By Salisu Sani-Idris
A renowned Islamic cleric in Nigeria, Sheikh Shariff Saleh has called on media practitioners in the country to prioritise national interest and promote good governance in carrying out their constitutional duties.
The Cleric, who is the Chairman of the Fatwa Committee of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), made the call at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja.
He emphasised the importance of media professionals promoting national unity and avoiding reports that could jeopardise peaceful coexistence among the country’s various ethnic groups.
“The media is the eyes and ears of the society, and therefore they have a responsibility to hold leaders accountable on behalf of the people.
“The media should be up and doing in setting the agenda for the country and interrogating programmes and policies of government,” he said.
Sheikh Saleh also urged public office holders to listen to and respect the opinions and concerns of citizens as reported in the media.
The cleric pointed out that God did not err in uniting the various ethnic groups under one political entity called Nigeria.
He called on all Nigerians to play their part in enhancing national security, fostering unity and peace, and achieving sustainable development.
According to him, every Nigerian has a role to play in ensuring the country achieves lasting economic growth and development.
The cleric further urged Nigerians to deepen their devotion to the Almighty God with full submission and to pray earnestly for the nation’s well-being and the restoration of peace in areas affected by insecurity.
He emphasised the need for religious leaders to continue preaching tolerance, unity, and love for one another, regardless of tribal or religious differences.
Sheikh Saleh also expressed gratitude to the management of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, for recently conferring an honorary doctorate degree on him.
“The most important lesson on the conferment of an honorary doctorate degree on me by the management of ABU is that our institutions are recognising the contributions of religious leaders to nation-building,” he said. (NAN)
