By Yinka Salaam, Osogbo
A faith-based organisation, The Muslim Congress, TMC has commended the government of Nigeria for its respect for the rights of citizens despite pressure from foreign interests.
The commendation follows the release of the leader of the Palestinian community in Nigeria, Abu Ramzy Ibrahim from the Nigeria intelligence agency after a month in detention.
Speaking on Sunday, 5 October, 2025, at TMC Annual Independence Lecture in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65 Independence Anniversary in Osogbo, Osun State, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed Adekunle commended the relevant security agencies for professionalism and courtesy extended to Abu Ibrahim during the cause of their investigation and his detention.
Releasing him, Dr Adekunle applauded the Nigerian authorities for not violating the rights of Abu Ramzy in any way and for following the due process of law by releasing him at the appropriate time.
Abu Ramzy, a Palestinian by birth, is also Nigerian citizen and has lived in Nigeria for 33 years. He attended Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria and speaks both Hausa and Yoruba languages fluently.
Terrorists cannot fight terrorism
Dr Adekunle recalled that Abu Ramzy was arrested almost immediately after Nigeria had a security pact with Isreal to fight terrorism.
He wondered why Nigeria, a proud global citizen and a strong, sovereign African nation will partner with a country renowned for terrorism, assassinations and outright disrespect for international laws and peace agreements.
“Nigeria should be wary of bringing foreign interest to fight terrorism. It’s a known fact that the terror groups are already infiltrated by foreign interests, hence we should not compound our insecurity problem by inviting a terror nation whose leaders and security apparatus are wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes as well as crimes against humanity.
“Israel, a nation already isolated by almost all the countries of the world, cannot and should not be allowed to dictate Nigeria’s cause of action, thereby pushing the giant of Africa to violate human rights of the peaceful advocates who dared to speak out against crimes against humanity,” he said.
Fairness on the global stage
The Rector called for fairness and justice on the global stage and national governance, warning that no civilisation lasts forever without these virtues.
“Let the world powers be fair and just. Look at what is happening in Gaza, it’s clearly a matter of injustice,” he stated.
“The super powers should remember that civilisations rise and fall depending on how they uphold justice and fairness.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s 65 years of independence, while commending President Tinubu’s bold steps that have improved and stabilised the economy, Dr Adekunle urged governments at all levels to improve citizens’ welfare through better economic and educational policies.
“Each government may role out its achievements, but there are still rooms for improvements, we need equity and fairness in the economy, education, and politics to build an egalitarian society,” he said.
The Rector however called on the citizens to embody the teachings of the Qur’an in addressing conflicts peacefully.
He posited that if citizens, live by the teachings of the Qur’an, many communal conflicts would not occur,” he said.
Empathy in Economic Reforms, Call for Peace in Gaza
Also speaking, TMC Amir (president), Alhaji AbdulWasii’ Bangbala commended the current economic reforms of the Nigerian president but urged the government to adopt human-centered approaches that prioritises the welfare of the poor.
“The true measure of any policy is its impact on the most vulnerable. The plight of the common Nigerian grappling with the rising cost of living demands not just policy, but palpable empathy and immediate relief.”
On international affairs, the TMC leader condemned the continued attacks on Gaza and called for a permanent ceasefire and global action rooted in justice.
The speech which was delivered by Alhaji Iyiola Mikail Oyedeji added that the crisis in Gaza is a scar on the collective conscience of humanity and that the pursuit of peace must be proactive, courageous, and grounded in justice.
