The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), has called on
political leaders in the country to exercise caution in their statements and actions and allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) complete its task of collating and announcing the results of the presidential election held on February 25.
The Executive Secretary /Chief Executive Officer of MUSWEN, Prof. M.T.Yahya made the call on Tuesday in a statement obtained by Vitalnews in Ibadan.
The group’s appeal is in response to a call made by former President Olusegun Obasanjo that the ongoing collation and announcements of the results of the presidential election should be suspended.
MUSWEN explained that “as it happens the world over, even in advanced democracies, such exercise does not go without
a few skirmishes here and there.
“Such should not be allowed to derail the electoral process,” MUSWEN, the umbrella body for all Muslim organisatons and the
voice of all Muslims in the South West of Nigeria said.
It stated that the call by
some leaders of thought for the suspension of announcement of the results of the election and “over-emphasising the few grey areas, even while INEC is still in the process of collating the results ” is unfortunate and uncalled for.
“We hereby plead for caution that political leaders should refrain from making statements that may heat up the polity.
“They should rather wait for the outcome of the election results.
“International observers are also urged to exercise restraint in their statements to the press.
“Elections come and go; winners emerge; elected officials serve only four years and go back to the polls.
“It takes only four years to re-elect or change them, based on our assessment of their performance.
“Every participant in a contest for one position cannot win; only one person will emerge victorious at the end.
“Because it is apparent that the candidates of some political gladiators are losing now, they have resorted to discrediting the process, beating drums of discord.
“Nigerians are urged not to be distracted by those inciting statements; rather, we should all remain calm and be not drawn into any unnecessary arguments with people who are disgruntled.
“As leaders of thought, we also urge our political leaders to be cautious in their statements and actions and allow INEC complete its task.
The Muslim group then commended INEC for the successful conduct of the Presidential and National Assembly elections, held on Saturday, 25th February, 2023.
It called on all Nigerians to join hands and cooperate with the INEC as it “puts in its best in ensuring transparency in the process of collating the results.
“We support them with prayers for Allah’s guidance.
“We also urge INEC not to be distracted from carrying out its task as the electoral umpire.
“In cases of dissatisfaction, candidates should seek redress through appropriate channels, rather than issuing inciting statements.
“Nigeria shall continue to be in peace. It is only in an atmosphere of peace that development can thrive. Let grow the country together ,” MUSWEN said in the statement. (vitalnewsngr.com)
