Oyo Muslims declare support for Ajimobi’s re-election
The Oyo State Muslim Community has thrown its weight behind the second term ambition of Governor Abiola Ajimobi, whom they described as a promise keeper.
The Muslim Community, the umbrella body for all muslim societies in the state, epxreesed the support during an imteractuve session with the governor, at the Bodija Central Mosque, Ibadan, on Tuesday.
The Chairman of the community, Alhaji Kunle Sanni, and the Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria, Prof. Dawud Noibi, spoke on behalf of the muslim societies at the occasion.
Sanni hinged the group’s support for Ajimobi’s re-election on what he called the unprecedented achievements of the governor since he came on board in 2011, which the body said had transformed the state beyond their expectation.
He lauded the governor for the fulfillment of the promises he made to muslims in the state during a similar meeting with the community before the 2011 governorship election.
The muslim leader particularly commended the governor for ensuring the enthronement of peace and security, which, according to him, had eluded the state before Ajimobi came on board.
Sanni said, “We all knew that insecurity and violent disturbances enveloped the length and breadth of the state before you became the governor. These have given way for pervading peace and security during your tenure.
“We want to specially commend you for this feat. We urge you not to relent on your efforts in this regard. We are also happy with you for promoting freedom of religion and worship in line with Section 38 of the Constitution.
“The Muslim Community in Oyo State will support your second term ambition, because you are a promise keeper. You granted all the requests we made before the 2011 election and we are confident that you will do more if given another chance to rule the state.”
Responding, to the requests by the community, the governor said it was by the grace of God that he was able to ensure religious harmony in the state despite being a Muslim.
In response to one of the fresh demands by the muslim leaders, Ajimobi directed his Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adebayo Ojo, to ensure that a Sharia-compliant judges were appointed for the Customary Courts.
The community had specifically requested for such judge to enhance amicable resolution of disputes among couples, in order to reduce the high incidence of divorce at the customary courts.
Ajimobi also commended the Muslim community for being more open to dialogue and amicable resolution whenever dispute arose between the Muslim Ummar and the state government.
The governor said, “I must first appreciate you for your support since I became governor. I also solicit your support for my reelection in the coming election. Having praised me for what you said I have done, I urge Muslims to rally behind me.
“In response to your demands, we will work out the modalities for the teaching of Arabic Studies in public schools. We need to sit together with members of the State Inter-religious Committee and work things out.
Governor Ajimobi commended the Muslim Community for constantly engaging in dialogue as a means of expressing their feelings and making their demands.