By Ankeli Emmanuel (In Sokoto State)
The Muslim Solidarity Forum, Sokoto State chapter have expressed fears over possible violence in the Governorship election scheduled to hold this Saturday, March 11th but which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has noe postponed to Saturday March 18.
Calling on political gladiators and parents in Sokoto state on the need to work for peaceful election, the Muslim Solidarity Forum appealed to all political gladiators to fear God in their dealings and quest for leadership positions.
Addressing newsmen at the State Secretariat of NUJ in Sokoto, chairman of the Forum, Professor Isa Muhammed Maishanu, reminded politicians that power belongs to God and He alone given it to whosoever He wishes at any time.
Reading a press statement jointly signed by the forum's chairman and his Secretary, Mallam Muhammad Usman Ali, titled, "A Call For Peaceful Election In Sokoto", Prof Maishanu noted that no amount of violence will make any person get what Allah, the exalted, has not destined for him.
The press statement read in part: ,"The Muslim Solidarity Forum Sokoto as a umbrella body for Imams, scholars, preachers, Islamic Organizations, Islamic centers ad Sufi orders in the state has been following the tense political atmosphere and the rivalry and competition for the coming governorship and State Assembly elections, and the disturbing fact that all but one seat of the February 25th Senatorial and National Assembly elections were declared inconclusive, coupled with the possibility of violence in the coming March 18 elections, finds it imperative to make the following submissions.
"We strongly call on all the candidates, the political leaders in the state and other politicians to fear Allah and remember that power belongs to Allah the Almighty alone, He gives it to whoever He so wishes when He so wills in order to test him whether he will be just and preserve the trust given to him", he said.
While warning that, "No amount of violence will make a person get what Allah, the exalted, has not destined for him. Even if by destiny, he acquires the position, there is a great sin and severe punishment that awaits anyone who kill innocent lives as Allah the Almighty says".
In their submission, the Muslim Solidarity Forum therefore appealed to all political leaders in Sokoto state who inadvertently make inflammatory statements in the media, for the sake of Allah to publicly retract such statements and direct their followers to come to the polling stations armless.
"This, by Allah's permission, will help in maintaining the peaceful atmosphere which the Seat of the Caliphate is known for".
The Muslim Forum further appealed to both the security agencies, electoral umpires, party agents, youths and their parents as well, to be responsible and fear Allah in there dealings.
"'Equally, we call on the youths not to allow themselves be used to cause chaos in their communities through actions that would lead to spilling blood of the innocent or destroying lives and properties. They should remember that the person whom they committed wrong for him to gain power will avail nothing for them when the punishment of Allah comes. Even in this world, their sponsors are likely to abandon them after carrying out the dirty jobs"
Executives of the Sokoto State Muslim Solidarity Forum that attended the press conference include, Professor Sadiyya Umar, Professor Mandir Saeed, Professor Abubakar Umar, Sheikh Abdullahi Jibril, Professor Sani Umar Musa amongst others. NNL.
