Group warns against whipping religious sentiment in Nasawara guber-poll litigation

The Concerned Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Muslim Leader in Nasarawa state, has appealed to politicians to refrain from whipping religious sentiment in the on-going governorship election litigation in the state.

The group made the appeal in a statement issued on Monday and made available to newsmen in Abuja.

In the statement signed by Alhaji Ja’afaru Ibrahim, Spokesman of the group, he alleged that there were plans to use religious tendencies to influence the legal proceedings on the governorship election in the state.

“It has come to our attention that there are ongoing efforts by some individuals, particularly those outside our state, to initiate discussions around religion capable of inflating tension and igniting undue passion.

“These people who have been unknown to our polity and politics are eager to reach out to various interest groups religious leaders, in an attempt to explore the possibility of dividing an otherwise united Nasarawa just for the interest of an individual.

“They even seek the influences of persons along religious lines ahead of the expected appeal of the tribunal judgement, which nullified the election of Governor Abdullahi Sule,” he said.

Ibrahim added: “First and foremost, it is essential to reiterate that religious and all leaders have a sacred duty to uphold the values of faith, ethics, and morality but not division in a multi plural society like Nigeria, most of all, Nasarawa State.

” As leaders, we are called upon to provide guidance, foster unity, and promote goodwill within our communities in particular and Nasarawa State in general”

Ibrahim recalled that on Oct. 2, the Nasarawa State Governorship Election Tribunal nullified the election of the state governor Sule and returned Dr David Ombugadu of the PDP as the duly elected governor.

He also recalled that the governor had appealed the judgment of the tribunal.

According to Ibrahim, after the tribunal judgment, some politicians have engaged in using religious sentiment to throw the state into chaos.

He particularly referred to a statements made by one sheik Mansur Sokoto which he alleged was capable of creating crisis in the state

“We advice him (Sokoto) to be circumspect and speak like a leader and not a war monger.

“Infact, he should restrict his political comments to Sokoto and leave Nasarawa state out of his confused state of mind,” he said

Ibrahim commended religious leaders in the state for their restraint and uncommon goodwill so far.

He enjoined them to stand united in upholding the principles of integrity, impartiality and non- interference in matters of law.

He also appealed to them to become beacons of light and hope, guiding their communities toward a just and harmonious society.