Muslims want president, governors, others to be upright in the Nigerian growth project

From the Muslims Authorities came a call to President Muhammadu Buhari, the governors-elect, senators, representatives and all public officers that emerged in the last national elections to upright and committed towards the growth and development of the nation.

The faithful also enjoined the runner up in the presidential race, Atiku Abubakar to embrace peace and accept the outcome of the election without precondition and congratulate the congratulate the president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari.

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), made this call in a congratulatory message to President Buhari, the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, and other elected political leaders across the country for securing the trust and mandate of their respective people to provide good governance for the nation.

President-General, NSCIA, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar said: “On behalf of the entire Nigerian Muslim Ummah, please accept the assurances of the Council’s highest regard.

“We have no doubt that you are aware that leadership is a trust and that as Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, every shepherd (leader) will be asked about his flock (followers); yet, we must enjoin you to continue to do your best in the interest of the country.

“We urge you to continue to be fair and firm in leading Nigeria to where she deserves, despite the unfounded blackmail and character assassination by those whose pre-occupation is to eliminate Muslims and Islam from the public space in order to continue to use religion to exploit and extort gullible individuals,” he said.

Executive Secretary, MUSWEN, Professor Dawud Noibi, said President Buhari’s victory is a demonstration of the fact that Nigerians appreciate his commitment to combating corruption, growing the economy and securing the nation.

He said: “MUSWEN appeals to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, as a Muslim and in the interest of peace, accept the outcome of the election without precondition and congratulate the winner, President Muhammadu Buhari.

“This, we believe, will help in healing whatever wound that could have been occasioned by the contest. We pray Allah to grant him the wisdom of seeing the outcome of the election in the light of the divine declaration,” he stated.

Noibi said the renewed mandate would provide opportunity for the President to consolidate on the gains of the past four years.

He dissociated the Muslims in South West from the discordant statement reportedly made by some “self-appointed individuals who purport to speak on behalf of all the Yoruba against the outcome of the elections”.

He said: “We advise them not to throw the region into chaos. It has become clear over the years that these elements have consistently pursued only their narrow selfish interests. The Muslim Community in the region shall continue to stand for the good of all Nigerians. We remain committed to peace and peaceful coexistence among all the people of Nigeria”.