Yesterday, Sokoto state Governor Aliyu Wamakko, together with his Bauchi state counterpart Alhaji Isa Yuguda each distributed N5million to Igbo natives who converted to Islam. Imo state Governor Rochas Okorocha and former Governor of Abia state Orji Uzor Kalu gave N2 million and N1million respectively to the converts.
The event took place in Abuja's National Mosque.
The converts, young men beteween 25 and 35 years, described Islam as a "truthful, peaceful and charitable faith."
The new Muslim converts are 17 Igbos, one Yoruba, and a Northern Hausa Christian: Chief Suleiman Nwachukwu, Ibrahim Uchenna Ukah, Muhammad Sani Stanley Uziogwe, Bello Kelvin Nmadu, Habibullah Kosoro Ofolete, Jamilu Osita Agocha, Haruna Chichebem Nwabirika, Abdulazeez Paschal Iroegbulam, Suleiman Ifeanyi Uzoma, Adam Nduka Nweko, Dawuda Nnaemeka Uzoma, Aliyu Prince Onyekwume and Musa (Anayo) Adugbaa, all of Imo state. Others are Abdulmalik Bongo Edet (Cross River), Hassan Babalola Shegun (Ondo), Nasir Peter Ndubisi (Anambra) and Bashir Prince Dulla (Akwa Ibom).
"I was attracted to Islam because of the truth it resonated in me, and I saw the charity of the faith which all its adherents find peace and solace in," said Ibrahim Ukah, formerly Uchenna Ukah, a younger brother of a fellow convert, Tobechi Ukah, now Abdullahi Ukah.
The Chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque, Sheik Musa Muhammed administered the Oath of Sha’adah on the converts and pronouncing their newly adopted Muslim names during the weekly Jumat Khutbah (Sermon).
All the converts were unanimous in affirming to the beauty of Islam as well as the virtues seen in Muslims. They told the Imam that they were attracted by such qualities to Islam.
The new converts also commended the Chairman of the Council of Village Heads in Imo State, Chief Musa (Sylvester) O. Dimunah, who accepted Islam in January this year. They also commended a former secretary of the council and the executive secretary of Justice Mamman Nasir’s Islamic Centre for Peace and Research, Alhaji Ibrahim Biobo Nlomije, who they said facilitated their conversion.
Alhaji Nlomije said the acceptance of Islam by the newly converts was an attestation that Islam is not a sectional religion. He said such conversion attests to the achievement of the Justice Nasir’s Centre, which among others, deepens religious tolerance and opens more opportunities for non-Muslims to embrace Islam.
Igbo men again at it taking maximum use of opportunity to enrich themselves ha ha ha ha. If islamic conversion is geniue keep them without monetry reward.
ReplyDeleteIgbo ppl and money, i hope the wont come back home na their dead dem go carry,in chritianty we dont pay ppl for accepting Jesus.
ReplyDeleteI am not suprised Rochas is part of this charade. He is an aboki in igboman's skin. Orji Kalu how come? me I go convert if I am giving 5 million and 72 virgins
ReplyDeleteIgbo and money kwakwakwakwakwa. Another name for ibgo is is money. Dont be derived the guys are after the money
ReplyDeleteThe annony 9:15pm must be a yoruba hypocrite always agaist Ibo race. The earlier you desist the better. Ibos are still more liberal in all ramifications found in every Nigerian community. Religion is not business and are free to embrace any anywhere.
ReplyDeleteIslam is peace and freewill! welcome to the religion that is devoid of deceit. Where only one God reigns superior. Where God don't die before servants were saved. Lets ask ourselves rational question; during the demise of Christians' 'God' who takes charge of the universe? Islam is the only religion that preaches total submission to the will of one Almighty God and all his messengers!
ReplyDelete@ Ojolowo saheed Does ur write up here promote peace @all,am dissappointed bcos U̶̲̥̅̊ are a Yorubaman wia father will be muslim and son will be xtian,Did anybody need 2be given money b4 convertng to any religion?Anyway I won't blame U̶̲̥̅̊ Its d Igbo dat exchange dia religion for money dat I will blame.
