Nigerian Imam tells FG: “Regulate regulate religious activities now”
By KEMI KASUMU
He said although religion remained deeply rooted in Nigerian society, the country continued to grapple with underdevelopment despite the moral values and social solutions expected from religious institutions.
Islamic cleric and social commentator, Sheikh Muhammad Nuru Khalid, popularly known as the “Digital Imam,” has called on the Federal Government to regulate religious activities in Nigeria, warning that the unchecked conduct of some religious leaders could undermine national development.
Khalid made the call while delivering a keynote address at the launch of two books authored by Felix Joseph Samari in Yola, Adamawa State, at the weekend.
The cleric expressed concern over the public conduct and utterances of some religious figures, saying such actions could portray religion negatively and contribute to social problems rather than promoting morality, peace and responsible citizenship.
He said although religion remained deeply rooted in Nigerian society, the country continued to grapple with underdevelopment despite the moral values and social solutions expected from religious institutions.
“I think the government needs to be courageous enough to regulate religious activities in Nigeria because of how we implicate religion in promoting deviant acts or character,” Khalid said.
He added: “Any society that has more places of worship than industries will not prosper.”
Khalid, however, stressed the need to balance any regulatory framework with respect for freedom of worship, warning that religious platforms should not be used to promote hatred, intolerance, extremism, division or other acts capable of threatening social cohesion.
2027: Khalid Warns Against Religious Politics
The Digital Imam also warned politicians against exploiting religion for electoral gains ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He urged Nigerians to reject political candidates who seek to divide the electorate along religious or ethnic lines, stressing that political leadership should be based on competence, character, inclusiveness and the capacity to serve all Nigerians.
According to him, politicians should make citizenship and inclusiveness central to their campaigns and avoid inflammatory rhetoric capable of deepening existing divisions.
Khalid spoke at the event organised to launch Samari’s two books, When My Name Wasn’t Called and The Implicated: Religion, Identity, and the Nigerian Condition.
He commended the author for documenting his experiences and using them to address issues of identity, belonging, religion and the Nigerian condition.
The Father of the Day, His Royal Majesty Kwandi Nunguraya Kuruhaye Dishon Dansanda, also praised Samari for using his writings to promote peace, religious tolerance and understanding.
Dansanda urged politicians to shun religious and ethnic sentiments in their activities, saying tolerance, fairness and mutual respect were essential to sustaining peace and stability.
Samari said When My Name Wasn’t Called examines identity, belonging and the experiences of minorities in Nigeria, while The Implicated: Religion, Identity and the Nigerian Condition explores the relationship between religion, identity and Nigeria’s social and political realities.
The two reviewers at the event, Dean of Student Affairs, Federal College of Education, Yola, Dr Adamu Babikkoi, and Philosophy of Religion expert, Dr Johnson Madi, commended the author for drawing from his personal experiences to inspire resilience and encourage Nigerians to remain committed to building a better society.
The event consequently provided a platform for broader discussions on religion, identity, political inclusion, tolerance and the responsibilities of citizens in Nigeria’s development.
