The Chairman, Edo State Council for Islamic Affairs, (EDSCIA), Alhaji Abdulazeez Nosakhare Igbinidu, has said those who went about endorsing political candidates for the state’s governorship election did so at their peril and did not reflect the stand of the Islamic Community.
Alhaji Igbinidu disclosed this while reacting to the news in some quarters that the body has endorsed political candidates ahead of the September 19th governorship election in the state.
He said; the body is neutral and doesn’t dabble into politics though it doesn’t also forbid any Muslims from aligning with any political parties or candidates of his or choice.
“EDSCIA is not a political organisation. However, we are aware that some of our members belong to those organisations where they are striving to actualise their political aspirations.
“We are not against any of their legitimate actions to perfect their political interest through their various political parties and associations.
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“That Edo State Council for Islamic Affairs headed by Alhaji Abdulazeez Nosakhare Igbinidu is the only body that has the power to speak on behalf of Muslim Community in Edo State and that this body did not authorize or directs any individual or group of Muslims to act on behalf of Edo State chapter for Islamic Affairs or any other name to endorse any politicians.
“That we condemn in its entirety the purported endorsement of a particular politician using the name of Edo State chapter for Islamic Affairs or any other name as they do not have such rights to speak on behalf of Edo Muslims”, he said.
Abdulazeez urged all Muslims faithful in the state to ignore all such endorsements and continue with their political activities as individuals or as an independent group.
Abdulazeez called on all politicians seeking election under the various political parties to feel free to solicit for vote or campaign to whomever they wish, including the Muslims.
He pleaded with all Muslims in the state not to contribute negatively to the already tensed political atmosphere by their actions just as he promised that as a religious body, the group will continue to pray for a peaceful and a successful election in the state.
He reiterated that EDSCIA would organize a prayer session in Benin Central Mosque for a peaceful election in due course and that they would also invite the various political parties and their aspirants/and or representatives to be in attendance.
DailyPost
