Muslim students in Nigeria have urged the newly appointed Service Chiefs to justify their appointments as it expresses confidence in their abilities.
This followed President Muhammadu Buhari’s announcement of the appointment of Major-General Lucky Irabor, Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General Ibrahim Attahiru, Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, Chief of Naval Staff; and Air-Vice Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao, Chief of Air Staff as new service chiefs following the resignation and retirement of the former chiefs.
Reacting, the Amir (President) of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit, Miftahudeen Thanni, congratulated the new service chiefs saying that the students have high expectations in their performances to battle insecurity in Nigeria.
Miftahudeen Thanni asked the service chiefs to guarantee the security of every Nigerian including students and the vulnerable ones.
He said, “We are tired of a situation where students will go to school in the morning and end up in kidnappers’ den in the evening. A situation where our institutions are business centres for bandits to fetch prey should stop under your tenure. We don’t want a repeat of mass abduction of students. It is disheartening.
“We appeal that special attention should be paid to schools under your tenure. The nation is at the risk of extinction if its educational institutions are unsafe. This affects research and causes brain drain as many professionals will choose to go to safer places.
“We also appeal to your esteemed personalities to use your good offices to stop harassment of students by your officers.
“While we understand the huge task ahead of you, kindly do good to justify that you deserve your appointment. It’s our belief that the appointees merited the offices, so we urge them to justify their appointment through the discharge of their responsibilities to the benefit of the country at large.”
Commended the outgoing service chiefs
The Muslim students’ leader expressed optimism and hope that there would be positive changes recorded in Nigeria’s security.
Miftahudeen Thanni also commended the outgoing service chiefs for their bravery, dedication, sacrifice and loyalty defending Nigeria during their reign.
He expressed the condolence of MSSNLagos to the family and entire Muslim communities on the death of its Board of Trustee member, Honourable Justice Abdul Qadir Orire who passed on Tuesday 26th January 2021.
“We lost one of MSSN Board of Trustee members, Hon. Justice Abdul Qadr Orire. May Allah forgive and comfort him in the grave, Miftahudeen Thanni stated.
He recalled his enormous contribution to the development of MSSN in Nigeria.
Lateefah Ibrahim
