Media Group backs NLC on picketing of CBN
*Admonishes Islamic scholars to run meaningful Ramadan lectures
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
Against the backdrop of persistent Naira scarcity across the country, the Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria has aligned with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to picket the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The NLC is picketing the CBN over the Naira scarcity which has been causing economic hardship and social dislocation to people of all categories people including the elderly and the youths.
Reacting to this development, the Group maintained that lack of sufficient funding of commercial banks by the CBN till date indicated that the language the CBN understands is to resent its action in lawful manner as the NLC has decided.
In a news release signed by its National Coordinator, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, and circulated to the media on Thursday, the Muslim Media Watch of Nigeria described CBN action as contemptuous of Supreme Court Judgement delivered on March 3.
It said that the circular to banks from CBN was not released until 10 days after the judgement, and that even when it was eventually released, the circular issuance was not backed-up with sufficient release of cash to the banks. This, it said, was responsible for the continued regrettable hardship on the people.
“On the commencement of Ramadan, the Group enjoined Muslim Scholars especially those those using the Media to preach Islam to dwell more on enlightenment of the people on the real teachings of Islam instead of wasting precious time to greet people, praising individuals like musicians and wasting airtime on irrelevant issues.
“Meanwhile, the Islamic Missionaries’ Association of Nigeria (IMAN) with its National Headquarters in Ilorin – Kwara State begins its Daily Ramadan Lectures today.
“The Lecture holds at IMAN CENTRE ILORIN opposite Yidi Praying Ilorin beginning at 4.30 pm each day.
“Variety of topics would be treated at the one-month-long Ramadan Lecture which stated which started since 1976.
“Some topics to be treated in this year’s Ramadan Lectures include Roles of Women in the spread of Islam in the Modern Society; Belief in the Day of Accountability; Health Benefits of “Fasting; Muslim-Christian Relationship – The Islamic Perspective and Women Liberation & Islamic Opinion among others,” the statement said.
