August 15: Osun Muslim Community Urges Voters to Choose Competence Over Religion
•Reels Out Activities For New Islamic Year, Hijra 1448AH
The Osun State Muslim Community (OSMC) has urged residents to vote for a competent candidate in the August 15 gubernatorial election, stressing that religion should not be used as a tool to choose the next governor.
The President of the Osun Muslim Community, Alhaji Mustafa Olawuyi, made the call on Sunday during a press conference to mark the New Islamic Year, Hijrah 1448AH.
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.
“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,” he added.
“The point is, no religion can subdue any other. It has been written. We are going to live together until we leave this earth. We leave judgment to the Almighty.
“The most important thing is to choose somebody who is ready to do the will of the people. Someone whose records indicate that, when entrusted with power, he will not disappoint us,” Olawuyi said.
While calling on religious leaders to preach unity, he said the Muslim Community would not allow any government to trample on the rights of Muslims in Osun State.
“Religious houses must lead by example. They should not preach what will ignite violence in society. Religious houses are places where people gather and are taught about God,” he added.
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.
Olawuyi also said a youth forum on the topic “Youths and Negative Doctrine” will hold on Tuesday, June 16.
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.”
The lecture will be delivered by the former Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, Engr. Abdul Hamid Adekunle.
Olawuyi said dignitaries expected at the event include Governor Ademola Adeleke, members of his cabinet, lawmakers, traditional rulers, Islamic scholars and other Islamic organisations.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
