By Our Correspondent
National News – A prominent Islamic cleric from Jigawa State, Sheikh Na’ibi Shehu Kazaure, has urged both leaders and followers to uphold their respective duties for national development and unity.
Speaking at the 8th series of the Ramadan Public Lecture organized by the Jigawa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) at Dutse, the state capital, the cleric emphasized that mutual respect, accountability, and justice are crucial for fostering national cohesion.
Sheikh Na’ibi’s lecture, titled “Rights and Responsibilities of Leaders and their Followers in Islamic Context,” highlighted that leaders must prioritize fairness, justice, and the welfare of their followers, while followers should remain loyal, obedient, and sincere.
Quoting the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), he reminded participants that “Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock,” stressing that leaders are accountable to Allah for their governance.
He also cited the Quran, emphasizing consultation with followers in decision-making (Surah Ali-Imran, 159) and obedience to rightful authority (Surah An-Nisa, 59).
The cleric cautioned leaders against oppression, corruption, and injustice, noting that tyrannical behavior would lead to accountability in the hereafter.
Followers, in turn, should exercise patience and offer guidance when leaders stray from righteous paths, speaking truth to power without fear.
Sheikh Na’ibi reinforced that obedience must not be blind, particularly if a leader disobeys Allah, advocating for transparent governance and responsible leadership.
NUJ Jigawa State Chairman, Comrade Ismail Dutse, in his opening remarks, lauded Sheikh Na’ibi’s contributions to Islamic teachings and leadership education, noting that the lecture provided an interactive platform for participants to discuss leadership accountability, followers’ rights, and societal development.
The session reinforced the principles of justice, transparency, and mutual respect between leaders and their followers as the foundation for sustainable growth and national unity.
