The first Igbo Muslim to be appointed as Chief Imam of the National Mosque in Abuja, Professor Iliyasu Tochukwu Usman, has said he is unapologetic, being an Igbo and the culture of the Igbo nation.

The Chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque and the first Igbo Professor of Arabic Studies said like all cultures there are good and negative ones.

He stated that while his religion is against some of Igbo culture, some are in line with what the religion teaches.

Usman from Enugu stated this at the unveiling of the Imams of the National Mosque, Abuja, by the Secretary-General of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) Prof. Is-haq Oloyede.

“I want to say this, unapologetically. Actually, every tribe has a culture and every individual has a culture, whether you are Muslim or Christian. In every culture, there are positives and negatives.

“For instance, in Igbo land, there was a time when twins were killed because they are seen as abominations in the society and we know that even a practicing Christian would not accept this kind of culture.

“For instance, as a Muslim, my religion prohibits me from indulging in alcoholism and I know that part of my culture is that whenever we have festivals, alcohol is consumed. As a Muslim, this kind of culture is an abomination because my religion prohibits it.

“So in every tribe, there are good and bad cultures. I accept good Igbo culture. In the South East, we have good communal relationships where we are our brothers’ keeper. I accept that.

“When a brother, whether Muslim or non-Muslim has a problem, I assist. This is a good culture. But any culture that has to do with idol worshipping, for instance, even our Christian counterparts don’t accept that. I am a Muslim and Igbo man who will always try to foster the good Igbo culture that is in line with the teachings of my religion,” he said.

Earlier, Oloyede said the NSCIA, since the establishment of the National Mosque in 1984, has been appointing, in succession, qualified Muslims who are worthy in character and scholarship to oversee the spiritual activities of the faithful.

Oloyede stated that the clerics were unveiled after their consideration by the General Purpose Committee and endorsement by the National Fatwa Committee.

“So you can see that we are not just appointing an Imam from the South East, South-South Zone, we are indeed appointing two imams from that zone. That shows clearly that in Islam, it is about qualification,” Arise TV quoted him.