Integrity is Key to Credible Election in Nigeria

Integrity is a vital prerequisite for a credible election come 2023.

A foremost Islamic cleric, Sheikh Mohammed Usman, popularly known as Sonnu-Sheu stated this while delivering the 4th Annual Ramadan Lecture of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC Oyo state with the topic “Roles of Citizens Toward the 2023 General Elections at the commission’s collation centre, Ibadan.

Sheikh Usman who read from Quran 6, Verse 135, emphasized the need for political parties and godfathers, the media, the electorate and the electoral umpire to play their roles as custodians of trust and be mindful of repercussions for wrongdoings.

The cleric, while describing Ramadan as a month of reformation, noted that INEC in Oyo State had demonstrated its resolve to maintain the standard of an unbiased umpire, calling on Nigerians to desist from mortgaging their future for inducements from politicians, and youths to shun violence and security agencies to be professional during the election period.

Chairman on the occasion, a professor in the Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine, UCH, Ibadan, Talhatu Hamzat highlighted trustworthiness, integrity, ability to convince others and intelligence as attributes that Muslims should exemplify according to prophetic teachings in governance and electoral process.

In a remark, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Oyo state, Dr Mutiu Agboke noted that peace in the state was due to fairness on the part of the commission, calling on members of staff to always fear Allah in the discharge of their duties in the overall interest of INEC and national development.

In a goodwill message, former INEC National Commissioner, Chief Bayo Oyero advised the Electoral Officers and other officials to make contentment their watchwords and shun inducements to compromise their statutory duties.

The mother of the day, who is the Head of Service, Oyo State, Alhaja Amidat Agboola represented by the Permanent Secretary, Service Matters, Alhaji Nafiu Oladeinde, urged Nigerians to be the change that all citizens desired for Nigeria.

Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of South West, MUSWEN, Professor Muslih Yahya stressed that every citizen is a guardian of Allah’s trust, which shall be accounted for in the sight of Allah on the last day, hence the necessity to do the right thing at all times.

Highlights of the programme were Quranic recitation and special prayers for INEC on a successful general election in 2023, and peace and progress for Nigeria.

Nasrudeen Sherideen