Nigerians admonished on gubernatorial, House of Assembly polls

MUSLIMS and Nigerians at large have been admonished to ensure the emergence of only credible candidates in the March 9 elections to choose leaders to pilot the affairs of the states of the federation.

The Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Honourable Ali Ahmad, who gave the admonition in a sermon which he delivered at Zango Central Mosque, Zango, Ilorin, said it was incumbent on Nigerians to ensure that individuals who would be fair to all are elected as governors and members of Houses of Assembly from among the candidates of the different political parties.

The legislator, who emphasised that Allah would not change the destiny of a society for good unless the people were ready to change from their bad ways, pointed out that Nigeria needs firm leaders who would not only be averse to stealing from the nation’s treasury but would also do everything to prevent those close to them from stealing public funds.

“Leaders that deserve our mandate should be those who are accommodating, well intentioned and capable to deliver and deal with every Nigerian equally. If you don’t loot, don’t allow people around you to loot as well,” Ahmad said.

• APC, PDP and the battle for the soul of Oyo: The Soji Akanbi factor

“It is not enough to say I won’t steal from the treasury while you choose to tolerate looters around you. The leaders must know they are accountable to us and to Allah (SWT).

“The hallmark of a good leader is to abhor corruption emanating from close confidants and relatives. That is what our Prophet did. That’s what we desire in Nigeria,” he added.

Ahmad, however, implored Nigerians to troop out on the day of elections to perform their civic responsibility as good citizens and avoid committing electoral crimes.