By Toby Chuks
A mass movement group known as Orji Uzor Kalu (OUK) Grassroots Movement of Nigeria has joined other Nigerians to hail the appointment of an Igbo man, Professor Iliyas Tochukwu Usman as Imam of the National Mosque located in Abuja.
The group in a statement signed by its national leader, Alhaji Muritala Mohammed alias ten ten and National Secretary, Dr Ejike Nwangwu described the appointment as a good decision taken by the management of the National Mosque, Abuja.
He said it was also good to enhance national unity among various tribes and various religious denominations in Nigeria.
The statement reads: “The members of OUK Grassroots Movement are delighted to hear that an Igbo man and a Professor of Arabic has been appointed as Imam of the National Mosque.
“The appointment is historic and epoch making in the sense that it goes to show that a more stronger national unity regardless of tribal and religious background is possible in this country
“It is also goes a long way to promote merit because we are sure that the appointment is based on merit and we are highly impressed that the management of the National Mosque was able to muster the courage to put merit ahead of tribe as the case maybe.
“To us, this appointment is a model worthy of emulation both in public and private sectors in this country. Let merit prevail over nepotism.”
While congratulating the new Imam, the group urged him to see his new position as an assignment given to him by God to promote unity among Nigerians.
The group also called on Nigerians in other sectors mostly political sector to emulate the National Mosque in placing merit above nepotism, adding that such was needed to entrench national unity and the desired development.
