Jama’atu Ta’awunil Muslimeen challenges Nigerians on 2019 polls, security

THE 2019 general election is another defining moment which will pave the way for a new political dispensation in Nigeria and as such, there is the need for all and sundry to contribute to the efforts geared towards achieving a successful transition.

The coordinator of the Jama’atu Ta’awunil Muslimeen Nigeria, Oyo State chapter, Sheikh Abdul Rasheed Raji, said this at a security forum held at Ta’awunil Central Mosque, Abudu’s Compound, Abebi, Ibadan.

According to the cleric, the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cannot do it alone as a result of the complexity, dynamism as well as the conspicuousness that are always associated with elections in Nigeria.

“We must, therefore, as individual stakeholders, groups, security agencies, religious bodies, political parties civil societies, politicians and election observers collaborate with INEC to ensure hitch-free elections in 2019.

“Jama’atu Ta’awunil Muslimeen, Oyo State chapter, therefore, urges all election stakeholders not to undermine the security of our nation as well as each state before, during and after general election.

“The security of Nigeria must not degenerate during and after the elections so as to ensure national stability. The current security in Oyo State needs to be sustained and maintained during and after elections. The Jama’atu Ta’awunil Muslimeen in Oyo State and Nigeria shall collaborate with all relevant agencies to ensure hitch-free elections,” Sheikh Raji said.

However, he condemned the activities of “area boys” in the Oopo, Agbede, Idikan, Ayeye and Olosa-Oko areas of the city, saying local territorial rivalries which started among them long ago recently escalated and affected almost every sphere of life in the affected areas.

“Many lives have been lost, properties destroyed, shops and houses looted and robbed in the course of the crisis that started overnight and lasted through the day. The economy of the areas has been badly affected as many residents and shop owners have deserted their houses and shops for other places.

“While we commend the Oyo State government and the police for the efforts taken so far to restore peace for now, we want to urge the community leaders, landlords, community associations, religious leaders and others to also show their commitment to the efforts being made by the government and the police to put a final stop to this menace,” stated.

He appealed to the state government and security agencies to disband all the smoking and drinking joints in the aformentioned areas through constant patrol of the neighbourhoods and Oyo State in general.

Sheikh Raji gave the assurance of the cooperation of his group with all stakeholders, including the government, to restore sanity to these areas and Oyo State in general.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Abiola Ajimobi for their efforts to ensure that Nigeria and Oyo State are secured despite the daunting security challenges.

“We, therefore, declare our total support for the second-term bid of President Buhari for continuity, sustenance, as well as consolidation of his numerous administrative successes in all spheres of governance in Nigeria,” the cleric said.