BENJAMIN OMOIKE
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), the apex body superintending over the affairs of Islam and Muslims in Nigeria, has enjoined aggrieved politicians to go to court and seek redress rather than heating up the polity.
President-General NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto, Alh. Muhammad Sa-ad Abubakar, said the unwarranted provocation and unnecessary heating up of the polity, are capable of creating disunity and threatening the security of the Nigerian nation, and is indeed worrisome.
He, therefore, called on the security agencies to be proactive and rise up to their responsibility by decisively dealing with the unlawful utterances and actions of individuals, no matter their status, who have continued to fan the embers of disunity and discord in the country.
Sultan, in a statement jointly signed by the Deputy Secretary-General, Prof. Salisu Shehu, and Director of Administration, Arc. Zubairu Haruna Usman-Ugwu, commended the leadership and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for their display of professionalism in the conduct of the elections, despite the daunting challenges experienced.
He noted that the innovations introduced by the INEC, especially the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems (BVAS) has not only improved the electoral process, but also added to the credibility of the results.
“However, the council has observed with serious concern the high level of unsubstantiated claims, threats and incitements emanating from certain quarters of the country, especially from people who ought to be the preachers of peace and serve as moral compass for the society, consequent to the declaration of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the 2023 presidential election.
“The level of unwarranted provocation and unnecessary heating up of the polity, which are capable of creating disunity and threatening the security of the Nigerian nation, is worrisome.
“Consequently, the NSCIA appeals to all Nigerians to exercise decorum, be peaceful, prayerful and law-abiding in the face of the current unwarranted provocations.
“NSCIA calls on politicians who feel aggrieved by the outcome of the elections to seek redress through appropriate legal channels as provided for in the electoral act and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria rather than resulting to violence and unlawful acts. They should remember that Nigeria is the only country that we can call ours.
“Council once again calls on INEC to remain steadfast, committed and not be dissuaded in the discharge of its lawful duties.
“It should focus adequate attention on the conduct of the forthcoming gubernatorial and state assembly elections,”he stated.
Sultan further urged the commission to do everything within its powers to address the challenges it faced during the February 25 election so as to prevent a reoccurrence.
He enjoined all well-meaning Nigerians, national and international organisations to join hands with and support INEC in the task of bringing about new leadership to administer the affairs of our dear country at different levels.
“Let us remember that instituting a legitimate leadership in the country is everybody’s business, therefore, any attempt to truncate the smooth transition of power on 29 May 2023 to the president-elect, without prejudice to the legal process, by any group of people, section or interest (political, religious or ethnic) should be robustly resisted,” he stated.
