A head 2019 General Election- Sultan of Sokoto Sends Message to Nigerians

The Sultan of Sokoto and president general of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on Nigerians to go get their voter’s card ready to elect leaders of their choice in the forthcoming 2019 general elections.

According to the sultan, people can only have a say in what the leaders do, only by getting their voter’s card.

Speaking on Saturday, March 3, during the closing ceremony of the 32nd National Qur’anic Recitation competition organized by Centre for Islamic Studies, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto and hosted by the Katsina state, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar said: “It is only through your voter’s card that you can challenge your leaders and also have a say in what they do.”

Also speaking, the governor of Katsina state, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari, faulted the Almajiranci system. He said it has no basis in Islam.

“The practice of the Almajirai is far from being a reflection of Islamic ideals. The Almajirai are erroneously linked to Islamic education. Aged between four and 15 years, the Almajirai are engaged more in seeking sustenance for themselves than in learning the Qur’an. They are exposed, exploited and abused and many of them become involved in crimes. Islam does not encourage begging,” Governor Masari said.

Amina Aliyu Mohd from Borno state and Amiru Yunus Guru from Bauchi state emerged as the overall winners in the competition which had about 250 reciters. They were awarded with brand new cars, Hajj seats and other cash donations.

Gombe state will be hosting the the 33rd edition of the competition slated for next year.

Earlier the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) decried the lack of commitment by Nigerians to collect their Permanent Voters' Cards (PVCs). The Kogi state chapter of the association said it is worrisome that about eight million Nigerians are yet to collect their PVCsfrom many collection centres across Nigeria.

The CAN chairman of the state chapter, Bishop John Ibenu, there is need for Independent National Electoral Commission to step up sensitisation campaign and enlightenment for the people.