By Razaq Bamidele
The Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaiman Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla has called for caution in resolving the attacks on Nigerians and other nationals in South Africa.
Sheikh Abou-Nolla enjoined Nigerians to remain peaceful despite the needless incitement of xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
According to him, attacking businesses where fellow Nigerians work and Nigerians working in those firms are not the solution.
He blamed the xenophobic actions on the failure to believe in the supremacy of God and the collapse of the esteem African values of brotherhood and integrity.
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“If we all believe that it is Allah that distributes wealth and He gives it to whomever He wants, no one will begrudge fellow African of taking over his job or attributed his poverty to such person,” he said.
He lamented the disregard for cultural values of being fellow brother’s keeper.
The Chief Imam therefore called on the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to go beyond condemnation of the “barbaric acts” by punishing those behind the dastard actions.
“South African leaders must do more in protecting foreign nationals just like Nigerian government is protecting their citizens. As you can see, our police have arrested those behind the attacks of foreign nationals including the security agents aiding. They should be prosecuted and those found guilty be penalised in accordance with their constitution,” he said.
The revered cleric urged President Ramaphosa to pay compensation to those whose property were destroyed and the families of those that lost their loved ones.
Sheikh Abou-Nolla commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the mature way of handling the matter.
He thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for prompt restoration of sanity in some areas of hiccups.
