The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA has commended the leadership and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC for their display of professionalism in the conduct of the recently concluded presidential and national assembly elections on 25 February 2023, despite the daunting challenges experienced.
In a statement signed by council’s Deputy Secretary-General, Professor Salisu Shehu and Director of Administration Zubairu Haruna Usman-Ugwu, the council welcomed the innovations introduced by INEC, especially the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems, BVAS which has not only improved the electoral process but also added to the credibility of the results.
Meanwhile, the Council said it has observed with serious concern the high level of unsubstantiated claims, threats and incitements emanating from certain quarters of the country, consequent to the declaration of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the 2023 presidential election.
Unsubstantiated claims
Meanwhile, the Council said it has observed with serious concern, high level of unsubstantiated claims, threats and incitements emanating from certain quarters of the country, consequent to the declaration of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the 2023 presidential election.
Excercise decorum
According to the Council, the level of the unwarranted provocation and unnecessary heating up of the polity, which were capable of creating disunity and threatening the security of Nigerian is worrisome therefore appeals to all Nigerians to exercise decorum, be peaceful, prayerful and law-abiding in the face of the current unwarranted provocations.
The Council also call 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.
He was referring to those who have continued to fan the embers of disunity and discord in the country.
NSCIA also called on politicians who feel aggrieved by the outcome of the elections to seek redress through appropriate legal channels as provided 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.”
The Council once again called 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 18 gubernatorial and state assembly elections. The Commissions should do everything within its powers to address the challenges it faced during the February 25 election so as to prevent a reoccurrence.”
It enjoins all well-meaning Nigerians, national and international organisations to join hands with INEC in the task of bringing about new leadership to administer the affairs of Nigeria 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 of political, religious or ethnic should be robustly resisted.”
Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA is the apex body superintending the affairs of Islam and Muslims in Nigeria, under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa-ad Abubakar the 3rd.
Lateefah Ibrahim
