- They argue that such a position, if necessary, should have been created without emphasizing religious identity
The Plateau State chapter of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has expressed its disapproval of the recent appointment of Hajiya Jamila Pam as Senior Special Assistant on Indigenous Muslims by Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
The appointment, announced on Thursday, has sparked widespread debate both online and offline, with many questioning its appropriateness.
JNI and other Muslim groups in the state view the appointment as an attempt to divide the Muslim community along ethnic lines for political purposes. They argue that such a position, if necessary, should have been created without emphasizing religious identity.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Secretary of JNI in Plateau State, Dr. Salim Musa Umar, clarified that while the government has the right to make appointments, the decision to specifically appoint an SSA for “indigenous Muslims” was ill-conceived. He highlighted that in Islam, any form of division not aligned with religious teachings is generally discouraged.
Dr. Umar referenced Surah Al-Hujurat (Chapter 49, Verse 13) from the Quran, which emphasizes unity and righteousness over ethnic or social distinctions: “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” Citing this verse, he argued that the appointment goes against the principles of Islam, which promote inclusivity among all Muslims, regardless of background.
The JNI recommended that the government reconsider the appointment and instead create a role like an SSA on Islamic Affairs, which would cater to all Muslims in the state, thereby fostering unity and inclusivity within the community.