Give FG Benefit Of Doubt, Onike Urges Nigerians
The Chief Missioner of the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT),
Imam Abdu-Azeez Morufu Onike, has urged Nigerians to exercise patience and give the
Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu the benefit of the doubt as it
implements ongoing reforms.
Delivering his Eid ul-Fitr message, Imam Onike called on citizens to avoid hasty
judgments and instead adopt a balanced and constructive approach to national issues.
Citing the Holy Qur’an (4:83), he emphasized that Islam discourages the spread of
unverified information and encourages referring critical matters to competent authorities.
According to him, this principle promotes trust in leadership processes and expert
judgment, especially during challenging times.
He also referenced a saying of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), which advises believers
not to curse their leaders but to pray for their righteousness, noting that the well-being of
society is closely tied to the uprightness of its leadership.
Imam Onike acknowledged that Nigerians are currently facing genuine economic and
social challenges. However, he noted that there are observable efforts by the
government to revamp the economy and improve the security situation across the
country.
He highlighted key reforms such as fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange unification,
and fiscal adjustments, which he said are already producing measurable
macroeconomic improvements, including increased government revenue, enhanced
investor confidence, and improved external balances.
On security, he pointed out ongoing institutional restructuring, regional cooperation, and
economic measures aimed at addressing the root causes of instability and insecurity.
While emphasizing accountability, Imam Onike stressed that fairness requires
recognizing sincere efforts and allowing reasonable time for the impact of deep
structural reforms to materialize.
“Islam teaches balance: we hold leaders accountable, but we must also avoid baseless
suspicion, offer constructive advice, and support genuine efforts aimed at public
welfare,” he said.
He further stressed that governments at the state and local levels must demonstrate
clear and measurable impact from the increased allocations received from the Federal
Government. This, he noted, requires a deliberate focus on meeting the basic needs of
citizens—especially through critical infrastructure development and sustainable poverty
alleviation programs aimed at achieving economic freedom.
He concluded with prayers for the nation, asking Allah to protect Nigeria, guide its
leaders, and grant peace, stability, and prosperity to all citizens.
Give FG Benefit of Doubt, Onike Urges Nigerians
As part of his Eid ul-Fitr message, the Chief Missioner of the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society
(NASFAT), Imam Abdu-Azeez Morufu Onike, has advised Nigerians to bear with the
government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and give it the benefit of the doubt.
Citing the Holy Qur’an:
“Whenever they come upon any news bearing upon either security or causing fear, they
spread it. But if they had referred it to the Messenger or to those in authority among
them, those competent to investigate it would have understood it…” (Qur’an 4:83),
He noted that Islam discourages rash conclusions and public agitation, while
encouraging trust in leadership processes and expert judgment.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is also reported to have said:
“Do not curse your leaders; rather, ask Allah to make them righteous, for their
righteousness brings about your well-being.”
According to Onike, there are observable efforts at revamping the economy and
improving the security situation in the country. Therefore, the Federal Government of
Nigeria deserves patience and the benefit of the doubt, while acknowledging existing
challenges.
He stated that although Nigerians are experiencing genuine hardship, credible data
shows that structural reforms—such as subsidy removal, foreign exchange unification,
and fiscal adjustments—are already producing measurable macroeconomic shifts,
including improved revenues, investor confidence, and external balances.
Similarly, in the area of security, although challenges persist, there are signs of
institutional restructuring, regional cooperation, and economic measures aimed at
addressing the root causes of instability and insecurity.
He emphasized that Islam teaches balance: we hold leaders accountable, yet we also
recognize sincere effort, avoid baseless suspicion, and offer constructive advice. A
leader striving for the welfare of the people deserves duʿā’, counsel, and fairness, not
unjust judgment.
He added that fairness (ʿadl) requires that we neither deny hardship nor ignore effort.
Leaders should be held accountable but also given reasonable time when undertaking
deep structural reforms.
Onike further stressed that governments at the state and local levels must demonstrate
clear and measurable impact from the increased allocations received from the Federal
Government. This, he noted, requires a deliberate focus on meeting the basic needs of
citizens—especially through critical infrastructure development and sustainable poverty
alleviation programs aimed at achieving economic freedom.
Prayer:
O Allah, protect us, our leaders, and our country. Bless this nation, forgive us, and have
mercy upon us. Guide our leaders aright and frustrate whoever harbors evil intentions
against them, against us, and against our great country, Nigeria. Just as You have
protected us before, we ask for continued protection, aamiin
