Source: WorldStageGroup WorldStageNewsOnline
from an article entitled: The cold war of faith between Ahmadiyya and orthodox Muslims

ALHAJI SIR ABUBAKAR TAFAWA BALEWA:

IN 1947, during the budget session of the Legislative Council of Nigeria (under Sir Arthur Richard Constitution) when the Northerners were for the 1st time represented, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at feted them (the Northern representatives). The occasion took place at the Ahmadiyya Central Mosque, 21/23, Ojo Giwa Street, Lagos and it was presided over by the then Chief Secretary to the Government and Acting Governor General, Sir G. Beresford Stooke. The then Amir of Ahmadiyya Jama’at in Nigeria, Alhaji Maulana Fazil Rahman Hakeem (F.R. Hakeem), congratulated the representatives for having the opportunity to represent their people in the Legislative Council of Nigeria (Legco) and welcomed them to Lagos, on behalf of the Ahmadiyya Jama’at.

Alhaji Tafawa Balewa (who had the opportunity of becoming the first Prime Minister of Nigeria after independence) was chosen as the spokesman for the other representatives including Emir of Zaria, Emir of Gwando and Emir of Katsina at the occasion. In response to the welcome address presented to them by Alhaji Maulana F.R. Hakeem, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa said among other things:

“If today I could stand before any Christian and I am able to discuss about religion with confidence, it was due to the Ahmadiyyat Islamic literature books at my disposal.

GENERAL YAKUBU GOWON – APRIL 13, 1970 (NIGERIA BROADCASTING CORPORATION – 7P.M)

The Head of State, Major General Yakubu Gowon has commended Nigerians for demonstrating their willingness to make peace particularly at the end of the civil war.

He pointed out that there is a good understanding among the various religious groups in the country, adding that if this had not been so, there could have been more trouble in the country.

General Gowon was speaking during an audience he gave to the Supreme Head of the World-wide Ahmadiyya Muslim Organization, Mirza Nasir Ahmad, at his Dodan Barracks residence.

He said that it was remarkable to note that during the crisis, Nigerians, irrespective of their religious differences, co-operated in ensuring the unity of the Federation.

General Gowon expressed appreciation for the contribution of the Ahmadiyya towards the moral, physical and intellectual progress of the nation. He noted that the Movement had built schools and clinics for the welfare of the people.

ALHAJI SHEHU SHAGARI, PRESIDENT -30TH JALSA SALANA – DECEMBER 1979

“…. I have observed with satisfaction the steady progress being made by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in the field of gospel propagation and the establishment of schools, hospitals and clinics.

The Mission’s efforts in this direction have been commendable and worthy of emulation by all voluntary organisations. My administration fully supports the initiative of all well-meaning Nigerians to establish through communal efforts, schools, hospitals and other social services provided that they render service without any sectional or religious inhibition … The Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission should justifiably be proud with the quality of men and women produced by its educational institutions and who are now rendering invaluable services to the development of this country…”

ALHAJI AMINU KANO, HONOURABLE FEDERAL COMMISSIONER (MINISTER) FOR HEALTH AND EDUCATION – DURING JALSA SALANA OF AHMADIYYA MUSLIM JAMA’AT NIGERIA IN 1971 SAID:

“The Activities of Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission are commendable”

“The Federal Military Government is watching very closely the activities of Ahmadiyya Movement in Nigeria from the angle of health facilities and from the angle of education, that is why I am particularly in this party, I will like to say that in Nigeria today the millions of Nigerians are not able to receive necessary attention and I will like to say that there are only 3,000 doctors in Nigeria while we need 20,000 doctors….

“The Federal Military Government is prepared to help not only state government, not only local government, but also private organisations which cater for the welfare of the society, and Ahmadiyya Mission is one of the societies. So, Mr. Chairman, to like to say that we in Government appreciate very much the activities of any other mission. But because Ahmadiyya Mission interpretes some of the activities of Islam in real terms that’s why we in Government circle recognise the activities of that organisation. I like, therefore, to congratulate you Ahmadis for the number of hospitals you are building as in Lagos, in Kano, in many parts of the country and at the same time the number of schools and institutions you are building in primary schools, in secondary schools, this is exactly what Islam stands for, the elimination of sufferings from people no matter who they are.

CHIEF (DR.) CLEMENT M.S. ISONG, GOVERNOR OF CROSS RIVER STATE AT THE 30TH JALSA SALANA OF AHMADIYYA MUSLIM JAMA’AT NIGERIA – DECEMBER 1979

“I must note, first of all, that the record of the activities of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission (Nigeria) has been a very enviable one. The Mission has not only successfully competed with other religious organisations in the provision and expansion of medical and educational facilities for numerous Nigerians, but has dedicated itself to reforming our fast decaying society by preaching the high moral and spiritual values of Islam among its members”.

By Segun Otokiti (otokitisegun@yahoo.com)

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