A political Muslims, like political leaders, blameworthy for Nigeria’s woes —Cleric

THE followership, as much as the political leadership, should be held responsible for Nigeria’s woes as long as eligible, God-fearing citizens, particularly Muslims, refuse to take up the challenge of leadership through their passive interest in politics or governance of the country.

The missioner of the Islamic Brotherhood of Nigeria, Sheikh Mudathir Atiku, made this submission at a public lecture entitled ‘Leadership and Followership’, organised by Ar-Rahman Islamic Propagation, held in Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State.

Sheikh Atiku stated that Muslims who refuse to participate in the leadership of their local communities or involve in politics at any level whatsoever where they could be able to showcase the goodness of Islam to others are doing a disservice to the society.

The cleric, who appealed to leaders to be fair and transparent in their dealings with the followers, urged the populace to always look for capable, virtuous people to contest political offices at election times and ensure that God-fearing persons are given political appointments.

He described the president of Ar-Rahman Islamic Propagation, Chief AbdulGaniy Olodeke, as a role model who inherited many good traits from his late father, Imam Bello.

Earlier, the group’s da’wah coordinator, Sheikh Dhikullah Abdur-Raheem, emphasised the need for constant preaching of the ideals of Islam to the larger society in order to arrest pervasive decline of moral values in the land.

The National Organising Secretary of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Alhaji Ibrahim Kilani, who was the guest of honour at the event, commended the efforts of the organisation at putting things right among members of the ummah and the entire society through regular public lectures, especially during Ramadan.

According to Alhaji Kilani, there is the need for Muslims to persistently attend educative Islamic programmes so that they can adjust to virtuous, good living.

A highlight of the event was a lecture on Lassa fever by Chief Aliu Eledo, a medical expert, who urged people to practise personal hygiene at all times and avoid exposure to contaminated food or household items.

He commended the Ondo State governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, for his prompt response to the outbreak of Lassa fever in the state.

Dignitaries who graced the occasion included Alhaji Jimo Ayegboka of the Islamic Brotherhood, Alhaji Abu Oloruntoba, the secretary of Ajowa Muslim Community; Chief Jamiu Oluke of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Alhaji Oyelade Ekan, Senior Secretary, Ikare Muslim Council.