2019: JIBWIS tasks religious leaders on peaceful elections

The National Chairman of the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) Sheikh Sani Jingir has charged Muslims and Christian leaders to work for peace with a view to ensure peaceful conduct of the 2019 general elections.

Sheikh Jingir made the appealed at the closing ceremony of 2018 National Preaching session in Misau on Sunday.

The Islamic Scholar said the leaders of the two religious faiths by their status in society have enormous responsibility in ensuring that peace prevails in their communities.

He appealed to them to encourage their followers on the need for them to eschew anything that is capable of creating conflict and promote peaceful conduct of the forth coming elections.

“We cannot afford to stay aloof or indifferent in this regard, politicians are part of your religion, and many of them actively seek your blessings and wise counsel for their political quests.

“As religious leaders you are well-positioned therefore, to influence them towards conducting themselves with civility and decorum, as is necessary to ensure prevalence of peace in the country, especially during and after the elections.” Jingir said.

While calling on Muslims to partake actively in politics, Jingir added that, “politics is enshrined in religious activities, don’t relent in participation”.

He also appealed to Nigerians to vote for credible candidate during the election, and warned politicians against supporting political thuggery.

Jingir used the medium to call on Nigerian Governors Forum to liaise with President Muhammadu Buhari in order to find lasting solution to the issue of the new National minimum wage.

The JIBWIS national chairman however called on governments at all levels to give special attention to Religious Education in view of its importance to societal re- orientation.

Sheikh Jingir attributed the increasing number of challenges facing the country to lack of government’s attention on religious education.

He said if governments give attention to the sector, it will compliment the efforts of religious bodies towards propagation of their religion.

He said JIBWIS have paid priority attention on organising preaching sessions and establishment of Schools as part of efforts to propagate Islamic activities.

The Bauchi State Chairman, JIBWIS Council of Ulama, Sheikh Salihu Ningi had earlier in a speech commended the State government for the support towards the success of the occasion, stating that religious leaders are committed to preaching peace and tolerance in the society.