Sheikh Yayi-Akorede
The Chief Imam of Akure, Alhaji Abdulhakeem yayi Akorede has called on politicians in Nigeria to eschew politics of bitterness in the interest of the country's development.
Alhaji Yayi-Akorede made the call at the central eid ground in Akure, the Ondo state capital.
He said the call became imperative to avoid a repeat of violence that often marr elections in the country noting that such undemocratic acts are serious setbacks for Nigeria's fragile democracy.
He therefore warned political players in Edo and Ondo states to avoid any act that could undermine the credibility and fairness of the fast approaching governorship elections in the two states.
According to him, "Politics should not be seen as a do-or-die affairs. Others should cooperate with whoever emerges the winner or go to tribunal as a means of resolving the issue instead of resorting to violence".
The cleric could not but re-echo the need for participating political parties in the November 26 governorship election in Ondo state to consider Muslim for running mate in the interest of equity and fairness.
"I want to particularly advise the politicians in Ondo state to ensure that they are just in the election and subsequent adoption of any candidate in their shadow elections so that no one of the two notable religions in the state is relegated to the lowest Webb in order to sustain the relative peace , love and tranquility we have been enjoying in the state.
"On this note, I want to say categorically that justice and equity should be your watchwords in any election and endorsement of your gubernatorial candidate and his/her running mate. I therefore enjoined those political parties to look for Muslim as their running mates so that they can enjoy the full support of the Muslims in the state", he said.
While acknowledging the untold hardship in the country, Akorede urged president Mohammadu buhari to come up with necessary solutions to cushion the sufferings of Nigerians.
Congratulating faithful for witnessing this year's celebration, the chief Imam urged them to imbibe the lessons that eid el kabir teaches.
Highpoint of the event was the symbolic slaughtering of ram.
In an interview, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladekusi Aladetoyinbo and other faithful stressed the need for adherents to be united and imbibe the teachings of the season.
