Wilson Adekumola
The League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State have warned religious leaders and politicians to eschew sermons and inciting statements that could swing the state into crisis before, during and after the general elections.
The Directorate of Leadership and Good Governance set up by the league made this warning in a communique it released after a three-day interactive session with governorship candidates in Ogun.
In the communique jointly signed by the Chairman of the Directorate of Good Governance, Qasim Sanusi and the Secretary, Tajudeen Uthman, religious leaders were implored to advantage of the forthcoming polls to preach love and peaceful coexistence among the masses.
According to the statement, clerics of religious organizations were warned to halt sermons that are capable of endangering the harmonious co-existence being enjoyed in Ogun at the moment.
Speaking on reputation, the Islamic body charged politicians to display good character as they go about their electioneering campaigns.
The clerics charged them to shun any form of violence and inciting utterances during their campaigns.
The Directorate also told residents of Ogun State to visit offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission or other designated places to collect their Permanent Voters’ Card in readiness to vote for the best candidate of their choice.
The group said, “The progress and development of Ogun State is a must-do task for all. Hence, we should join hands to accomplish it.”
DAILY POST reports that seven political parties and their candidates had taken part in the interactive session organized by the Islamic leaders.
The candidates had used the opportunity to express their plans for the State if elected, vowing to tackle the challenges the State is facing in various sectors.
The candidates also made a promise to the people of Ogun State to serve them to the best of their ability and ensure proper administration of Local Governments so that they can extend dividends of democracy to the grassroots.