Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has appealed to Nigerians to remain calm and await INEC’s final declaration of presidential election results, while tasking Federal Government and security agencies to remain alert in ending any form of insurrection.
Speaking in a press statement signed by its Secretary General, Sheikh Khalid Aliyu in Kaduna on Tuesday, JNI said the resultant inflammatory statements and venomous commentaries being peddled by different interests following the ongoing announcement of results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is tantamount to overheating the polity.
JNI however tasked those who have grievances or did not agree with the outcome of the polls to follow the procedures laid down in the Constitution and Electoral Act in seeking redress.
“Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has observed with serious concern the most unfolding events arising from the collation of the 2023 general elections results and the resultant inflammatory statements and venomous commentaries being peddled, which tantamount to overheating the polity. We strongly believe that there are processes and procedures provided by the constitution and the electoral act for those who disagree with the outcome of the election result process wholly or partly to seek for redress.
“We would equally like to remind all political gladiators that there must be a secured and peaceful Nigeria first and foremost before it is well-governed, which they all are surprisingly aiming at. As a religious body we have noted with serious concern how some politicians and even some religious figures are bent on scuttling the process with their misguided inciting utterances and threat which are anti critical ethos. Bullying aren’t the way to go in a democratic setting.
“However, we call for caution and restraint from all stakeholders in
the 2023 general elections and that peace must not be jeopardized for
the selfish interest from which self appointed messiah of Nigeria
must therefore all rise to the occasion to avoid the breakdown of law
and order. The Federal Government through its relevant agencies should
be at alert, and swiftly act against all forms of actions and utterances capable of jeopardizing the fragile peace we are enjoying. We strongly call on all security outfits and the general public not to have their guards lowered or relaxed, due to the current apprehension deliberately done.
“Government must do everything possible to make categorical statement against any form of insurrection. On the other hand, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should go ahead with its statutory duties, with all sense of patriotism and due diligence until the electoral process is concluded. INEC should be reminded that its loyalty should be to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not any vested interests.
“Meanwhile, Muslims must not relent in fervent prayers to Allah, for His apt intervention with total calm, peace and security, while Nigerians are implored to ignore all those calling us to insurrections in disguise or any other subtle attempt to undermine the will of the people, as there would not be development without peace and security, which we all yearn for,” JNI said.
