The umbrella body for the Muslims in South West Nigeria has called for peaceful elections in the country.
The body, called the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), in a statement by its Executive Secretary, Professor Dawud Noibi, made the call in a statement copy of which was sent to The DEFENDER on Thursday.
Professor Noibi said: “The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), on behalf of all Muslims in the South West region of Nigeria, calls on all Nigerians to vote peacefully during the presidential and national assembly elections on Saturday.
“We need to remind ourselves that it is only in an atmosphere of peace that the electorate can exercise their right to vote for candidates of their choice and that their votes can truly count.
“We all have a duty to make the elections mark a positive milestone in the nation’s progress, and not a step backwards. We must, therefore, make sure that the elections are free, fair, peaceful, violence-free and credible.
“While MUSWEN commends INEC, security agencies and other critical stakeholders for their diligent preparation for the elections, we urge them to spare no effort in order for them to deliver well on their mandate during and after the elections.
“Lastly, MUSWEN appeals to our Imams and the generality of Muslims to use the opportunity of the Friday prayers tomorrow to pray for peaceful elections. Our Imams should also, please, use the opportunity to admonish their congregations on the need for them to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner before, during and after the elections.”
