By Jubril Bada
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Active participation in politics with good intention and unity among muslims will enable them to be more relevant and impact meaningfully in the society and the country at large.

This was the assertion of Imams and Islamic scholars at the 9th monthly dawah organised by the Council of Imams, Akure land with theme: “Muslim Unity and Political Diversity”

Delivering his lecture titled ” Political Disunity Among Muslims”, the Ondo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Ismail Olurimisi, said politics involves participation and holding of political positions according to law to influence positively on people and society.

Olurimisi,who explained that muslim in the state should not shy away from politics noted that hooliganism, terrorism and mismanagement among others have been in existence before politics, saying that these social vises should not be an excuse for their non participation in politics.

He tasked them to participate actively in politics without being afraid and enjoined them on the need to imbibe the culture of persuasive approach to encourage themselves to involve in political participation.

The commissioner noted social skill, mutual understanding and physical ability as qualities needed to promote politics.

He called on them to change their mindsets from evils involved in politics such as lies and ritual, saying that they have to take part for things to change for better.

The lecturer advised them to maintain unity among themselves irrespective of their political differences.

“We should not see politics as a dirty game but how you practise it with sincerity matter most” he said

Also, the Chief Imam, Tajul-adab,Central Mosque, Owo, Alhaji Yunus Anola, affirmed that Islam is a faith and democratic religion supported by qur’an.

The cleric in his lecture titled ” Treading The Path to Political Diversity”, said that it is in accordance with the injunction of Islam that muslim must take part in peaceful activities that will bring progress to Islam and the society at large.

“Qur’an said we must engage in good activity to better our lives which starts from the use of our brains.

“The need for us to be a vibrant muslim politician is essential.

“Politics is part of religion and muslim must take part in politics for us to be relevant.” he hinted

On his own lecture titled ” Islamic Perspective on Voting and Political Participation”, the Zonal Missioner, Nasrul- Li- Fatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), Ondo and Ekiti States, Alhaji Ibrahim Sodehinde, said it is a must for muslims to take part in politics with good determination in order to deliver good governance for the progress of the country.

According to him, sincere participation in politics and the need for muslims to give their votes to credible candidates who have fear of God and determination to serve people is essential.

He enumerated selflessness service, abstinence from corruption and engaging in good deeds and have rethinking from destroying society as solutions for successful participation in politics.

Delivering his own lecture titled ” Importance of Working Together Islamically” the Missioner of NASFAT, Akure branch, Alhaji Yunus Junaid, said that the qur’an is the guardian to muslim faithful in all their endeavours, noting that anyone doing without it is no more a muslim.

Junaid , who stressed the need for muslims to be steadfast with unity among themselves said muslim must take part in politics and not with the intention of selfish interest.

“The greed in politics should not be the target of muslims.

“Thuggery as one of the blemishes in Nigerian politics can be a  thing of the past if we are determined to overcome it.” he stated

Dignitaries who attended the event include the Chief Imam of Akure land, Alhaji Abdulhakeem Yayi-Akorede, the State Secretary of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Ustaz Abdulazeez Surajudeen and the immediate past Deputy Governor in the state, Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo among others.