Osun guber poll: Muslim group charges electorates on merit

...hits Sen. Ademola Adeleke over religion discrepancy

By Jumoke Owoola

Senator Ademola Adeleke

A religion based and community development group in Osun State has urged electorates and concerned indigenes of the state to give consideration to merit and vote with utmost concern for the good of the state during the September 22 governorship election in Osun.

Kazeem Abiodun, the spokesman of the group; Society for Muslim Right and Community Development on Friday made this call in Osogbo, the capital of the state while commenting on the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.

The cleric who indirectly grieved over Senator Ademola Adeleke’s alleged religion discrepancy implored good governance and democracy loving institutions and individuals in Osun to shun soiled and inconsistent politicians in the governorship race.

His words: “though prayer is the weapon of believers, at this critical point in Nigeria, especially in Osun State, we cannot just continue to pray and expect good things to fall in place. We have to be part of the change we want. This is why we have to meticulously participate in the forthcoming election in Osun, taking into consideration merit and with the fear of Allah.”

“Therefore, we implore our brothers and sisters in Islam and general people of Osun now that election is around the corner, don’t just pray but also work towards the sustainable development of the state. Stand for the truth and the good of Osun.”

He noted further, “I remember last year, a particular politician who is a known Christian sweet-talked us claiming that he is a Muslim just to warm himself to our heart and garner our support. Most of us keyed into the ruse unknowingly and he won the election but afterwards, the first place he went to was a church. While discrimination on the basis of religion is counterproductive for development, such discrepancy and dubious act is shameful and indecent."

“Now, the same politician is running for governorship position of Osun. And still want us to belief that he is a Muslim and so, his deputy should be a Christian. We make bold to say that this shaded deal is not in tandem with social justice and will not go on checked."

"It is in view of this and several others that we are calling on Osun people to be cautious and candidly vote with concern for the good of our beloved state during the September 22 governorship election,” Kazeem said.