~ Says council will no more condone such impudence
From Umar Dankano, Yola
The chairman Muslim Council of Nigeria,
Adamawa state branch, Alhaji Gambo Jika has revealed that Muslim faithfuls in some local government areas of the state are forcefully prevented from exercising their franchise in previous elections in the state vowing to resist such illegality in the future.
In a no holds barred interview with newsmen over the weekend in Yola, the chairman noted that the reprehensible and disgusting act has been taking place in the past noting that this time they will vehemently resist such malpractice.
When asked to mention the names of the local governments and those behind the action, Jika said he will make such revelations in the nearest future if nothing is done to address the gross injustice.
He said it is the height of impunity for a large group of people to be forcefully disenfranchised on account of their religion in a plural and participatory democracy like Nigeria.
Jika said Muslims residing in christian dominated areas always suffer such deliberate injustice by non state actors using local vigilante operatives and armed thugs.
The chairman who spoke in Hausa noted that, “in some of these communities where our members are in the minority, our people are being subjected to all manner of intimidation and harassment to the extent of sending them to their homes denying them their rights to vote on election days.
“We the Muslims Council of Adamawa state summoned this meeting purposely to discuss and proffer solutions to some the challenges facing us in the state and Nigeria as a whole especially on the ongoing voter’s registration which has been turned to a war like situation.
“There are many places in some local governments in the state where Muslims are not allowed to go and vote even after being registered. In some cases, unpatriotic vigilante groups are used to harass our people not to go polling centres in their communities.
“We have it on record that, these shenanigans have occurred in previous elections but we will resist any attempt henceforth. We call on security agencies, traditional leaders and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure people are allowed to cast their votes or register without any molestation.
“We will never tolerate such delibrate manipulation and whoever think he has such monopoly should try it. We want nothing but justice.
“Before, there are local governments in which Muslims emerge as chairmen and Christians deputize them. Now the situation has been distorted to the extent that even Muslim dominated local governments have been taken over by such zealots.
“It is on record that there is no local government in Adamawa that does not have three wards dominated by Muslims and I challenge anyone to bring a counter narrative.
“But despite the relative size of our population in the christian dominated local governments, it is always a Christian-christian ticket. Henceforth, we will reject such posture. If you want us to vote you from now, you should treat us with equity and fairness because we will never vote for the enemy of peace and justice again.”
Jika thanked governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for his commitment to enduring peace just as he thanked the governor for his support to Muslim pilgrims this year.
“We are agents of peace and will work with anyone who wants the prevalence of justice in our dear state,” he added
He called on the state government and security agencies to as a matter of utmost importance address the alleged malpractice noting that if not tackled with the seriousness it deserves, the situation can degenerate into crisis.
Jika further admonished all and sundry to come out and register to enable them beat the additional two weeks announced by INEC ahead of the 2023 elections.
Reacting to the development, Director General on media and Communications to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Solomon Kumagar said the issue is a sensitive one in nature and needed more time to find out before commenting on it.
Also commenting, the spokesman of the Adamawa state police command, S.P Suleiman Nguroje said that he hasn’t been briefed on such development yet promising to cross check and get back to this reporter but couldn’t do so up to the time of filing in this report.
In a reply to our reporter through SMS, the Resident Electoral Commissioner Of INEC in Adamawa, Barr. Kashim Gaidam said he is not aware of such development.
“Which LG and which Officer is blocking them? All our Officers are known.
Also note that one can register anywhere to vote anywhere of his or her choice,” he said.
