By Ahmed Ahmed
The Muslim group, Dass Muslim Volunteers Mobilizers (D995), has appealed to the electorate to shun violence, thuggery and bigotry throughout the general election period.
Islamic Cleric, Sheik Ahmad Jajah, while delivering a lecture at the sensitization meeting in Dass on Wednesday, called on voters not to allow politicians to instigate them to kill, maim others or vote on religious or ethic grounds.
According to him, politics is all about relationships and not dichotomy.
He pointed out that Nigeria, Bauchi State and Dass Local Government Area have people of different religions and tribes, while urging the electorate to vote candidates only on merits because there is no difference between a failed religious bigot and a failed politician.
“People should be wise and should not be misled by politicians who may use religion to campaign before the election and later betray the trust reposed in them.
“No religion can rule alone permanently in Nigeria because the country comprises both Muslims and Christians. People should vote only those who will ensure justice and fairness to all and sundry irrespective of their religious, ethnic or political parties “, he advised.
Besides, the Secretary General of the group, Alhaji Yusuf Abubakar, had explained that the organization was formed with the objective of enlightening people of the local government on good governance and election issues.
He said that members of the group who were drawn from all the electoral wards in the area and several political parties would embark on campaigns on the need for the people to vote only for credible leaders and shun violence in the upcoming polls.
Abubakar also advised the electorate to ensure that they voted only for credible and honest politicians who would give them effective and positive representation irrespective of ethno-religious difference.
Some Islamic clerics who also presented papers at the meeting stressed the need for religious tolerance.
They pointed out that religion has nothing to do with politics apart from giving directions on how the leaders are to lead positively, warning that some of those who hide under religion to play politics are only doing it for selfish reasons.