DeleteReligious Bribery!wat a shame
ReplyDeleteWise men 4rm d east,jst 2 make dai money nd dump d religion later.Bt,must u guys sell out ur birthright 4 money?Too bad.
ReplyDeleteD height of foolishness. Y use money to buy peole.
ReplyDeletethat is true....y give money
ReplyDelete@anonymous 9:15pm, the money distributed to them wasn't a pre-requisite for their conversion rather, an aid to integrate them back into society for fear of cruxifiction from other non-muslims.
ReplyDeleteThis is pure politics.
ReplyDeleteThere is freedom of religion if but only if it is understand by our nations' populace. But trace ur memory if it is not because of material or political reasons but real faith. Time wil bring out the truth.
ReplyDeleteThere is freedom of religion if but only if it is understand by our nations' populace. But trace ur memory if it is not because of material or political reasons but real faith. Time wil bring out the truth.
ReplyDeleteIgbo man and money na waha ooh! I dey mad to convert to boko haram
ReplyDeleteTrue talk,wetin dem won give me,wey go mak me convert,mak dem hold deir money joor,Christ for life..
DeleteYou won't understand because you don't belong that is why you won't have the IQ. If they are left alone people of your caliber will go ahead mocking those young Muslims, that's why they need to be empowered them before you start doing that. Allahu Akbar Congratulation to you all brothers may Allah(SWA) bless your provisions and the providers Ameen Ya Allah.
ReplyDeleteWhat shall separate us from the love of Christ, gifts? (Romans 6),When you don't know what you are pursuing , you could easily be diverted . Is it Islam that is a religion of peace? Is it that you don't know what is called peace or what are they saying ? Anyway an ibo man can do anything for money. Rather repent and believe in Jesus for your salvation otherwise you and your money will perish forever in hell.
ReplyDeleteTrust Igbo. Give them the money first. They will join okija when the shrine flash them some dollars. The governors did not see the almajiris who have been Moslems all their lives. Do enough publicity and you will see enough floaters who will come forward for the money. That does not make them Moslems but people who don't know their God that can be bought with coins.
ReplyDeleteWhy on earth will someone be rewarded for joining a particular faith. I pray for them to wake up from their sleep. I also think that christains in a muslim environment should do more by keeping in touch with their brethen so that they will not fall in their faith.
ReplyDeleteThese igbo men and money. Prefer to do biz with other tribes, becos igbo man can do anything for money. That is why they will always remain 2nd class citizens in naija. U can buy them over easily. Tu fia kwa this igbos. So if we allow u people to be president u can sale this country eh kwa.
ReplyDeleteWhy on earth will someone be rewarded for joining a particular faith. I pray for them to wake up from their sleep. I also think that christains in a muslim environment should do more by keeping in touch with their brethen so that they will not fall in their faith.
ReplyDeleteHahahaha I dey laf...
ReplyDeletecry,may Allah bless deos that beleive prophet muhammed(S.A.W)Is a messenger of Allah.congratulations to all
DeleteTomorrow the same IBOS will cry loud that they are being killed by Hausa Boko haram.
ReplyDeleteBunch of Confused set of being. And some body will say Nigeria go divide how when and into how pieces. Ta!.
Every soul shall be judged according to their intention.hope it not because if monetary aspect of it.if their converts based on individual perspective,God knows.God should judged
ReplyDeleteNa wao. Hw can u pay someone money for converting to a particular religion? Are the states that rich while almajiris and other indigens of d state are living below poverty level? And for the 'converts', I bet u its d money they are after bt what they do nt know is dt they are being trailed, any deviation, they will know whether Islam is really a religion of peace as they say.
ReplyDeleteThe money wasn't a bribe, it wiil empower them so that some of you christians will not mock them of sufferness.
ReplyDeleteThat's just plain stupid!
ReplyDeleteWhy should dey get cash rewards just because they converted to another religion? I believe they should have been convinced that they have complete faith in their chosen religion before converting.
It's also a shame that none of the muslims who posted comments here see anything wrong with the gesture. Let's stop being biased. I'm a muslim and I see a lot wrong with it.
