Muslim group raises alarm over possible violence in Sokoto

BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto –

The Muslim Solidarity Forum, Sokoto State chapter has expressed fears over possible violence in the Governorship election scheduled to hold on Saturday, March 18th, 2023.

The Chairman of the Forum, Professor Isa Muhammed Maishanu, stated this on Wednesday while addressing newsmen at the NUJ Secretariat in Sokoto.

Professor Maishanu, who called on political gladiators to fear God in their dealings and quest for leadership positions, urged stakeholders on the need to work for peaceful elections in the state.

He reminded politicians that power belongs to God and He alone gives it to whosoever He wishes at any time, adding that no amount of violence will make a person get what Allah has not destined for him.

He said: “The Muslim Solidary Forum Sokoto as a umbrella body for Imams, scholars, preachers, Islamic Organizations, Islamic centers ad Sufi orders in the state has bee following the tense political atmosphere and the rivalry and competition for the next week’s 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 Saturday’s 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 ad 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”.

“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 great sin and severe punishment that awaits anyone who kill innocent lives as Allah the Almighty says”.

“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 polling units 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 to be used in causing 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 punishment of Allah comes. Even in this world, their sponsors are likely to abandon them after carrying out the dirty jobs”, he said.