Leaders of the Muslim Ummah in South West, Edo and Delta State today endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan for a second term.
But, the Islamic leaders, who were led by the Secretary General, League of Imams and Alfas South West, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Sheik Ahmad Aladesawe lamented over the marginalization of the south west Muslims in terms of appointment in the present administration of Jonathan.
They took the decisions to endorse Jonathan at an Interactive meeting held with Vice-President, Namadi Sambo which held in Akure, the Ondo State Capital as convened by the State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko
Reading the resolutions, the Senior Special Assistant to Mimiko on Special Duties, Sodiq Obanoyen said that after looking at other various achievements of Jonathan, the Muslim community agreed that he deserves another term.
He noted that as Muslims, they have the right to dialogue with any person, particular those who seek their supports to rule their people, adding that the invitation has given the Muslims the opportunity to discuss issues affecting them with the Presidency.
The resolution reads “that the President and the Vice President is a joint ticket that must fairly reflect the religion nature of our dear country. The ticket has demostrated by Jonathan and Sambo is Christian and Muslim ticket and this has brought us equity, fairness and justice.
“That the implementation of just concluded national conference is highly important to Nigerians and particularly the Muslims by ensuring that individual states, people and group can develop at their own space and with the support of Federal government.
“That education remains clear and fundamental if our collective future as a nation is to be guaranteed. We therefore identified with your administration particularly, its education policy that created more schools, particularly in the northern region through the establishment of the well over 200 almajari’s schools including the establishment over over 14 owned Nigerian Universities.
“We condemned the activities of Boko Haram in the northern region and we want to state clearly that the activities of the Boko Haram has no backing in our religion.
“That protection of lives and property remain the responsibility of the government, security in the country has remained a battle to be fought and won. We join other Nigerians who appreciate that security is a collective responsibility and which requires all hands to be on desk. The Nigerian Army must be commended for their gallant efforts to dislodge the deadly insurgents.
“That the current aggressive driving in agriculture by your administration must be commended, its effect on price of foods particularly rice. This was professionally confronted and the result have manifested. This effort must be sustained.
“We, the muslims in the south west, are still largely marginalised in political patronage and appointment. Our people are well read, we have a political sophistication and we have the wiliness to do best for our dear country. We therefore appeal through the Vice President to Mr. President that political patronage and appointment must be commensurate with the number of people giving that the South West are well over 50 percent of the indigenous population of the south west part of the country.
“That the effort of federal government in provision of roads, railways in south west is commendable and this must be sustained. As Muslims of the south west, our score card of your administration is far above average. We posit that your administration has done well and by the grace of God should do more in the next four years”
In his speech, Sambo solicited for the votes of Muslim community, saying the present administration of Goodluck Jonathan had implemented policies that have better the living condition of Nigerians.
The host, Mimiko said Christians and Muslims have been living together in peace and love in south west.
He noted that if care was not taken, the religion issues that have been introduced to the 2015 elections and campaigns, may mare the future of the country, adding that this elections is about the progress of the country.
He urged the Muslims to look at the two major Presidential candidates carefully in terms of their democratic positions on who would allow everybody to practice his or her religion in peace and unmolested.
“We should also look at them, who is more likely to allow address the fundamental issue that is important to Yoruba people and which is education. This is the first time, a southerner, who is the President will built Almajaris schools. He is saying the Islamic knowledge can go ahead with western education so that the future of the children can be saved”. Mimiko said
Dignitatries at the event were, Senator Iyiola Omisore, former deputy governor of Ekiti State, Tai Lawal, Chief Imam, Delta State, Abdul Rasheed Ahmad, Chief Imam, Osogbo, Rabiu Animasaun, Chief Iman, Ekiti, Bello Keulere among others.
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