31st March, 2015
Damilare Okunola
Following violence that has erupted in some parts of the country during and after last weekend’s election, an Islamic Group under the aegis of Jama-at-ul Islamiyya of Nigeria, has condemned the recent attacks of Islamic insurgent group, Boko Haram on Nigerians, and warned the youths against post election violence, especially those in the northern part of the country.
President of the group, Alhaji Fasasi Gbagba, who spoke during the group’s recent Triennial National Delegates Conference held in Ilupeju, Lagos, disclosed that the results of the election should not bring discord among Nigerians.
He therefore called on the appropriate bodies to ensure that the lives of its citizens are being protected from destructive acts of the islamic extremists as well as electoral malpractices.
“We should all shun violence that may erupt from post election crisis. Parents should warn their children to stay away from violence.
“The Jamaat condemns violence and continuous killing of innocent people and hereby sympathise with those who have lost their loved ones and properties in this process.
“I am also appealing to Nigerians to continue living in peaceful co-existence with other beings irrespective of their race, colour or religion. Let us also train our children good morals so that they will not be used by enemies of progress.
Asked if the group were among those who rejected President Goodluck Jonathan’s invitation to a meeting in Lagos last month, the group noted that it did not get any invitation, so the issue of rejection never came up.
According to Mrs. F. Okunola, who spoke on behalf of the group, “as far as I know, there was no invitation by anybody so the issue of rejection did not come up. Moreover, this group remains non-partisan as our members cut across every divide.
“We would never have been party to endorsement or rejection of any candidate because we have members in virtually all the political parties.”
The newly elected executive council of the group to run her affairs for the next three years include Architect Taofik O. Agbaje, President; Alh.Sakariyau Agarawu, first Vice President; Justice S. O. Goodluck, second Vice President; Alh. M. A. Shittu, General Secretary; Bro. R. Sulaimon, first assistant General Secretary; Bro I. ADEIGBE, second General Secretary; Alh. I. D. Mustapha, Publicity Secretary and six ex-officials.