"Stop Playing with Religion": Professor Sani Abubakar Lugga Warns Against Politicizing Islam

Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar Katsina Times, January 19, 2025 

Professor Sani Abubakar Lugga CFR, the Fifth Waziri of Katsina, issued a heartfelt appeal to Muslim scholars and citizens across Nigeria during an exclusive discussion with Katsina Times at his residence on Sunday. He called for a national introspection on the dangers of politicizing religion, drawing parallels between past and present political challenges.

Speaking passionately, Professor Lugga recalled the 1993 election, which featured a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of Chief MKO Abiola and Baba Gana Kingibe. He described how the aftermath of that election brought prolonged political crises, culminating in the deaths of prominent leaders, including General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, General Sani Abacha, and Chief Abiola, within a short period.

“We have been playing with the religion of Islam,” Professor Lugga cautioned. He recounted how, in November 1997, Muslim scholars were invited to Abuja to recite the Holy Quran one million times, yet the crises persisted. He warned that a similar situation might unfold, referencing the 2023 Muslim-Muslim ticket that has led to rising insecurity, economic hardship, and societal tension.

Professor Lugga also expressed concern over current plans by some Islamic scholars to mobilize 60,000 Quran reciters to Abuja, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and a change in behavior rather than symbolic gestures.

“Let us pray to Allah to guide us in such a way that we will solve our problems instead of creating more problems,” he appealed, urging Nigerians to turn to Allah with sincerity and to prioritize unity and peace.

The Waziri concluded with a prayer for divine intervention, calling on the Muslim community to embrace positive change and avoid repeating past mistakes.

“Wassalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,” he said, leaving a message of hope and responsibility for the nation.

This exclusive massage underscores the urgency of addressing Nigeria’s challenges with wisdom and a focus on unity, especially as history continues to offer valuable lessons.