February election crucial to change Nigerians have longed for, says Aregbesola

Scholar, cleric others harp on good governance

OSUN state governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has said Nigerians should consider the February elections as very critical for the much-desired change they had longed for.

  Aregbesola who spoke at the Special Thanksgiving Service organised for him at the Freedom Park, Osogbo by the national headquarters of the Islamic organization, Nasrul-Lahi-il Fatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) said the general election will bring a leader (General Muhammadu Buhari), who will turn around the much eroded fortunes of the country for the better.

  This was just as an Islamic scholar, Prof Hafis Oladosu, harped on the need for governance and expressed optimism that the governor’s second term in office would be more productive than the first.

  The governor explained that even though the nation is going through a lot of vicissitudes, he expressed confidence that after the February elections have shown Nigerians new leadership, things will begin to change for the better. 

  He lamented the dastardly acts of people who hide under the banner of Islam to perpetrate their atrocities, saying these kinds of people do not preach or represent Islam in whatever form.

  He argued that the prophet of Islam, Muhammad, suffered the worse forms of humiliation during his time and he never contemplated revenge.

  “Nigeria is today in its trying moments. Everything has stood still. But I want to assure you that this is just a passing phase.

“By February, the general election will sure usher in the much needed and much expected change.

  “We need to pray and work diligently for the peace and progress of the country. And this is why we must seriously condemn the activities of some individuals who hide under Islam to perpetrate evil.

“There is no written law or directive either from Qur’an or Hadith that directs Muslim to unleash terror on fellow creatures.

“No one can fight God’s battle for Him. And I don’t see where Islam orders anyone to kill, maim or unleash violence on people because of faith. 

  “There was no form of humiliation Prophet Muhammad did not suffer in the hands of the unbelievers, yet he did not think of retaliation. Rather, he showed understanding and love to his adversaries,” Aregbesola said.

The President of NASFAT, Engineer Kamil Bolarinwa, said for a country to be great, there must be justice, fairness and security of lives and property of the entire citizenry.

  Bolarinwa stated that Nigeria has been facing a lot of challenges in these areas, which has slowed down growth and development of the country.

 The NASFAT President equally observed that one of the cardinal objectives of Islam is the spread of peace to the entire world, irrespective of the obnoxious activities of some insurgents to soil the name of the religion.

  He said, “Like any other country in the world today, our country Nigeria, faces enormous challenges – lack of peace and security, justice, fairness, economic development, lack of infrastructure, youth unemployment and the rest.

  “Without peace and security, justice and fairness, we cannot move from our current position as individuals, as Muslims and as a country. 

  “Peace and security are at the core of the resolution of many of the challenges we face today.”

 He commended the governor for his government’s observance of justice, equity and fairness among the diverse people of the state, adding that his (governor’s) sterling performance in his first term in office was a clear testimony of his being just and fair to all in all ramifications. 

  The lecturer at the occasion, Professor Afeez Oladosu of the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan, enjoined the governor to always be just and fair to all and sundry in whatever he does as the governor.

  Oladosu, who revealed that the governor has become a brand in the country, said the governor should make sure that his second term is not inferior to his first term on the performance index.

According to the don, what the people of the state desire is for their state to become one of the best in the country in terms of development, growth and security of lives and property.

  “Position of authority comes from God. As governor, you must do what your people will remember you for. 

  “You have indeed become a brand in our politics today. Therefore, you must ensure that your performance in second term should not be inferior to your first term.

   “Always let justice, equity and fairness guide your government’s policies and programmes to all categories of people,” Oladosu said.