FEB. 25TH POLLS: NSCIA WARNS STAKEHOLDERS OF PROVOCATION, POLITICKING RISKS
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The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has warned stakeholders of the risks of unwarranted provocation and unnecessary politicking, which the group claims have the potential to create disunity and threaten the national security in Nigeria. The group also urged aggrieved parties to seek restitution through constitutionally acceptable legal channels.
In a statement released on March 8 after keeping track of developments following the recently concluded presidential and national assembly elections of February 25 that saw All Progressives Congress candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerge president-elect with 8.8 million votes, the top body overseeing the affairs of Islam and Muslims in Nigeria, led by its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, announced this.
Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, who received 6.9 million and 6.1 million votes, respectively, have publicly rejected the outcome and accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of manipulating the results.
The NSCIA statement reads: “While the Council commends the leadership and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for their display of professionalism in the conduct of the elections, despite the daunting challenges experienced, it notes the innovations introduced by the Commission, especially the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems (BVAS). This has not only improved the electoral process but also added to the credibility of the results. Not surprisingly therefore, there has been an outpour of commendations and plaudits for INEC from numerous governmental, non-governmental organisations and international observer missions on the conduct of the election.
“However, the Council has observed with serious concern the high level of unsubstantiated claims, threats and incitements emanating from certain quarters of the country, especially from people who ought to be the preachers of peace and serve as moral compass for the society, consequent to the declaration of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the 2023 presidential election. The level of unwarranted provocation and unnecessary heating up of the polity, which are capable of creating disunity and threatening the security of the Nigerian nation, is worrisome.
“Consequently, the Council appeals to all Nigerians to exercise decorum, be peaceful, prayerful and law-abiding in the face of the current unwarranted provocations. It also calls on the security agencies to be proactive and rise up to their responsibility by decisively dealing with the unlawful utterances and actions of such elements and individuals, no matter their status, who have continued to fan the embers of disunity and discord in the country. This should be done with all sense of seriousness and urgency. A stitch in time saves nine!
“Similarly, Council calls on politicians who feel aggrieved by the outcome of the elections to seek redress through appropriate legal channels as provided for in the electoral act and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria rather than resulting to violence and unlawful acts. They should remember that Nigeria is the only country that we can call ours.
“Council once again calls on INEC to remain steadfast, committed and not be dissuaded in the discharge of its lawful duties. It should focus adequate attention on the conduct of the forthcoming March 11 gubernatorial and state assembly elections. The Commission should do everything within its powers to address the challenges it faced during the February 25 election so as to prevent a reoccurrence.
“Council enjoins all well-meaning Nigerians, national and international organisations to join hands with and support INEC in the task of bringing about new leadership to administer the affairs of our dear country at different levels.
“Let us remember that instituting a legitimate leadership in the country is everybody’s business, therefore, any attempt to truncate the smooth transition of power on 29 May 2023 to the president-elect, without prejudice to the legal process, by any group of people, section or interest (political, religious or ethnic) should be robustly resisted.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
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