However, I'm happy to hear of people who believe Islam is peaceful and worthy of being part of( I hope their intentions are genuine). May Allah(SWT) bless your ways and give you the will to practice Islam as it should be done.
Ma sha Allah!
Igbos and money, y bribe them with money if ur religion is good, what a shame. Most youg men surfering today will definitely pretend to convert to Islam if offered such amount.
ReplyDeletePlease kindly educate me if am ignorantly uninformed. Is Islam a religion of peace? How come the adherents are the ones formenting trouble all over the world. Even bombing and killing themselves. Iraq,somalia,syria, afghanistan,egypt,libya,nigeria and more.
ReplyDeleteTo all d muslims, wen u trace history dats hw u r gr8t grand parent ware bought to islam by money, cloths, war or miros so is nt a new tin
ReplyDeleteReligion of peace? What is peace? Is it blood shedding e/day? Bharam, alqaeda, zunni/shia, etc are all for peace? Every tree is known by d fruit it produces. Dont manipulated. Nomatter d brightness d blind cannot see unless his eyes sight is restored.
ReplyDeleteWell said
DeleteIf it preaches peace then why the sheding of blood. Why pay the converts? Just give them time, we will know. They long for fame and money.
ReplyDeleteWhile this convertion/money dashing event may seem normal to some people; what would happen if some Muslims had converted to Chritianity? Would they be given money too? Or, would the relative peace in the country still be status quo? Just thinking aloud...
ReplyDeleteWhat more can i say? Asuu is still on strike,roads are still bad,policemen still have no idea what securing the national without force or injustice means, but governors would rather contribute our funds to converts? Without mincining words, christianity is not a religion,its a way of life. If this nigerians became muslims,its because they were truly never christians. Christianity is a way of life,its truth,peace and reality. Jesus died so we can have access (direct) to our heavenly father. All you should do is accept him as your Lord and ask for the help of the holyspirit. No money rewards,you will testify of his Goodness when you geniunely belive. Zurielle's opinion
ReplyDeleteWhat is good about islam other than terrorism and religious sectionalisn. When the violence inherent in the religion is agitated,these so-called converts will b the first to be killed because they will never be regarded as true muslims expecially by the fanatical north. I wonder what is motivating then to compromise there salvation for a religion that preaches and supports violence.
ReplyDeleteHahahahahaha! Well done o my Igbo brothers! Lol! 8 million no be small money!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to the new reverts. Islam is attractive only to the wise who crave for success here and hereafter. It does not preach or emphasize materialism. Believers hope for eternal rewards. The monetary reward is just a token that comes because the new Muslims are lucky to have reasoned wisely and took a bold step regardless of the present level of hostilities against Islam as can be seen in the various comments above.
ReplyDeleteAttractive only to fanatics who enjoy shedding blood
Deletedo we knw whether they r convertn ahead of 2015? Dont conclude yet,expect more converts across d two religions frm all d ethnic groups.naija d land of ONLY possibilities.
ReplyDeleteWho is deceiving who? If those governors are good and cheerful givers, let them tell me how many alamangeri and many other poor people they have empowered in their states. Hw many developmental works and empowerment programme have they done to the poor that voted them in, "have they eradicated poverty in their state?, which should be their priority. This is one of the ways Rochas and other governors are wasting their state fund in eye service in the name of religion.
ReplyDeleteWho is deceiving who? If those governors are good and cheerful givers, let them tell me how many alamangeri and many other poor people they have empowered in their states. Hw many developmental works and empowerment programme have they done to the poor that voted them in, "have they eradicated poverty in their state?, which should be their priority. This is one of the ways Rochas and other governors are wasting their state fund in eye service in the name of religion.
ReplyDeleteIslam is now the new Igbo's merchandise.
ReplyDeleteCertain things I seem unclear about. I am not sure if this display is not politics...I am not sure if these monies are not state monies...I find it difficult to understand the role Rochas and Orji Kalu...it is not clear whether the lives of these converts were not threatened before conversion...what options do they have if they have to continue their livelihood in that community without conversion? Would the monies have made the news if these converts themselves were richer? However, I am aware some political leaders would rather impoverish their followers to retain 'relevance'. The other fact is that time will tell and the news will keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteFalse news. I was with Wamakko Yesterday in Sokoto athe NGF retreat through out the weekend.
