The Osun State Muslim Community (OSMC) has called on electorates in Osun to vote for a competent candidate in the August 15 gubernatorial election.
The President of the Osun Muslim Community, Alhaji Mustafa Olawuyi, who made the call on Sunday during a press conference to mark the New Islamic Year, Hijrah 1448AH, stressed that religion should not be used as a tool to choose the next governor.
Olawuyi said elections should not be a do-or-die affair but an opportunity to choose the right leader. He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to ensure a free, fair and credible poll.
“There is no compulsion in religion. If you want to hold power in this country, the constitutional provision is what you follow. I have never seen in our constitution where it is said that if you want to vote, or you want to be a candidate, you must be a Muslim, a Christian or a non-believer. The most important thing for our people is that they should vote for the best candidate,” he said
He added, “In the Southwest and across the country, I have never seen where people are not living harmoniously with one another – Muslims, Christians and non-Muslims. They are all creations of Almighty Allah.”
Speaking on activities lined up for the new Muslim calendar year, Olawuyi said a colloquium with the theme “Political Intolerance and Attendant Problems” will hold on Monday, June 15, at the OSMC secretariat by 10:00 a.m.
He noted that the colloquium will be moderated by Imam Raji Musa Oladapo, while Mallam Ishaq Muhammad Jamiu, Barr. Mrs Fatimo Olayanju and representatives of INEC will serve as discussants.
He added that the Hijrah celebration will hold on Wednesday, June 17, at Fakunle Comprehensive High School, Osogbo, with the theme “Islam and Politics: A Case Study of Umar bin Abdul Azeez — An Exemplary Character.”
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