Sultan Sa’ad To Muslims: Steer Clear Of Violence In 2019 Elections
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar on Sunday warned Muslims in the country against violence as the nation prepares for 2019 general elections.
The Sultan who stated this while speaking at the grand finale of the 10th anniversary and N5 billion launch of Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) International Centre in Ibadan, said Muslims should remain calm at the point of provocation.
According to him, whenever the Muslims are denied their rights, they should not use foul and abusive languages.
The Sultan who noted that the Ummah was on the journey of strengthening the unity of Muslims, said, “we don’t need to look back, we have taken steps. When we are denied our rights, we don’t need to be harsh. When we are united, we don’t need to resort to violence to get our rights.
“We don’t need to use foul or abusive languages. We have to remain calm. We don’t allow our grievances to take us away from the Islamic way.”
On the proposed MUSWEN International Centre, he appealed to Muslims to spend the little they have in the propagation of Islam, saying that with the population of the Muslims in the country there should be no delay in the execution of the project.
“Muslims should donate generously to the completion of the project without waiting for the governors or government officials. This is not the end, as the launch will continue. It will continue for couple of years. It is not only for this project but for other projects,” he said.
Also speaking, Oyo State governor, Senator Ishaq Abiola Ajimobiĺ noted that MUSWEN had been supportive and contributing to good governance, peace, tranquility and development of the country, saying their gesture would not go un-acknowledged.
The governor appealed to religious leaders to continue to use their positions to spread peace, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
According to him, this became necessary considering the fact that 2019 is approaching as it is only in peaceful atmosphere that development can strive.
The chairman of the occasion and chairman Bi-courteny Group of Companies, Dr. Abdul-Rauf Wale Babalakin charged Muslims to actively participate in the education and economic sectors of the nation’s economy.
Babalakin who acknowledged the contributions of religious leaders to the development of education in south west, said Nigeria was not wealthy but has the potentials to develop.
“Muslims should be encouraged to participate effectively to the development of the economy, while Islam will continue to strive and move forward”, he said.
The guest speaker and the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi stressed the need for leaders not to be harsh.
Speaking on the theme:”Stronger Ummah, Greater Nation”, he stressed the need for leaders to be respected while the followers should be loyal.
The organization’s chairman, Board of Trustee, Prince Abdul-Jabar Bola Ajibola who stressed the need for unity among Muslims in South West with credible leadership, noted that in the last 10 years, MUSWEN had made conscious efforts to have robust engagement with its internal and external stakeholders.
He said MUSWEN had taken genuine steps that have set the Ummah in the region on the path of development and progress, adding that the body had recorded some modest achievements especially in the areas of education, scholarship scheme for female medical students, empowerment scheme through zakat, free medical and professional development opportunities among others.