ReplyDeleteThe Moslem who helps a christian in want is more Godly than the christian who merely prays for a brethren in want while the one dies of the problem. As Pope Francis rightly puts it,..."you don't need to be a Catholic to be considered Godly". And Obama supports that.."there is freedom of choice in matters of faith and the practice of faith". These Ibo and South South christians converting to islam might have have experienced the degrading impact of the prevailing 'miracle delusions' marketed by super-rich, jet-owner christian pastors swarming eastwards and northwards from one nuclear tribe from the west of Nigeria. Islam holds women down, so I am sure the wives and daughters of these converts will keep their present faith, and still enjoy the money. That is why Fashola in Lagos is a moslem, and his wife christian. God is a spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in truth. Only people who suffer from 'my religion is the true delusion' will fail to realise that Islam, Christianity, Buhdism etc are not God, but mere nomenclatures for adherent grouping. God is a spirit, and is neither islam or christianity.
ReplyDeleteAfterall their pastors have being collecting their money,all in d name of offerings and 10%income;making them poorer&now they know a religion that gives so much&encourages charity at all level y won they accept it.As for Gov Rochas every1 knows he is charitable man so if u regious bigot hav a prb with that go and kill yourself.
ReplyDeleteThat's what you all like 'kill'. Shame
DeleteI come 2 realiase that no fool ever join islam but only the wel educated amoung the christances like pastors n d rest end up as convert. HmM b wise n know d faith even d jesues u alwayz cal 4 help n protection was never called jesues in his life time he was called Esu go n read ur bible we'll it wil lead u 2 islam stop endin up in your pastors revelation by God specking 2 them alwayz its a lie God only spoke 2 prophets b wise
ReplyDeleteAlhamdu lillah, Assalamu alaikum(may peace be upon you) my new brothers in Islam
ReplyDeleteThat is what Allah said in our noble Qur'an, a groups of unbelievers would start convert to Islam... Praise be to God
ReplyDelete5,000,000 naira is too small for one person not to talk of all of them or is that all that what the muslim worshippers believe in can give to its converts . The different is quite clear in Christianity where our God through his son Lord Jesus Christ gives abundant and invisible blessing to His children .
ReplyDeleteThe bible says preach to ur brothers and mock no one, jesus never mocked anyone or any religion. My brothers Prophet Muhammad (SAW) never mocked christianity and Jesus never mocked Isam,so please note that we all worship the one God they both came from. May ALLAH GUIDE US ALL.
ReplyDeleteL o l
ReplyDeleteU dont choose Amala for any one to eat u just eat ur amala and alow others to eat the fOOd they want
ReplyDeleteCan u imagine these black Jews called igbos, with their black brain.
ReplyDeleteCan u imagine these black Jews called igbos, with their black brain.
ReplyDeleteThere is religion freedom! My issue wt their conversion is the money given to them! That is not good at all!
ReplyDeleteWhy the attack on islam, any time an issue that got to do with islam is being publisized. By the way there is freedom of religion. And the money given to them was not pre condition for their convertion rather a gesture from well meaning Nigerians after the conversion. why not leave Islam alone for God sake.
ReplyDeleteIslam is the only religion whose God never died, whose God was not tempted by satan He created, whose God was never asked to bow for satan, whose God did not have marital affairs nor offsprings, whose God never resurrected and never crucified by his creatures. whose God who ask for help directly and not through lie mongers suffering auditory allucinations claiming to hear His voice. Where things appeal to sense and not blamed on presence/absence of holy spirit. Only religion where images are not bowed to. I swear that those converts have chosen rightly if they are not attracted by money gifts and if their aims are not to join terrorists
ReplyDeleteChristian or Muslims should stop all stupid comment, .
ReplyDeletecan I ask ya all to tell me name of single Muslim malam dat converted to Christianity , I guess no far in d world a lot Christian leaders dat converted to Muslims e.g everybody knows prof dauda of benue state who revealed d mission of can In Nigeria , Das y no Christian like to tell d story . I guess u search dat out if ur.
they have made their choices, but let them try leaving them and see what happens. they call it religion of peace, no its not.
