Nasiru Soso, veteran politician and businessman, Alh. Abubakar Umar, President of Agada and Okovi clans, leadership of Adehi group, traditional rulers, ward heads, community leaders, leadership of market women & youth organisations took turn to eulogised the leadership qualities of Engr. Abdulrazaq Muhammad and his peaceful disposition ever since he became Council Chief Security Officer.
The stakeholders resolved to rally round the Chairman in his quest to maintain peace and order in the council. They also resolved to continue to pray for the peaceful coexistence of Anebira irrespective of clannish, political and religious belief.
