Don't Engage in Post-Election Violence, Cleric Urges Muslim Youths

A Muslim cleric and Chief Imam of Rexton Mosque, Ikoyi, Lagos state, Sheikh Ibrahim Usman, Sunday advised Muslim youths in the country to refrain from perpetrating violence irrespective of the candidate that wins the presidential elections.

Usman gave the advice in Sokoto during a preaching session organised in commemoration of the doctorate degree in transportation awarded to Chairman of Mohtabe Holdings, Dr. Mohammed Ta

hir Bello, by the Ogun State University.

He stressed the need for Muslim youth to avoid violence during the general election and even after the announcement of results, stressing that violence only creates suffering and misery.

The cleric maintained that politics is not a do or die affair and that only God gives power to whoever He wishes.

According to him, political violence only works in favour of bad leaders and leads to retrogression and backwardness.

"I am aware that there is tension in the polity because of the forthcoming election but please, you should avoid violence, don't allow yourself to be used by people to vandalise vehicles, burn houses and attack your fellow Muslim brothers in the name of politics because u does nobody any good.

"Boko Haram insurgency started with the use of youths who were deceived, paid some money, radicalised and indoctrinated with the belief that it would further bring them closer to God but look at how that has generated into a big problem in the country.