TMC Portal - Muslim Congress

STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS SERIES 29 By the TMC Committee on Social Mobility, the Economy & Politics Presented by the Chair of the Committee, Alhaji Abdul Wasi’i Bangbala on Saturday, 11th January 2025 STAMPEDE TRAGEDY: THE URGENT NEED FOR SOCIAL WELFARE REFORM The recent tragic stampedes at palliative distribution events in Ibadan, Oyo State, Okija, Anambra State, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, serve as a painful testament to the devastating consequences of inadequate planning and security. These tragedies are deeply underlined by the widespread poverty and desperation that many Nigerians face. While we commend the spirit of generosity behind these philanthropic endeavours, it is imperative that the organizers prioritize the safety of those they aim to help. This includes ensuring adequate security measures, crowd control mechanisms, and clear communication to prevent such tragedies from recurring. We charge the government to demonstrate genuine sincerity in addressing issues related to social welfare, especially in light of the ongoing economic reforms. It is crucial for the government to implement guidelines and regulations for large-scale distribution events, particularly during periods of high demand. The government must also enforce minimum safety standards, require organizers to obtain necessary permits, and provide clear guidelines for crowd management to prevent future incidents. We must work together to ensure that acts of generosity do not come at the cost of human lives. The government has a critical role to play in fostering a safer environment for all, particularly for those in desperate need. THE TAX REFORM: BEYOND POLITICAL POSTURING AND REGIONAL DIVIDE The Nigeria Tax Bill, is more than just a policy change – It is a chance to move beyond the limitations of the past and build a prosperous future as a shared reality. This is not the time for partisan bickering or narrow self-interest. This is a moment to put aside our differences, and focus on building a nation where everyone thrives. The Tax Reform Bill presents a unique opportunity to modernize and streamline our taxation system, promoting economic growth, job creation, and internal revenue generation. It is, however, imperative that we focus on the contents of the Bill, ensuring that the burden of taxation is shared equitably, that businesses, especially SMEs, have the support they need to flourish, and that the revenue generated is invested wisely to benefit all Nigerians. Therefore, to achieve a truly inclusive and equitable reform, we must expand the debate beyond the National Assembly, engaging all segments of society. We urge all stakeholders, including political leaders, civil society, the media, and the private sector, to prioritize the prosperity of our great nation above all other sentiments. Let us work together to harness the potential of the Tax Reform Bill, driving economic growth, reducing poverty, and improving the quality of life for all Nigerians. The stakes are high, but with a bold, balanced, and inclusive approach, we can transform this reform into a cornerstone of Nigeria's economic revitalization. NIGERIA, NIGER AND FRANCE CONUNDRUM: PREVENTING REGIONAL CONFLICT The Nigerian government is facing a sensitive situation with the recent allegations from Nigerien authorities, accusing Nigeria of colluding with France to destabilize their country. It is imperative that the government prioritize regional harmony and engage in open and constructive dialogue with Niger to address these concerns. The government should clearly communicate its intentions and actions, emphasizing its commitment to regional stability and cooperation. The government should facilitate dialogue between Niger and other member states, focusing on shared interests and goals to promote a unified front against common challenges. While maintaining bilateral relations with France, it is crucial to ensure these relations do not negatively impact Nigeria's relationships with other ECOWAS members. It is also vital to seek consensus within ECOWAS on addressing external influences that could potentially destabilize the region. Any agreements or collaborations with external actors should be transparent and demonstrably aligned with the objectives of the regional bloc. To prevent wider conflict and maintain regional peace and security, the President Tinubu-led government should seek to strengthen security cooperation within ECOWAS to address shared threats like terrorism and cross-border crime. Proactively addressing potential flashpoints and promoting dialogue and conflict resolution mechanisms will be instrumental in maintaining regional peace and security. It is only by prioritizing dialogue, transparency, and regional harmony that the government can effectively navigate this situation and prevent further conflict. NIGERIA'S FOOD CRISIS: A NATIONAL EMERGENCY The food crisis gripping Nigeria is no longer a whisper – it's a deafening alarm that demands immediate attention. Nigeria