ReplyDeleteNew group of boko haram recruited.
ReplyDeletethe BIBLE is a book that must be accepted by faith. if any other information support or denies its validity, the word of GOD will still stand alone as ABSOLUTE TRUTH.
ReplyDelete@15:18 u must be a stupid yoruba person for saying dt Igbos are 2nd class citizens of Nig.Meanwhile some muslims coments dt d money is 2 empower dem so dt they wil nt be poor 2 avoid mockery on them by Christians.Lol.so ur Allah can't sustain them.Shame.My Jesus 2day,my Jesus 2morow,my Jesus 4ever.He is a miracle God.
ReplyDeleteThat is the why it is better to be a born again chritian rather than a nominal/cold one with no stand and back bone that can compromise easily . Anyway, they are welcome to religion of "peace" as being experienced in Norther Nigeria, Afghnistan, Lybia, Iran, Iraq etc. They should go to their state of origin and become their imam and alfas. TRAITORS.
ReplyDelete@ ojolowo shared: are u talking Mohammed that slept with a 13 ur old? fought, killed, married 13 wives and told u people to marry only 4??
ReplyDeleteMohammed that KILLED and u call Islam a religion of peace?......
why didn't d governors spend d money on d almajiris??
has that made the north better or seperated from poverty when compared to south west or south east??........'m sure u are an illiterate.....
my father is a Muslim, my mum a christian....my siblings are Christians....my cousins are both Muslims and Christians and we are of Yoruba extraction and none of us was ever induced via pecuniary measures to choose one religion or d other
olodo like u!!!!
Masha Allah. You are Welcome onboard.please don't be deterred by the oral persecution. May Allah bless and keep you people as Muslims. Amen.
ReplyDeleteHahahhaha the money is small sha, since we now bribe pple to join with money, very funny.
ReplyDeleteThose governors are morally bankrupt, They have nothing to over to the society. I weep for my beloved country!!
ReplyDeleteIbo man that can use hie own mother for rituals!!!!!!! Tomorrow they would convert to Budahism for much higher fee!!!!!
ReplyDeletemust I be bribe before I stand on the truthful word of God?
ReplyDeleteThese governors are not been real, go to their states and see the level of poverty, ignorant and backwardness in the state.
ReplyDeletetheir utmost priority is convert? its a shame! this kind of info shows the mentality, mindset, character and values of the Governors
I think moderator is not doing is work properly, comments should show clear opinion on issue. I wish the revert the best, may be Nigeria will allow practicable freedom of religion soon. But comments against the personality of those individuals is a clear indication for religion intolerance even when the issue has shown a clear responsibility of individual revert.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many funny responses here. One Ojolowo took time out to preach Islam, and downgrade Christianity. He forgets that Uslam is a derivative religion - from Judahism and Christianity. Real Muslims don't insult Christians. They call us People of the Book. The Book here, being the Bible, the Word of God. Jesus is believed on, as a prophet.
ReplyDeleteAs for those talking about Igbos and money. Rather talk of b people who were never Christians. Not all Igbos are Christians. Some people go to church as a social outing, or just to show they are godly. A little inspcentive, like 7 million Naira, will induce them to turn coat. They were never Christians, in the first place. They wre just assumed to be because they are Igbos.
Christianity does not induvpce conversion by force, or by arms (as the Boko Haram do). They preach the word of God. They build up faith which "by hearing the word of God". The promise to the real Christians is life in heaven with their Savior Jesus Christ. God bless those who hear and put their trust in the sacrificial work of Jesus on the cross of Calvary.
I want to know what's Rochas and Orij Uzo Kalu intention of rewarding those Islam newly converts
ReplyDeleteI want to know what is Rochas aim of rewarding those Islam newly converts
ReplyDeleteIt was only the biblical men from the east who were wise. Men from east this days are fools. What a shame
ReplyDeleteSomeone had said if man died and place money beside him immediately he will wake up.
ReplyDelete