Lagos: Salvador hosts 27th Ramadan lecture, calls for unity

The leader of the Conscience Forum of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hon. Moshood Salvador, on Sunday hosted the 27th annual Ramadan lecture and zakat distribution organised by the group, with a call for unity, tolerance and responsible leadership in Nigeria.

The event, held at Salvador Tower in Surulere, Lagos, attracted thousands of members and party chieftains from the 20 local government areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across the state.

Delivering a lecture centred on unity and misconceptions about Islam, the guest speaker, Sheikh Abdul-Mumin Seriki, urged Muslims to remain united and demonstrate tolerance toward adherents of other religions.

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He described Salvador as “an uncommon politician whose heart is full of compassion and love for the masses,” noting that the gathering reflected religious and ethnic diversity.

“This is a multi-cultural and multi-religious gathering which reflects the beauty of Islam,” Seriki said. “We have not only Muslims here, but people from different ethnic backgrounds — Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba — which underscores religious tolerance.”

Addressing insecurity and violence in the country, the cleric challenged narratives portraying Islam as inherently violent.

“Islam is a religion of peace,” he said, while acknowledging concerns about banditry and kidnapping affecting both Muslims and non-Muslims. He urged Nigerians to look beyond religion in addressing the nation’s security and socio-political challenges.

According to him, differences in language, culture and belief are natural in a diverse nation of over 200 million people and should not be used to fuel division. He added that Islam promotes peace and obedience to divine principles, stressing that negative perceptions often arise from misinformation and the actions of individuals.

Seriki also appealed to the media to be objective in reporting issues concerning Islam. “I am appealing to the media to be factual and avoid sensationalism in reporting matters concerning Islam. We should not allow propaganda to distort the message of peace that Islam represents,” he said.

In his remarks, Salvador urged attendees to vote according to their conscience and support leaders who genuinely prioritise the people’s welfare.

He identified tribal sentiment and lack of fear of God as key challenges facing the country.

“If you have the fear of Allah, you don’t have any problem. What is disturbing us in this nation is tribal sentiment, which our leaders use as a tool for disintegration. This is Nigeria. This tells us we are one. Why the unnecessary discrimination?” he said.

Salvador further advised voters to reject inducement and corruption in the electoral process.

“We are not made for poverty and suffering in Nigeria if we can elect the right leaders. I appeal to you to vote not for sentiment. Don’t vote because you are offered bread. Vote for quality if you want success and progress. Don’t vote for any politician who has a corruption case hanging over his shoulder. Vote for leaders that will feel your pain,” he added.

The event concluded with the distribution of zakat to beneficiaries as part of the forum’s annual humanitarian outreach programme.