The Vice President General Islamic Supreme Council, Rivers State, HRH, Alh Eze Hassan Welewa (JP), Okiri VII Owuokiri, Aluu clan has described the Boko Haram insurgents perpetrating violence in the country as unbelievers.
Eze Welewa stated this in an interview with newsmen at Aluu, as part of his sallah message to mark this year’s Edel-fitri. According to him, the Holy Quoran forbids Moslems from killing fellow Moslems or non Muslims and therefore anybody who kills a fellow human being under any guise is not a true believer.
The Moslem leader said only the Almighty Allah can solve the Boko Haram insurgence problem in Nigeria.
He recalled that during the militancy era in the Niger Delta and the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) in the South East, God intervened and controlled the situation. He expressed confidence that the Boko Haram phase will also pass away
The vice president-general called on Boko Haram to sheath its swords and embrace peace in the interest of the country.
On the effort the Islamic Supreme Council has made to settle the Boko Haram menace, Alhaji Welewa said they are liaising with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to find solution to the nagging problem.
Asked to comment on the allegations that slots meant for Muslims are being sold to non Muslims by the Muslims Pilgrims Board for selfish aim, the Muslim leader corroborated the claim and said the Islamic Council under his leadership has repeatedly called for the dissolution of the Pilgrims Board, stressing that Sanni Okiri, the current chairman is not a true Muslim. According to him, the said Sanni was appointed on political grounds and as such, does not have the interest of the Muslim religion at heart.
On whether it is right for a Muslim to go to Mecca more than once, the Muslims leader said there is nothing wrong with that, as long as the purpose is to pray to Almighty Allah. He condemned those whose primary motive for going on pilgrimage is to do business.
The Royal father who said the significance of the Ramadan is for all Muslims to love one another, urged Muslim faithfuls to be disciplined and avoid anything that will bring violence, that could result to loss of lives. This he said negates the teachings of Prophet Mohammed as contained in the Holy Quran.
On the relationship of the Islamic Supreme Council with the Rivers State government, Alhaji Welewa said it is cordial, but still needs to be strengthened. He emphasized the fact that Islam or any other religion cannot do without the government. ###
