In furtherance of the activities marking the June 12, the Nigeria’s Democracy Day, the Federal Government of Nigeria organized a special lecture and Juma’at prayer to celebrate the day and use the opportunity to offer prayer to the growth and development of the country.
In a lecture titled ” Democracy, Governance in a Multi Religious Society” delivered by the Director Research and Training, Da’wah Institute, Ustaz Muhammad Nurudeen Lemu, at the National Mosque, Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Dr Lemu urged Muslims to emulate Prophet Muhammed when it comes to the issue of justice, according to the Guest lecturer, “Prophet Muhammed is a man of justice and he stands for justice anywhere any time. You have to stand for justice even if it is against you.”
Lemu advised Muslim to vote for the candidate who they are convinced that will bring justice and fair play in the administration of their country, Nigeria. He said, “Vote with justice and conscience not minding the religion, tribe or colour of the candidate. If you are exercising your franchise, votes wisely. If all the aspirants have record of corruption or tyranny, do not vote them. The person who can perform the task ahead of him should be our major concern and should be the candidates to be voted for.”
He warned politicians stop using religion in their quest to acquire power, “Politicians in their quest to acquire power, should refrain from using religion as a tool of oppression, disunity and war.”
He called on Religious leaders to make make moves to get involved in politics as they have potential that could make them leaders who have the fear of God and service to humanity.
Even more, political leaders should seek to secularize their policies and show neutrality at all times in reli-
gious affairs. Religious particularism should be shelved.
According to him, “This is possible since Christianity and Islam have a lot of similarities than dissimilarities. If all these are adhered to and taken into consideration then religion and politics in Nigeria could interact positively inspite of the pluralistic nature of the country.”
In his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha enjoined Nigeria to have trust and join hands with the government to move the country forward. According to him, he said, “In the absence of mutual trust, ignorance, stereotype and misunderstanding they are all representatives of threat to peaceful co-existence of Nigeria.
He however thanked the leadership of Muslim Ummah at all level in partnering with government to promote peace and for taking positive actions, most especially the leadership of National Inter-religions Council (NAIREC), the President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and the President of Christian Association of Nigeria. They have demonstrated exemplary leadership and commitments to stability of this country.
The lecture was followed by Special Jumaat prayer while leading the prayer at the National Mosque, the Chief Imam of the national mosque, Dr. Ibrahim Muqari, called on Nigerians to continue to pray for the peace and security of the country.
He further prayed for peace, end of banditry, insurgency, and sustainable development of the country in all facets of human endeavor.
The Cleric advised Nigerians irrespective of their political affiliations to intensify prayers for the nation’s democracy to thrive.
The cleric also stressed the need for public office holders to uphold justice and fairness while governing their followers.
While noting that, Nigeria had experience a series of conflicts which caused many people lives and properties advised the citizens to pray for the country as 2023 General election is approaching to avoid any conflict that could put the country into war.
He urged the government to invest more on education and strengthen skills acquisition for the youths to be independent even after graduation.
Some of the dignitaries who witness the special lecture and Juma’at prayer include, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, the representative of Sultan of Sultan of Sokoto, the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar rtd. GCFR, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, FCT Minister, Malam Muhammed Musa Bello, at the Nigerian Ruling Party, 2023 general election presidential candidate, Alhaji Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Heads of security agencies, politicians, members of the national assembly, traditional Leaders amongst others.