12th April 2015
Inna lillahi wa’inna illahi Raji’un
The attention of JNI National Headquarters’ had been drawn to a purported news item/article written by one Obinna Akukwe (profetobinna2@yahoo.com), which went virile in the social media and other electronic media platforms alleging that JNI received 12 Billion Naira largesse from the out-going President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The most unfortunate part of the article was its deliberate scantiness in the paragraph JNI featured, details were not provided at all, whereas to some extent nitty-gritties were provided for the other stated Organisations.
JNI is therefore worried over the scandalous allegation, and considering the various concerns raised by well meaning individuals, as a result of the weightiness of the allegation, we wish to place on record and for posterity that such never occurred. We don’t really understand the ill motives of those behind the release. Or is it because some other faith(s) are said to have collected the presidential largesse? Hence, Muslims most be asserted to have collected same? Why do they want to discredit and smear the JNI at all cost? Why is the allegation coming now, despite knowing fully that the JNI never had any political romance with the government before and or during the elections. What really is the mischievous intent of writing and releasing the article? It is our firm belief that the purported write up was orchestrated to smear the name of Islam and Muslims who suffered undue discrimination and deliberate marginalization under the outgoing government, and to cause bad feelings among the Ummah.
Without mincing words, JNI is proud to make it known to all and sundry that the out-going President requested for an audience with its leadership and it was turned down outrightly by the leadership of the Muslim Ummah. Because it was ill-timed, and the JNI had serious reservations about the motives behind the meeting and its impending implications. We therefore challenge the writer of that obnoxious article, to name the particular person who was contracted to collect and share the said money in the name of JNI. Furthermore, whoever has any relevant information as to who, where, when and how the said money was collected, should please come out with evidence.
Be that as it may, we expected that common sense was enough to refute such spurious and mischievous allegation, for, as it were, 12 Billion Naira is indeed a huge amount that cannot be transferred unnoticeable. In fact, it would be pertinent to ask, into which bank and or account could such amount be deposited without being known? Into whose office could such amount be kept for goodness sake? How many trucks do you need to carry such amount? For the avoidance of doubt, I swear by Allaah (SWT), to every discerning mind that as the Secretary-General, JNI, nothing of such happened and no body and or any party contacted us for the disbursement of any type of largesse.
It is lamentable that Muslims would be so much carried away with the said article, to the extent of making unpleasant comments on the matter. The Glorious Qur’an says “O you who believe! If a Fasiq (liar-evil person) comes to you with a news, verify it, lest you should harm people in ignorance, and afterwards you become regretful for what you have done“. Al-Hujurat: 6. The Messenger of Allaah, peace be upon him said: “I warned you against suspicion, for suspicion is a false declaration“.
The JNI therefore, wishes to use this medium to call on Muslims and the general public to disregard the information as it is false, baseless and there is no iota of truth in it. In the event of adamance from the rumor mongers, we may have no option than to call for MUBAAHALAH, i.e., “a solemn meeting”, in which both sides would be summoned and earnestly pray to Allaah (SWT), and invoke His CURSE on those who lie. In the same vein, the writer of the article and media outfits/electronic media that published the article should retract the article in their own interest. If the writer of the disgustful article fails or refuses to retract the allegations made therein, the JNI will certainly take all necessary legal actions to protect its image, integrity respect and honour. May we be saved from the treacherous acts of our enemies, whoever they are and wherever they may be. Amin.
Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu
Secretary-General
