Some clerics in Sokoto State have
called on Nigerians to consider credibility and experience in the forthcoming
2023 general elections.
A cross section of them told our
correspondent on Sunday, in Sokoto that it was necessary for the nation to have
credible, pious and committed leaders.
Professor Sani Sagir of Physics
Department, Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, described leadership as a
”responsibility that required able person who is healthy, physically and
mentality fit, intelligent and experience.”
Sagir, who is also the Chief Imam
of Maikilishi Jumaat Mosque, in Sokoto and also the National Vice President 1,
Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’a wa Iqamatul Sunna stressed the need for matured mind in
place of leadership.
”I pity those who are coming out
to contest at this crucial situation of Nigeria.
”Leadership is very hard talk,
especially in Nigeria, because of insecurity, economic instability and lack of
unity.
”Nigeria needs a very good leader
with experience, good political will, someone that means well for the country,
not someone that will steal public funds.
”A person that will do the right
thing, not minding what people will say, as far as it is right and acceptable
decision, because as a leader you need to be courageous in doing the right
thing always.
” These are the kind of leaders
we want at the moment. Now if you look at President Muhammad Buhari, he
immensely tried in various sectors, however, because of age, so many things are
needed,” he said.
Sagir explained that the
vice-president had been proactive though he is not young in recognition of his
age as well.
According to him, vice-president
to complement President efforts is desirable in leadership to have good and viable
subordinates.
He said the President needed
ministers and advisers that are proactive and help him like vice-president to
achieve more.
Also speaking with our
correspondent Sheikh Muhammad Talata-Mafara, said ”a good leader is a person
with peoples’ interests at heart, piety and submits himself to improving their
living standard.”
Talata-Mafara, a renowned Islamic
scholar, who translated many Islamic books, especially those written by Sheikh
Usman Bin Fodio, cautioned Nigeians against money politics and selfishness.
He called on Nigerians to
consider capability and achievements in supporting any presidential aspirant
and other people seeking elective positions.
Sheikh Bilal Jabir-Elkanawy,
called on Nigerians to ensure transparency and fairness at the electioneering,
while delegates should vote for the most credible candidates at the primaries.
Jabir-Elkanawiy said, ”selling
votes against their conscience to the highest bidders or moneybags is dangerous
and it is against Islam.
“The credibility of
representatives in government starts with pre-election activities that herald
the general elections.
“Nigerians need to chose a
credible candidate, if political parties fail to chose credible candidates from
the primaries, for the masses to make their choices during the general
elections in 2023.
” I want to urge all delegates
and Nigerians to vote wisely, because of their children, their relatives and
for the interest of our great nation, Nigeria,” he said.
The cleric described
Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo ”as a leader whose excellence in academics covers
most disciplines and relevant to modern development, to tackle the challenges
of the nation.”
According to him, people have not
witnessed any quarrels or serious misunderstanding with his principal and he is
attested to be loyal.
” His vastness in understanding
the diverse challenges and how to nip them in bud for a unified Nigeria,
through his knowledge on law and humanitarian act was sacrosanct to Nigeria.
“We need to also eliminate vote
buying completely from our elections, which is abhorred by the religion.
”I urge the delegates and
electorate to shine their eyes and not vote the wrong candidates, because of
money,” Jabir-Elkanawiy said.
Another scholar, Malam Abdulmalik
Bello-Gado, described Osinbajo as a loyal and dedicated Vice-President, with
qualifications Nigerians needed in view of his experience.
Bello-Gado, a Deputy Imam of Gagi
community, urged Nigerians to vote with their conscience and steer clear from
money politics.
