(PRECISION) The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Ondo State, Alhaji Amidu Takuro says Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has never taken for granted the influence of Muslims in the State.
Takuro made this known during a courtesy visit on him by members of the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Ondo State chapter who visited him on Friday.
Takuro noted that contrary to general views, Aiyedatiwa hold Muslims in the State in high esteem.
He specifically noted his contributions to the recently concluded Hijrah day celebration by Muslims in the State, adding that the Governor was also supportive to the faithful during the last hajj exercise.
The Commissioner equally dismissed the notion that Muslims are not prioritize in the political calculation of the government, adding that political patronage comes with a lot of sacrifices.
“You know I was loyal to the late Governor till the last minutes he died. Aiyedatiwa knew this quite well and that was the quality he saw in me that made him to reappoint me as a Commissioner.
“Our Muslim brothers must know this is important in politics. For one to get political patronage, your loyalty matters a lot. Let me tell you, anyone who wants to appoint an individual into an office will conduct a background check on such person. When your loyalty is questionable, your chances of getting appointed is zero,” Takuro noted.
He also enjoined Muslims in public position to exhibit good character which was the hallmark of Prophet Muhammad.
Takuro further admonished the MMPN members to initiate public enlightenment programmes that would equip the young ones on career development.
He added that the MMPN could come up with ideas on how to train imams in the various mosques in the State to be able to meet with global best practices.