BENIN CITY- Edo State Council for Islamic Affairs (EDSCIA) says it has not authorized anybody or group of muslims to adopt any politician in the run up to the September 19, gubernatorial election in the state.

Speaking to newsmen yesterday against the backdrop of recent endorsement of certain politicians by some muslim leaders in the state, Chairman of the Edo State Islamic Council Alhaji Abdulazeed Igbinidu said the apex Islamic body in the state under his leadership had to make the clarification in view of the fact that the body remains a religious organization and non political.

The chairman condemned the purported endorsement of a particular politician using the name of Edo State Council for Islamic Affairs or any other name as they don’t have such right to speak on behalf of the council.

Flanked by other executive members of the Council and other Islamic leaders in the state, Alhaji Igbinidu said the council was not unaware of the fact that some members of the council belonged to other organizations where they strive to actualize their political aspirations but would not condone the use the name of EDSCIA under whatever guise.

The council urged all muslims in the state to ignore all such endorsement and continue with their political activities as individuals or as independent groups just as he advised all politicians seeking political offices under the various political parties to feel free to solicit for votes from whoever they wish, including muslims.

The chairman’s address reads in parts, “the executive of the Edo State Council for Islamic Affairs headed by Alhaji Abdulazeez Nosakhare Igbinidu, is the only one recognized by the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic (NSCIA) under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar.

“This was further confirmed when invitation was extended to him and other officials of this body to attend the General Assembly/NEC meeting held in Abuja between 28th-30th November 2009.

The chairman appealed to muslims not to contribute to anything that could mar the conduct of the forthcoming election just as he expressed the commitment of muslims in the state to continue to pray for a peaceful and successful election in the state.