is facing a national emergency, and it's unconscionable that in a country blessed with fertile land and agricultural potential, many are struggling to feed themselves and their families. We urge President Bola Tinubu to take the lead and implement a comprehensive plan to address this crisis. This plan should start with the implementation of the policy on food import waiver announced months ago. To effectively address the crisis, it is essential to invest in small-scale farmers, providing them with access to resources, technology, and training to boost agricultural production. Effective distribution systems must also be put in place to ensure that food reaches those who need it most, leaving no community behind. Additionally, the devastation caused by perennial flooding in our agricultural heartlands must not be overlooked. In light of this, we advocate for significant investment in technologies and practices that empower our farmers to adapt to a changing climate and safeguard their livelihoods against unpredictable weather patterns. And as we emphasised previously, it is crucial that the authorities prioritize the construction of buffer dams to mitigate the impact of such occurrences in the futures. President Tinubu must, therefore, demonstrate the kind of leadership this crisis demands. The lives of millions hang in the balance. And so, we need bold action, not empty promises. OYO SHARI'AH PANEL - SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT The recent uproar that greeted the planned inauguration of a Shariah panel in Oyo town, by the Oyo State branch of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah, is a cause for concern, and it is important to address the issue with clarity and understanding. The controversy stems from an error in communication, where the publicity message read "Inauguration of Shariah Court" instead of "Inauguration of Shariah Arbitration Panel." This misunderstanding has led to unnecessary tension and misinformation. It is crucial to recognize that Shariah law is only binding on Muslims, and it operates within the framework of Section 277 of the 1999 Constitution, which clearly defines the scope of Shari'ah law in Nigeria. This law is limited to Islamic Personal Law, covering matters like marriage, inheritance, custody, divorce, and other personal affairs. These panels are not conventional courts but rather channels for Muslims to resolve family disputes and tackle civil matters related to Islamic law. They are not a threat to anyone else's rights or freedoms. It is, therefore, important that we understand the concept of civil Shariah and tolerate its application, just as Muslims have tolerated the conventional legal system influenced by Christianity. It is also worth noting that a Shari'ah Panel has already been operating in Oyo State, located at the Central Mosque in Oja Oba. The recent establishment of the Shari'ah Arbitration Panel in Ekiti State makes it the most recent in the Southwest, following similar panels in Lagos, Ogun, and Osun States. We call on all citizens, in the Southwest and across Nigeria, to stand united against divisive rhetoric and misinformation. We must reject provocations and those who seek to sow fear and discord. Our nation's strength lies in its diversity, and we must celebrate the richness of our different cultures and beliefs. Together, we can foster a spirit of tolerance, understanding, and peaceful coexistence – a foundation for a harmonious and stable Nigeria. WARRI REFINERY'S REACTIVATION USHERS IN A NEW ERA The roar of the Warri Refinery's engines is a symphony of hope, echoing across the nation! The successful reactivation of this vital facility marks a new dawn for our oil and gas industry. It's a testament to President Tinubu's commitment to renewed hope, a promise to bring back the glory days of local production and restore national pride. The 125,000 barrels per day output from the Warri Refinery, operating at 60% capacity, is a powerful reminder of our nation's potential. Combined with the revived Port Harcourt Refinery, we are taking giant strides towards self-sufficiency and reducing our dependence on imported petroleum products. We eagerly anticipate the full operationalization of the Kaduna Refinery and the 150,000 bpd capacity refinery in Port Harcourt, further strengthening our refining capacity. The re-opening of these refineries is not just about oil; it's about rekindling hope for a brighter future. It is about empowering Nigerians and building a stronger, more prosperous nation. The positive impact is already being felt, inspiring confidence and a renewed sense of optimism across the country. The President Tinubu-led administration deserves commendation for this remarkable achievement. We urge that this same energy and commitment be extended to other critical sectors, such as agriculture, education, and healthcare, to alleviate the hardship faced by citizens during these economic reforms. By tackling challenges across the board, we can truly build a Nigeria where prosperity and hope flourish for all.