PDP guber candidate cautions politicians on religious issues

THE governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for next month’s general elections in Kwara State, Senator Simeon Sule Ajibola, in Ilorin at the weekend denied being a religious hypocrite as been speculated.

   Besides, the Bishop of Anglican Communion, Diocese of Kwara, Rt. Rev. Olusegun Adeyemi, urged Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) to exercise their franchise in the elections.

   He called on politicians to inculcate perseverance while embarking on their political activities.

   Speaking with reporters in Ilorin after a thanksgiving service organised by the PDP at Saint Barnabas Church of the Kwara Diocese of Anglican Communion, Ajibola explained that though he had a Muslim background, he would not compromise his faith as a Christian.

   The clarification came on the heels of his campaign posters pasted around strategic locations within Ilorin metropolis where he appeared with turban on his head (the sign of being a Muslim).

   He stated that he was not responsible for the poster, explaining that it might have been produced to discredit him.

   “There can never be any deceit in the issue of faith. The issue of religion, which is faith-based is between an individual and the God Almighty. And one can chose to practice it the way he so desires. Me Senator Simeon Ajibola, I’m a Christian and there is no doubt about that.” 

I may have the moslem background. By virtue of my father being the Chief Imam of my village as at the time I was born. He named me as Sule and I cannot reject the name my father gave me from the birth.

“And thereafter, I have embraced christianity, I have been practising christianity and the only medium between me and Almighty is Jesus Christ, the saviour of us all. I believe in him, I have embraced him even beyond living on this side.

“The most important thing is life after death. And I believe I can get to that eternal life through Jesus Christ. I have not embraced any double faith practising. Regarding what happened through computer manipulation, lawani (Turban) was imposed on me. It was really unnecessary and diversionary. Honestly, it is out to discredit me as a person. But at the same time too, honestly I cannot deny those practising Islamic faith. It is a religion that I believe also of salvation. It is a religion that I told you my background took off from.

“To date, the only senior brother that I have (born together of same father and mother) is still a moslem and all members of his own immediate family while I’m a christian with all members of my immediate family”, Ajibola said.

The PDP gubernatorial candidate pledged to offer the people of the state real democracy if elected in the governorship poll, adding that his government would also allow collective ideas in running the affairs of the state.