The Edo State chapter of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, has advised Muslim faithful to get involved in the electoral process in the forthcoming September governorship election in the state.
DAILY POST reports that NSCIA gave the advise in a communique issued at the end of its stakeholders meeting on Sunday in Benin City.
The state chairman of the Council, Mallam Abdulazeez Igbinidu, who read the communique, noted that Muslims are not adequately represented in the governance of the state.
Igbinidu noted that the narratives could only be changed if the Muslim faithful are ready to actively engage in politics.
According to him, they can only have a say in the governance of the state if they are involved in the political and electoral processes in the state.
He therefore called on all Muslim eligible voters who are yet to register to take advantage of the forthcoming Independent National Electoral Commission voters registration exercise to get registered so that they can exercise their franchise.
The NSCIA chairman said the stakeholders meeting was organized to chart a common course for the Muslims as regards the September 21 governorship election in the state.
According to him, there is need for equity and fairness in representation in governance in Edo State, so that Muslims would be adequately represented.
“The Muslims have agreed to relate and interface with all political actors, especially the candidates of the various political parties, for the general good of the Muslims as well as all citizens of the state
“The Council is apolitical and non-partisan. Individuals are however free to support any party and candidate of their choice.
“I call on Muslim organisations and the League of Imams to sensitize the Muslims who are yet to register to do so during the forthcoming voter’s registration so that they can exercise their franchise,” he said.
Igbinidu, who opined that Edo Muslims remain one and united under the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, added that the Council is the umbrella body of Muslims in the state.
He also stressed the need to strengthen the unity of Muslims in the state irrespective of political affiliation and differences.