The leading Islamic group in Nigeria, Jama’atu Nasril Islam, JNI, and northern branch of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, have felicitated with President Muhammadu Buhari and all contestants as well as the voters who conducted themselves peacefully during the February 23 elections.
The leader of JNI, Sultan of Sokoto Sa’ad Abubakar III, made the felicitation in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Shaykh Khalid Abubakar, on Sunday in Kaduna.
Mr Abubakar said, “We are grateful to Allah for the peaceful and successful conduct of the 2019 Presidential and National Assembly Elections as well as the subsequent declaration of the winner.
“However, we call on all the political contenders in Nigeria to, in the name Allah, take it easy and sheath their swords as in every contest there will always be a winner and a loser.
“But in this case, all the contestants are the winners, because Nigerians are now beginning to understand the dynamics of politics and democracy.
“Moreover, Nigerians must be in peace with one another before anybody will think of governing the entity called Nigeria, except if he/she thinks otherwise.
The Sultan of Sokoto said that absence of peace was tantamount to state of anarchy which must be avoided no matter the concerns.
“Peace must be embraced by all as Nigeria clearly needs peace for its growth and development and considering that the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are coming up on Saturday.
“We use this medium to appeal to all politicians and their supporters to embrace peace and also be decorous in actions and speeches, before, during and after the elections,” he added.
The Sultan further said that the contestants must not fuel the embers of hatred nor beat the drum of war amongst the peoples.
“So, restraint should be exercised as this is a crucial period for the evolutionary process of the Nigerian state.
“We must all be seen to be statesmen such that we will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the comity of nations.
“Security agencies are implored to redouble their efforts in the discharge of their constitutional responsibility especially during the forthcoming gubernatorial elections,” he stated.
Mr Abubakar said it was high time Nigerians did away with rancour and bitterness while sincere and concerted efforts should be put in place to address insecurity as well as bad governance in Nigeria.
He called on Imams, Islamic scholars and all Muslims to fervently continue with supplications for peace and security to reign in the country.
“This is so because we have clearly seen its result during the just concluded 2019 Presidential and National Assembly Elections,” Mr Abubakar said.
On their part, the Northern Christians said in a letter dated March 1 and signed by their leader, Yakubu Pam, the group said the re-election of the president was endorsement of his “uprightness and transparency in governance” by Nigerians.
“Aware of this victory at a time the people of Nigeria are looking up to you for quality leadership, we urge you double your effort in the fight against insurgency, internal security and corruption in the country.
“Mr President sir, the Bible says to whom much is given, much is expected. We wish to appeal that you continue to be father to all in Nigeria as we look forward to seeing prosperous nation in the next 4 years of your second term in office,” the letter read in part.
