Islamic cleric cautions youth against misuse of social media

A Bauchi-based Islamic cleric, Tijjani Guruntum, has cautioned the youth against indiscriminate use of social media to foment trouble.

Guruntum stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Bauchi, on Tuesday.

He described as saddening and unfortunate the ugly trend of the youth taking to social media platforms abusing elders and posting pornography.

He emphasized that both Islam and Christianity had condemned and abhorred promiscuity and every other practices inimical to peaceful coexistence.

The cleric lamented the situation whereby some of the able-bodied young men spend many hours hooked to either Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter or Instagram for nothing.

He urged the youth to use social media in promoting their religious doctrines, peace, unity and harmonious coexistence, instead of posting divisive and inciting comments.

Guruntum explained that posting sentimental, tribal and sensitive inflammatory utterances could jeopardize the relative peace and stability of communities.

The cleric noted that the platforms were purposely created for interactive and business activities that would accelerate socio-cultural developments of the society.

He added that both religions promoted peace and harmonious coexistence as they frowned at indiscipline and acts of immorality.

“I call on relevant authorities to devise a means of checking such malpractices that were capable of ruining our cultural values”, the cleric said.

(NAN)