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2023: Your involvement in politics is act of worship, group tells Muslims

Muslims in Nigeria have been called upon to see their participation in the electoral process as an act of worship for a better society.

The call was made in a Communiqué issued after the 2022 reunion conference of Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates’ Association (UNIFEMGA) which ended at Ile-Ife, Sunday.

The communique was signed by AbdulFattah Olanlege and Shamsudeen Adenopo, UNIFEMGA National President and Spokesman, respectively,
and the theme of the conference was “Involvement of Nigerian Muslims Towards Successful Outcome of the 2023 General Elections.’’

“Involvement of Nigerian Muslims especially the Muslim Elite in politics and participation in the electoral process is necessary and should be seen as an act of Worship.

“In order to forestall uprising in Nigeria, all elected and appointed leaders should be responsive to the needs and aspirations of the citizenry,” the group said, stressing that these leaders must embrace good governance, fairness and justice to all as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and make the fear of God their watchword.

The communique attributed the various security challenges facing the nation to failure of leadership, insensitivity, ineptitude of intelligence gathering on the part of the security agencies.

It then urged the Federal Government to show serious commitment to fighting corruption, which has eaten deep into the fabric of the citizenry in the country by being accountable and transparent in the business of government.

“While those found culpable should be made to face the wrath of the law.

“Since Nigeria is a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society, efforts should be geared towards upholding the letter and spirit of the principle of Federal Character in all governmental affairs and appointments.

“All the three tiers of government in Nigeria should ensure that the lives and property of all the citizens of the country are secured. This is important, as it is only when there is national security that development can take place.

“The private sector should as a matter of urgency partner with the government for the education of Nigerians especially to address all the infrastructural deficits,” it counselled.

The Communique also called on government to ensure that employment opportunities are given to teeming unemployed Nigerian youths who are being used as instruments of violence by some selfish and unpatriotic individuals.

UNIFEMGA condemned the terrorist acts in some parts of the country, mob, jungle and selective killings of innocent Nigerians and advised the Federal Government to avoid the present stereotype of pigeon-holing such as a religious issues, saying they are more of political, ethnic and economic issues.

He admonished all Nigerian leaders as well as all citizens to live in peace and learn to tolerate one another, “be fair to all and remember that injustice breeds uprising and violent acts.”

The Conference recommended the Islamic concept of leadership which is rooted in the institutionalization of principles of integrity, honesty and competency rather than patronages.

The reunion lecture was delivered by Prof. Ishaq Lakin Akintola, Professor of Islamic Eschatology and Director General, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), with retired CP Yinka Balogun PhD as the Chairman of the occasion while Gov. Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State was represented by his Special Adviser on Education, Alhaji Jamiu Olawunmi as Special Guest of Honour.

The Conference also witnessed the presentation of 105 scholarships and grants to OAU undergraduate and postgraduate students totaling N8.075, 000.00 by the Association as part of its welfare gesture to the students on campus.

“To date, the Association has disbursed the total of over N50million to over 850 students of the Institution.

“The association also had its Annual General Meeting (AGM) where its activities in the past one year were reviewed and ratified the continuation in office of the current National Executive Committee,” the Communique read.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede and other top university functionaries were in attendance.

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