The Ghanaian Minaret

Accra – The National Chief Imam of Ghana, Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu, after consultation with his Advisory Board, has indefinitely suspended his Personal Assistant (PA), Khuzaima Osman from the Office of the National Chief Imam (ONCI).

In effect, all privileges accorded to the former PA have been withdrawn thereby barring him from operating in any capacity or representing the Chief Imam.

The decision was announced on Thursday, September 17, 2020, in a communique issued and signed by the Secretary of the Advisory Board of the Chief Imam, Alhaji Ali-Kadiri English.

“Alhaji Khuzaimah Osman henceforth ceases to be the PA of chief Imam, Executive Director of Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu Educational Trust(SONET) Fund, I.P.A.S.E.C and all other positions he holds on behalf of his eminence the National Chief Imam” the statement read.

In his stead, Mohammed Marzuk Abubakar Azindoo, an academician by profession and an officer at the ONCI has been duly appointed.

It would be recalled, exactly a week ago when the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Usmanu Nuhu Sharubutu disassociated himself from the actions of Khuzaima Usman, who in a publication claimed that a parcel of land belonging to the Imam had been invaded by land guards at Ablekuma Paradise.

The Imam in an encounter with the media on September 10 disclosed that he does not own any land and therefore urged the public to disregard the publication which sought to whip up the sentiment of ardent supporters of the Imam to create chaos.

“I am not aware of the land being talked about. I do not own any land in Ablekuma. I own only one piece of land which I have given out for the construction of a mosque and a school,” he said.

He indicated that his office was not created for the benefit of any individual or group who would exploit and cheat others for personal gains. The office he noted was set up for humanitarianism and religious service.

He also spoke about how he does not want his legacy tainted before he departs this world.
“I want to depart the world with my dignity and integrity intact. I don’t want a bad name,” he said.

Sheikh Sharubutu also admonished the media to adopt the habit of cross-checking information from credible sources so as not to misinform the public.

The PA on Friday, September 4, 2020, took some journalists to the disputed land which has been invaded by land guards and laid claim that it was gifted to the office of the National Chief Imam by chiefs of Ablekuma.

He lamented how attempts to get the local police to step in and secure the land for the office has not yielded the desired result.

Mr Usman said he brought the media into the picture to amplify a concern he claimed resonated with the National Chief Imam.

It was interesting to note however that the September 10 press briefing by the Chief Imam was not carried live on the ONCI official Facebook page as it was understood to be managed by the indicted PA.

Six days earlier, however, a post was made on the page which sought to suggest that matters had been resolved between the Imam and the former PA who is a blood relative to the old man by saying,
“It is a privilege representing His Eminence the National Chief Imam of Ghana, Sheikh Prof. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu at any event in Ghana or abroad.”

The update which was accompanied by colourful pictures went further to read, “The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon Him) said: “The Best among you is the One who learns the Quran and impacts it on others”.

May Allah grant us the blessings of the Holy Quran.”The update which was replicated on the personal Facebook page of Khuzaimah attracted a backlash from followers on the platform with many questioning his credibility and audacity to represent the Chief Imam.