Group canvasses political agenda for Muslims

The Lekki Muslim Ummah (LEMU) has called for the participation of Muslims in leadership and governance of the country.

President of LEMU, Dr. Kamoru Omotosho offered this admonition at the organization’s quarterly lecture themed ‘Muslims and Nigeria politics.’

On the choice of the theme, Omotosho said, “some of us might be wondering why we are discussing politics in a religious seminar of this nature.

Brothers and sisters, it is not out of place to do so in Islam.

Islam is a total way of life, which covers all spheres of human endeavours.

The religion has prescriptions for everything, including politics and good governance. Religion and politics are inseparable in Islam,” he said.

The chairman of the occasion, Dr. AbdulGaniy Labinjo said Muslims have been at the receiving end in the Nigerian political firmament, even though Muslim constitutes the majority in the country.

“Successive governments in the country hardly consider the interests of Muslims in formulating and implementing policies.

In recent times, we have been dominated, harassed and oppressed by the politicians because of our seeming indifference and disorganized approach to politics.

“Now, the religious politics being openly canvassed by our Christian counterparts calls for great circumspection, vigilance, and organized approach to politics by Muslims across the country.”

He urged participants to be keenly interested in politics in the country if their fundamental rights must be protected.

“There must be a deliberate, planned and sustained political efforts to eradicate oppression of Muslims in the country.

“The Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria (NSCIA) and its affiliates like MUSWEN, JNI, etc., must collaborate and fashion out a proactive political agenda for the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria,” he said.

The Chief Imam of LEMU, Imam Ridwan Jamiu said lack of good leaders and followers is one of the factors responsible for perpetual failure in the country.

“Muslims showing up in numbers and being involved in the political process will enable our votes to be sought-after by political actors.

We will then be taken seriously, and considered a vital constituency by candidates of all political parties; thus, requiring them to address issues of great concern to our community,” he said.

He urged Muslims to take advantage of their civic rights to vote for credible candidates.

“As Muslims, we must take advantage of our rights, and become involved in politics either by running for government position or ensuring to vote for the right candidate.

Being able to vote and participate in the political process is a privilege that no one should forsake.

If we, as Muslims, feel we are not being treated fairly, or that important issues concerning us are being neglected, we must exercise our franchise.

We can then progress and make a difference in our lives, and in those of our families and communities.”

Deputy Secretary General of NSCIA, Prof. Salisu Shehu spoke on good governance, responsible leadership and fighting corruption: Islamic perspective.

He decried the damage massive corruption has done to the country’s socio-economic architecture permeating all sectors and all strata of the society.

“It influences all aspects of our life including our practice of our respective religions and faiths.”

He commended the efforts of the present administration under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari to combat the menace of corruption and put the nation back on national rebirth and socio-economic regeneration.