By Alagie Manneh
Dembo Bojang, the religious adviser to President Barrow has called on the rival Islamic leaders currently locked in a row over control of the Supreme Islamic Council, to observe restraint as efforts are made to address the dispute amicably.
A dispute between Rawdatul Majaalis and the leadership of the SIC flared up after news emerged that the former has selected Sheriff Muhammad Nano Hydara, the Caliph of Brufut as the head of a rival Supreme Islamic Council. The SIC called this a violation of the Council’s constitution.
Last weekend the situation degenerated into near brawl when a man was called for questioning by the police for allegedly insulting Hydara over the matter.
Contacted by The Standard to state Government’s stance on the matter, Dembo ‘By Force’ Bojang, who first called for calm, saying he will meet the president today to discuss the issue.
“But first I will have to consult the local government and lands minister. As of now I have not discussed it with the president but I will do so,” he said.
Bojang further stated that by its name alone, Islam is a religion of peace, unity and harmony and those spirits should be maintained.
“We should educate our people about the fundamentals of Islam because failure to do so could cause havoc in the country.”
He described the two factions as genuine Islamic leaders, adding that fighting between them is the last thing anyone desires.
“Islam is a religion with different people and groups. The religion brought us together, which means we are all one,” he noted.
He said a date will soon be fixed in a bid to bring the two parties to the table. “We can sit and discuss this amicably. The Gambia is our Gambia. If a conflict comes, what we do as Gambians is to sit at a table and iron out the issues. We will resolve this soon,” he promised.
