Legitimacy is the support and acceptance given to an individual who is genuinely w toanted by the people.*
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Ogun State Chapter, has expressed deep concern over the increasingly hostile nature of political engagements in Ogun State as the 2027 general elections draw closer.
MURIC cautions politicians and political actors against the use of abusive, inflammatory and provocative language capable of creating tension, violence and unnecessary conflict among the people of the state.*
The current trend which is characterised by hostile words, and phrases is an immature political adventure that could have dangerous consequences if not checked immediately.
It reads:
The Islamic human rights organisation, MURIC, Ogun State Chapter, expresses serious concern over the volatile political atmosphere in Ogun State as the 2027 general elections approach.
*We believe that intellectual discourse, quality manifestos, political maturity, issue-based campaigns and genuine concern for the welfare of the masses should be the major priorities of every political aspirant and political party.*
*Unfortunately, political campaigns in Ogun State appear to be increasingly marked with personal attacks and hot exchanges among politicians. Social media platforms are already filled with responses, counter-responses and heated exchanges between political actors and their supporters.*
We ask: Is this the kind of politics Ogun State wants to present to the world?
The international community is watching Nigeria. Ogun State has a reputation to protect. Political competition should not become a battlefield where individuals seek to destroy one another rather than present ideas and programmes capable of improving the lives of citizens.
*The most pathetic aspect of this development is the way Nigerian youths are continually recruited into the political machinery for violence, confrontation and social disruption while many of the politicians who mobilise them have children enjoying quality education, international exposure and global opportunities. We assert that our youths deserve better.*
Since independence on 1 October 1960, politicians have continued to campaign around many of the same promises: quality education, electricity, good roads, employment, agriculture, poverty reduction and improved welfare.
Yet, decades later, millions of Nigerians still struggle with basic necessities. Many families find it difficult to provide adequate meals, while some communities continue to experience poor roads, inadequate infrastructure and limited economic opportunities.
*This raises a fundamental question:*
*Why have we continued to recycle the same promises without achieving the desired transformation?*
Another worrying development is the increasing tendency of some youths to attack or confront people simply because they do not support the same political party or candidate.
Political disagreement should never become a justification for violence.
*Who has done this to us?*
Is this the history we want to pass on to our children?
*Why should political differences divide brothers, friends, neighbours and communities?*
Why should Nigerian politics continue to rely on division rather than constructive engagement?
Many Nigerians are desperate to leave the country at all costs. Some young) people are pushed into political thuggery and violence by poverty, unemployment, frustration and manipulation.
Political leaders must therefore recognise that the youth are not weapons to be deployed during elections; they are the future of Ogun State and Nigeria.
MURIC Ogun State chapter therefore calls on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting the peace of Ogun State.
*Security agencies must act professionally, impartially and within the law. They must not allow themselves to be used to intimidate citizens, suppress legitimate political expression or protect individuals who do wrong merely because they occupy positions of power.*
We urge all political parties, aspirants, supporters and political commentators to return to issue-based politics.
*Let candidates tell the people what they intend to do about education, healthcare, employment, infrastructure, agriculture, security, youth development and the economy.*
Let the people judge the ideas. Let the people choose freely.
Political legitimacy should come from the support and acceptance of the people, not from intimidation, violence, abusive language or political manipulation.
As we draw the curtain on this statement, we remind all stakeholders that:
*When “I” becomes “WE”, illness becomes wellness; when division becomes unity, society becomes stronger; and when political competition becomes constructive service, democracy becomes meaningful.*
Signed,
*Ustaadh Tajudeen Jimoh Alao.*
*Chairman, MURIC, Ogun State Chapter*
*Ambassador Olaleye Rasheed Damilare*
*Secretary, MURIC, Ogun State Chapter.*
No comments:
Post a Comment