The Ogun State Muslim Council (OMC) has enjoined Nigerian electorates, especially those of the state, irrespective of their ethnic and faith leanings or inclination against being disenfranchised by the present experience and hardship brought about by the new monetary policy and fuel hike.
In a statement issued in Abeokuta by its Secretary-General, Alhaji Kamaldeen Akintunde (Esq), the Council admonished them that their coming out to exercise their franchise is a patriotic responsibility for the advancement of the country and the Nigerian project.
Alhaji Akintunde said the appeal became necessary amidst the socio-economic challenges Nigerians are facing as a result of the currency swap and the fuel crises.
The Muslim body which lamented the hardship urged Nigerians to take the experience as a necessary sacrifice that will engender an electoral system, devoid of money influence and inducement.
The Muslim Council opined that the Nigerian democracy has ripened as it has migrated from being nascent to advanced self ruled. Hence, the present government action could therefore be said to be justifiable in order to build an enduring trust and sanity into our electoral system.
It, however, implored President Muhammadu Buhari to evolve an initiative to ameliorate the suffering, while also urging him to embrace and uphold the rule of law, *noted with his government.*
Meanwhile, OMC has charged all stakeholders, including the electoral umpire, the political gladiators, security personnel, the electorate and election monitors and observers to deliver on their respective mandates, cooperate and collaborate to achieve credible polls.
It emphasised the need for a smooth and peaceful transition and to conduct free, fair and credible elections, outcome of which has implications for the country as a leading black nation in the continent of Africa and the world.
In the meantime, the Ogun Muslim Council has counselled the youthful protesters, expressing their anger over the attendant challenges surrounding the new monetary policy and the fuel scarcity against taking law into their hands and cease the unnecessary vandalism.
It exhorted them that their genuine protests call for caution as it could be hijacked by the fifth columnists, detrimental and resulting to mayhem or violence, consequence of which will blow no good wind for the country in the long run.
It sympathised with the bank personnel and staffers as they are now at the receiving end, noting that the corporate profession has become hazardous and endangered.
OMC, however, implored bankers to reconsider their stance to shutdown banks in the state from Tuesday 22nd February to safeguard themselves against rioters and ceaseless attacks on them.
While counselling the staffers that such action would complicate the problem and increase the pain and suffering of the people, OMC urged them to besiege authorities for police protection, while also advocating insurance cover for bankers at a critical time like this.
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