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| Muslims at the event held in Akure, Ondo state capital |
Some Islamic scholars and leaders in Ondo state have cautioned politicians particularly those aspiring for elective offices in the 2019 general election to shun desperate in pursuing their ambitions.
They gave the warning a monthly Dawah symposium organised by the Council of Imams Akureland with a theme “Muslim Unity In Political Diversity”, held at Akure Central Mosque.
Speaking, Chief Imam of Akure, Abdulhakeem Akorede regretted that the Muslim deputy slot which the faithful craved for in the last governorship election in the state was not achievable. He blamed it on lack of purpose and unity among the believers.
“Muslims should be united and be alive to their responsibility in order to achieve the goal of having a Muslim deputy or governor in the State,” Akorede said.
The Chief Imam also said active participation in politics with good intention and unity among muslims will enable them to be more relevant and impact meaningfully in the society and the country at large.
This was the assertion of Imams and Islamic scholars at the 9th monthly dawah organised by the Council of Imams, Akure land with theme: “Muslim Unity and Political Diversity”.
Delivering his lecture titled ” Political Disunity Among Muslims”, the Ondo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Ismail Olurimisi, said politics involves participation and holding of political positions according to law to influence positively on people and society.
Olurimisi,who explained that muslim in the state should not shy away from politics noted that hooliganism, terrorism and mismanagement among others have been in existence before politics, saying that these social vises should not be an excuse for their non participation in politics.
He tasked them to participate actively in politics without being afraid and enjoined them on the need to imbibe the culture of persuasive approach to encourage themselves to involve in political participation.
The commissioner noted social skill, mutual understanding and physical ability as qualities needed to promote politics.
He called on them to change their mindsets from evils involved in politics such as lies and ritual, saying that they have to take part for things to change for better.
“We should not see politics as a dirty game but how you practise it with sincerity matter most” he said.
Also, the Chief Imam, Tajul-adab Central Mosque, Owo, Alhaji Yunus Anola, affirmed that Islam is a faith and democratic religion supported by qur’an.
The cleric in his lecture titled ” Treading The Path to Political Diversity”, said that it is in accordance with the injunction of Islam that muslim must take part in peaceful activities that will bring progress to Islam and the society at large.
“Qur’an said we must engage in good activity to better our lives which starts from the use of our brains.The need for us to be a vibrant muslim politician is essential.
“Politics is part of religion and muslim must take part in politics for us to be relevant.” he hinted.
The Owo-based Islamic cleric, pointed out that at a point in time, Prophet Muhammad sent out disciples to Syria to learn their language for Muslims to gain relevance and urged muslims to join politics and play major roles in it rather than nominal role.
Alhaji Anola is disturbed that Muslims are no where to be found as federal and state assembly elections beckon in the state.
On his own lecture titled ” Islamic Perspective on Voting and Political Participation”, the Zonal Missioner, Nasrul- Li- Fatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), Ondo and Ekiti States, Alhaji Ibrahim Sodehinde, said it is a must for muslims to take part in politics with good determination in order to deliver good governance for the progress of the country.
According to Sodehinde, sincere participation in politics and the need for muslims to give their votes to credible candidates who have fear of God and determination to serve people is essential.
He enumerated selflessness service, abstinence from corruption and engaging in good deeds and have rethinking from destroying society as solutions for successful participation in politics.
Delivering his own lecture titled ” Importance of Working Together Islamically” the Missioner of NASFAT, Akure branch, Alhaji Yunus Junaid, said that the qur’an is the guardian to muslim faithful in all their endeavours, noting that anyone doing without it is no more a muslim.
Junaid, who stressed the need for muslims to be steadfast with unity among themselves said muslim must take part in politics and not with the intention of selfish interest.
“The greed in politics should not be the target of muslims. Thuggery as one of the blemishes in Nigerian politics can be a thing of the past if we are determined to overcome it.” he stated.
The former deputy governor in the State, Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo in his reaction also urged Muslims to prioritise their need in politics adding that the best bet for the faithful is to support a Christian/Muslim ticket and vice versa whenever governorship election present itself.
In a welcome address, the Chairman of Organizing and Special Duty Committee of the Akure Council of Imams, Ismail Abdulnafiu Ododoloto said the monthly Dawah was organised to resolve basic political challenges facing Muslims in the State and appealed to wealthy Muslims and groups to support the programme financially and logistically.
Dignitaries who attended the event include the Ondo State Secretary of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Ustaz Abdulazeez Sirajudeen; the Chairman, Akure Council of Imams, Sheikh Raji Keuyemi; Ondo State Ameerah of FOMWAN, Alhaja Ameenat Akinpelumi; the Chairman, NaSFAT Akure Branch, Alhaji Kunle Sanni; Aare Mussulumi of Akureland, Alhaji Nuraen Akorede; Ondo State Coordinator of NACOMYO, Alhaji Yekini Ali among others.
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