New Zealand government commends MPAC’s gesture over Christchurch killings

The Muslim Public Affairs Centre, (MPAC) Nigeria, has received commendations from the government of New Zealand over its brotherhood gesture on the aftermath of the terror attack that killed 51 Muslims in Christchurch city.

Director, Media & Strategic Communications, MPAC Nigeria, Abdulwarees Solanke, who confirmed the commendation, lauded the courage and leadership of the country as it came out with one of the most forceful denunciations of Islamophobia on record, and called for a global campaign against hate.

He said MPAC had earlier despatched a four-paragraph “letter of Consolation and Appreciation’’ to Prime Minister Jacinda Arden, through the country’s embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, following the disheartening incident of March 15 in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Solanke said the country’s embassy in Addis Ababa appreciated MPAC for its kind letter of condolences regarding the terrorist attack, assuring that the letter had been forwarded to the office of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

“Thank you once again for your support at this difficult time’’, the New Zealand embassy expressed.

In the letter dated 31st March 2019, Executive Chairman, MPAC, Disu Kamor on behalf of the organisation was full of empathy for the victims but praised the prime minister’s courage and leadership when she forcefully denounced Islamophobia and called for a global campaign against hate.

The MPAC’s letter reads in part: “We wish to express our utmost shock at the mindless murder of innocent worshippers in mosques in Christchurch city by two terrorists during the Friday prayer on 15 March 2019. We share in the pain and misery of the Muslim community in New Zealand and the entire people of New Zealand who came together in a strong spirit of unity and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with their Muslim co-citizens in revulsion and absolute rejection of Islamophobia and hate.

“Our solemn prayers are with the victims, the injured, their families and loved ones and indeed the entire people of New Zealand. Please accept our deepest condolences and we pray that God Almighty will reward your courage and kindness. May God grant your nation peace and security, amen.

“Your exemplary role and leadership during this major terrorist attack will remain a beckon of hope for those aspiring to see courageous leadership in a world that is increasingly witnessing indiscriminate bloodshed, extremism and far-right radicalism. It is clear to see that the intention of those terrorists who planned and carried out the despicable acts of terrorism against the Muslim community of New Zealand have come to nought. Surely, the people of New Zealand, under your leadership, have shown strong spirit, genuine compassion and true commitment to peaceful co-existence”.

“By actions and words, you have demonstrated that acts of indiscriminate violence, acts of hate or terror attack targeting a faith community, even if they are a minority, cannot be tolerated. Your example has become the model for others currently in the position of power and it will serve as an inspiration to many generations to come,” it stated.

Meanwhile, MPAC has concluded arrangement for the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria towards the implementation of its Project Muslim VIP, a media centred initiative to strengthen Muslim Voice, project Islamic Identity and facilitate Muslim representation and participation in public, national and global affairs

The launching which holds in Lagos on Sunday, April 21 at LCCI exhibition and conference centre also offers the platform to formally inaugurate it’s Muslimedia Faculty and Media & Strategic Communications Department.