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Eschew Violence, Politicians Told

This Day (Lagos)
NEWS
January 16, 2005
Posted to the web January 18, 2005

By Lily Ayim
Lagos
Out-going Amir of The Muslim Congress (TMC), Abu Umar Al-Faruq has carpeted
politicians in the country over their ignorance of the virtue and essence of
leadership which has often resulted into a "do-or-die" affair.
He said politicians ought to strive to please the masses and do away with the
taking of lives in their quest to secure office, noting that leadership
constitute a trust which must be accounted for and that it is not a birth
right.
He spoke during his farewell address at the handing over ceremony/11th Annual
National Congress of the association held at the Lagos State Model College,
Meiran, Lagos.
His words, "leadership is a trust, a grave responsibility, its consequence do
not end here, we shall still account before Allah."
While noting that the country is endowed with abundant human and natural
resources, he said it is nonetheless a paradox that its people are still
"condemned to pauperisation."
He, however, urged religious leaders especially muslims to see the need to be
consciously involved in the affairs of the nation.
"They should be available to provide guidance to the nation and prevent a drift
towards anarchy and disintegration. I impore our members to be forthcoming in
this regard and to prepare for the leadership role for which they have been
groomed for so long, "Al-faruq stated.
He also expressed gratitude to members for their support and co-operation in
his entire tenure and called for prayers against harsh political and economic
policies of governments, multi-nationals and malicious international
organisations.
In his acceptance speech, the new Amir of the congress, Abdul Sadiq Atitebi,
attributed the growth and success of the group to Allah who he said have wormed
the heart of the people to be committed to the promotion of the organisation's
interests stressing that his predecessor has set an enviable record, a standard
that must be maintained.
While soliciting support and co-operation from members he argued that the task
of lifting the congress higher and surpassing the standard that has been set as
well as fulfilling the wishes and aspirations of the muslims should be a
collective duty, adding that "the success or failure shall be ours together."

   

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