Economy: Cleric solicits support for Buhari

From Ahmad Ibrahim Lokoja

Nigerians have been urged to support the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in its determined efforts to put the country on sound economic pedestal.
The Kogi State Chairman of the Council of Ulamau, Sheikh Salman Adam made the appeal yesterday in Lokoja at a celebration to mark the commencement of a new Islamic calendar.
He pointed out that the nation was passing through hard times with different challenges, adding however that with support of all
Nigerians to the present administration, the hurdles would be overcome.
He further thanked Allah for granting the President sound health recovery, and happy return to his duty post, saying they glorified Him for answering the prayers of the citizens, and blessing us with abundant human and natural resources.
The Islamic cleric therefore stressed the need for Nigerians to continue to live in peace and tolerate one another, irrespective of ethnic or religious differences, saying no development can take place under rancour and acrimony.
Delivering a lecture titled “The Gist of Leadership and Followership in Islam”, the former Grand Khadi of Kwara State Shariah Court of Appeal, Sheikh Salihu Muhammad emphasized the need for leaders at all levels to be alive to their responsibilities, as they shall be called upon to account for their actions on the day of judgement.
He noted that a leader should be prepared to serve the followers with sincerity, honesty, humility and selflessness, even as he must be ready to lead by example, thereby earning the trust and confidence of the followers.
He disclosed that failure of effective or purposeful leadership is traceable to poor selection or election of men or women to stir the ship, maintaining that failed leadership is experienced in the absence of fear of Allah, which often results to poor planning, diversion of resources among others.
The scholar therefore enjoined Nigerians to have a change of attitude towards their leaders, even as he stressed the need for the leaders to reciprocate by creating conducive environment for good governance based on honesty, trust, sincerity and fear of Allah.
Highlights of the occasion were the inauguration of a 29-member two components state Zakat Committee chaired by Alhaji Suleiman Baba Ali for better service delivery.