ISLAMIC CLERICS SUPPORT DEATH PENALTY IN EDO STATE, CONDEMN RIVERS STATE CRISIS

Islamic clerics in Edo State have thrown their
weight behind the recent execution of
condemned criminals in Edo State, saying it
was in accordance with the laws of God.
Led by the chief imam of Benin and
chairman the League of Imams in Edo State,
Abdul Fattah Enabulele, the clerics also hailed
the Governor for frowning at same sex
marriage proposal.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the
governor yesterday, the chief imam, who led
other imams in the state to the Government
House in Benin City, commended the
Governor for abiding by the dictates of the
constitution of the nation and his readiness
to uphold and support the African value
system.
“Recently when the Comrade Governor
signed the warrant for four convicted
criminals in the state, there were criticisms
from some quarters. We, the League of
Imams, took a look at the gravity of the
crime, which they committed, that
warranted such. After carefully studying the
briefing of the Honourable Commissioner
for Justice and Attorney-General of Edo State
on the issue, we were all satisfied Edo State
government has done the right thing at the
right time.
“Even the Almighty God will not be happy if
the Governor had not signed the death
warrants. Apart from the Constitution of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria, the holy books,
(the Bible and Glorious Quran) support that
those who kill by the sword should die by
the sword. Those criticising your action
should study the constitution properly and
seriously evaluate the seriousness of the
crime committed by these fellows. It was a
grievous crime committed against innocent
souls, nobody has the right to take another
person’s soul,” he noted.
The Imams, who also frowned at the crisis
in Rivers State said, “When the good people
refuse to do anything, evil people will
continue to prosper in such environment.
The latest drama in Rivers State is not an
issue one should shy away from. It is not
only a slap and shame on democracy; it was
a civilian coup d’etat, which is treasonable in
nature.
“Nigerians are watching an executive
Governor come under assault, supported
and sanctioned by the powers that be. We
need not just watch. Those of us living in
other states should not be indifferent, what
is happening in Rivers State can happen in
any other state. An attack on the state
Governor, who is the chairman of the
Governors’ Forum is an attack on all state
Governors,” he added. Source: Daily Independent