The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, on Sunday urged religious leaders in the country to refrain from casting aspersions on political leaders but should always advise them on the need to provide good governance for the benefit of the citizens.
The monarch made the plea at the launch of At-Tajdid Newspaper and Islamic Centre organised by Jama’atut Tajdidil Islamy (JTI) at Giginya Stadium, Sokoto.
According to him, there was the need for religious leaders to avoid abusing politicians but should rather advise them to work for the interest of Nigerians.
“I think religious leaders should guard their utterances and avoid casting aspersion on political leaders in the country.
“They should always advise them on the need to fear God in their dealings and ensure good governance for the benefit of the people,” the monarch said.
The monarch to this end, cautioned politicians against overheating the polity ahead of the general election but should strive hard to improve the living standard of the people.
He expressed optimism that the 2015 general election would be conducted peacefully in the country.
The Sultan noted that the establishment of At-Tajdid Newspaper would help in disseminating the activities of Islamic organisations and the Sultanate Council to Muslims in the country.
He pointed out that the newspaper would enable Muslims acquire information on Islamic principles and issues that affect the Muslim ummah.
He therefore, charged Islamic scholars across the country, to make valuable contributions to At-Tajdid Newspaper and write articles on issues pertaining to Islam.
In a remark, Governor Aliyu Wamakko, called on Nigerians to vote wisely and elect credible leaders that would ensure positive change in the polity.
He said it was only by doing so that the desired change could be attained in the country.
“Nigerians are in dire need of a strong leader that will ensure good governance and justice to all Nigerians and I hope if our people vote wisely, the security challenge bedeviling the country will be a thing of the past,” Wamakko stressed.
Also speaking, the National President of Jama’atut Tajdidil Islamy (JTI), Mr. Abubakar Muhammad Mujahid, said most of the newspapers in the country are owned by Christians and as such were disseminating falsehood against Islam.
He maintained that it was in view of the need to correct such false messages that the organisation decided to set up At-Tajdid Newspaper.
“Jama’atut Tajdidil Islamy decided to establish At-Tajdid newspaper in order to correct such wrong impression and false messages against Islam in the media and enlighten Muslims on issues that affect their lives,” he added.
THISDAY gathered that over N100 million was realised during the appeal fund for the At-Tajdid Newspaper.
