‘How leaders can succeed with Islamic political theories’

Dignitaries in position of authority have been urged to adopt the Islamic political theories which provided meaningful modalities on the best way to guide the affairs of a state or group towards achieving their set objectives.

These theories, according to a professor of Islamic Eschatology, Ishaq Akintola, would also guide the leadership and followership against corrupt practices and drive them nearer to Allah.

Akintola, who spoke at the 11th Biennial Conference of the Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates Association (UNIFEMGA) Ibadan chapter in Oyo State, said public office holders would perform better and the nation will grow if they eschew corruption in its entirety.

Akintola in his lecture entitled “Towards Good Governance in Nigeria: The Islamic Perspective” said that public office holders should embrace discipline and righteousness for national development.

“It is very clear that where a system is not transparent and accountable, development will remain an illusion.

“This is because corruption, which is one of the indicators of lack of transparency and accountability, will be the order of the day.

“And corruption in all its ramifications certainly negates efforts aimed at development,’’ he said.

He listed corruption, conflicts among political leaders, intolerance of opposition, and political violence as some of the ugly experiences the nation had witnessed in time past.

Akintola, also a Director, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), urged office holders to embrace the Islamic political theories, which postulates Khilafah (Vicegerency) and Al- Akhirah (the hereafter).

He added that those who inculcate in the Islamic ideals would be rewarded with everlasting luxury, while severe punishment awaits greedy and selfish politicians.

The outgoing chairman of the chapter, Alhaji Lukman Akinwande, urged the new executives to strengthen the already established programmes and review more opportunity for continued improvement.

Akinwande congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari and other elected office holders, urging the president to ensure that people of proven integrity were appointed into his cabinet.

Chairman, Planning Committee, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said that the choice of the topic of the lecture was to fashion better ways by which Nigerians could benefit from democratic governance.

Meanwhile, the UNIFEMGA Ibadan Chapter has appointed the new officers that will run the affairs of the association for two years.

Announcing the outcome of the Shurah (selection) Committee, Alhaji Abdulganiy Sodamade said those appointed were carefully selected by the committee.