An Islamic cleric and scholar, Sheikh Al-Imam Abdulateef (Sododo), says political apathy is a great sin in the sight of God and can be punished by Him.
Abdulateef, who is the Chief Imam, Onikoyi Estate, Iba Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, spoke at the Zenith Labour Party Inaugural Annual Ramadan Lecture at Igando on Wednesday.
Abdulateef, delivering a lecture titled: “Synergy Between Politics and Islam – A Way of Service for Humanity,” said Islam allowed its adherents to do politics and be part of the decision-making processes.
The PhD student of Islamic Education at the Lagos State University said religion and politics remained intertwined, urging God-fearing people to get involved.
Stating that politics was to make life better, Abdulateef said only good leaders could make lives and the country better.
“Let us do politics, if we do not do it, we will all suffer for the negligence. Let us join hands together to put right leaders in positions of authority. It is compulsory.
“If we should go by the injunction of Quran 3 verse 104, it implies that citizens are enjoined to elect their leaders.
“In Nigeria, it is the obligation of every eligible citizen to register and pick the PVC to vote during elections.
“So, it is a law from Allah that when you are in the country and there must be a leader, either through voting or selection, you participate and vote.
“For every eligible citizen who fails to take their PVCs or have the PVCs but do not vote, it is a great sin in the sight of Allah. Such should seek forgiveness because it is a serious sin,” the cleric said.
He urged Nigerians, especially Islamic faithful, to perform their civic rights, in line with God’s injunction.
“It does not speak well that we need to be begging people to pick their PVCs and vote during elections. Some even demand money to be paid them before they exercise their franchise in elections,” he added.
Highlighting the duties of a good leader, Abdulateef said elected or appointed politicians must serve the people and prioritise their welfare above their personal needs.
According to him, the Nigerian political class should see their privileged position as an opportunity to serve rather than becoming bosses to the people they are meant to serve.
“The leadership must prioritise security and welfare of the people, especially provision of basic social amenities like good roads, potable water, constant electricity among others.
“A good leader should not separate himself or his abode from the people he is leading. Don’t run away from them. Our leaders must do all they can to establish peace and pursue it in the society.
“They must serve everyone in society, including those who did not vote for them,” he said.
