MAN tasks government on fairness, justice

As Nigeria prepares for new administration, Muslim Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called on government to embrace fairness, justice and respect for the rule of law to overcome the challenges bedevilling the country.

Speaking during the 19th Ramadan lecture of the association, MAN National President, Alhaji Tajudeen Ojikutu, urged Nigerians to stop all forms of campaign of calumny, making false and defamatory or hate statements about the country and its constituents.

“The 2023 elections have come and gone. It has been won and lost. Those who have lost the elections must remember that there is always another chance. The outgoing president of Nigeria, President Muhammad Buhari, can be cited as an example and a great leader.Your time will surely come if you are patient and accept the will of Allah.”He urged the new government to endeavour to be fair, impartial and reasonable.

“The word justice is the quality of being just, just treatment, fairness irrespective of tribe, religion and political affiliation. This will bring nothing but peace and tranquillity to the country. The month of Ramadan is very unique for supplications. Let us use the opportunity to pray for ourselves, households and the project called Nigeria,” he [pleaded.

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Special Adviser on Special Duties to the governor, Mobolaji Ogunlende, said it takes a collective effort of government and the people to surmount challenges and build a nation of a collective dream.

“There is no gain in saying that as a nation, we are faced with a number of challenges in spite of appreciable progress that the current administration has recorded in several sectors of the economy. However, we must continue to emphasise that governance is not a one-man show,” he said.

Ogunlende congratulated the executives and all members of the organisation for their forthrightness and commitment to the values and lofty ideals, which were established by the founding fathers of the association.

His word:“As a result of the solid foundation laid by the founding fathers and which have been built upon over the years, MAN is fully recognized as a respected Islamic organisation contributing its quota to the societal development in several areas including education and reorientation.”

He applauded the theme and topic of the Ramadan lecture, saying it is more relevant considering the fact that the country is transiting into a new administration after a successful election that produce, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as president-elect and other elected leaders across the country.

“In my view, we have made a wise decision by selecting a man whom I considered the best credentials in terms of competence track record and experience. It must however be understood that for all this qualities to meet our expectations in terms of delivery of dividends of democracy both the government and citizen must diligently discharge their duties and obligations as spelt out in the Constitution.

He urged Nigerians to take maximum opportunity of the Holy month to supplicate to Almighty Allah, to grant the leaders all that will be required for them to succeed in the journey to reinvent the country for positive transformation and the well being of citizens.

Some of the eminent personalities present at the occasion are Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), Dr Abdul Rauf Wale Babalakin (SAN) and others