Ahead of the 21 September 2024 governorship, Muslims in Edo State have demanded fair representation of Muslims in the governance of the state. This position was contained in a communique issued at the end of a stakeholders’ meeting organized by the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), the Muslims umbrella body in Edo State.
Reading the six-point communique at the well-attended meeting, Chairman of NSCIA, Edo State chapter Abdulazeez Igbinidu, amplified the decision of the stakeholders that Muslims are not adequately represented in the governance of the state.
Mallam Igbinidu said the meeting was organized to chat a common course and position of the Muslim Ummah in the state to effectively participate in the electioneering processes leading to the formations of the next government in the state in order for them to gain foothold in the governance of the state for the betterment of all.
“There is a need for equity and fairness in representation in the governance of the state so that Muslims would be adequately represented,” Igbinidu said.
The Muslims community agreed to relate and interface with all the political actors, especially the candidates of various political parties for the general good of Muslims as well as all citizens of the state.
While emphasizing that the Islamic Council is apolitical and non-partisan in form and orientation, the communique however clarified that individuals are however free to support any party and candidates of their choice so long they do so within the boundaries of their individual political convictions.
It urged imams and other Islamic leaders in the state not to use the pulpit as an instrument to advance personal partisan political interest in view of the diverse political orientation of members of their congregations.
The communique spoke to the unity that pervades the Edo Muslims community under the umbrella of Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, it however stressed the need to strengthen the unity among Muslims in the state irrespective of political affiliations or differences.
The body charged Muslim organisations and the League of Imams to sensitise the Muslims who are yet to register to do so during the forthcoming continuous voters registration exercise so that they can exercise their franchise.
It tasked Muslims to take active part in the politics of the state and country as that is the only way they can positively impact society through good governance.
