The Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta, Chief Tunde Badmus, has urged the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria to create a political directorate that will garner support for Muslim ummah interested in vying for political posts.
Badmus spoke in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, at the Annual National Conference and Pre-Ramadan Meeting of the group on Saturday.
The religious leader, who represented ex-Lagos State governor, Senator Bola Tinubu, at the event, noted that other religious groups had commenced creating such a directorate that would promote their preferred candidates.
He also harped on the need to support Osun State governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, and ensure he was reelected for another term, being the only Muslim governor in the South-West.
He said, “Other religious groups have commenced political participation by creating political departments or directorate among themselves to promote their own.
“You should create a political wing among yourself, so that it will further gear your participation in politics. It will be a good platform to support your brothers who are vying for political positions.”
Speaking earlier, Secretary General, Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, Nafiu Baba Ahmed, blamed unfulfilled promises of the present administration for the masses’ lack of interest in the political process.
He however added that the group would continue to encourage Islamic scholars to take part in the political process and keep making efforts till Allah gives the country a leadership that would be merciful on the people.
“We can understand the reason for the disconnect between the people and the political class. The masses are reluctant to participate in the process because of the way the present administration disappointed their expectations.
“The political leadership promised a whole lot, they promised to reduce fuel price, build new refineries but today, there is no fuel anywhere and the masses are suffering.
“However, despite the situation, we want the ulamas to encourage people to take part in the process and they should understand the need to keep trying till Allah gives us a leadership that would bring his mercy on the people,” Ahmed concluded.
In his goodwill message, Oyetola said he had projected Islam positively being the only Muslim governor in Southern Nigeria and called on the adherents to use the period of Ramadan to pray for peace of the nation.
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