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2019: We’ll support candidates who will ‘carry us along’, Igbo Muslims declare

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2019: We'll support candidates who will 'carry us along', Igbo Muslims declare

South Eastern Muslims Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON), says it will support candidates in the 2019 elections willing to appoint their members into positions of trust.

The group said this in a communiqué issued at the end of its national summit in Enugu.

SEMON urged its members to participate actively in the 2019 elections and urged them to promote unity and peace in Nigeria.

The group alleged marginalisation against their members, saying it is a political strategy that is “counterproductive for the development of Igboland and the nation towards the Southeast project of Nigerian Presidency in 2023.”

They also spoke on their plan to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari, governors of the South-East states, Ohaneze Ndigbo, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Jama’atul Nasiril-Islam (JNI), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria (MUSWEN).

“We reaffirmed our position to participate fully in the 2019 general election and vote for candidates of individual choices, especially those who will carry Igbo Muslims along with appointments into political offices of trust,” they said.

Read also: Osinbajo, Obi dominate as 2019 VP candidates debate

“It was agreed that Ndigbo Muslims contesting for positions in the forthcoming elections be massively supported for success. On this, Ndigbo Muslims should continue to strive for excellence in their private life pursuits and support governments of their respective States and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“For the progress of the Igbo Muslim Ummah, SEMON should continue to advocate for equity and fairness for Igbo Muslims. The organization should cooperate with governmental and non-governmental organizations that mean well for Igboland, for Nigeria and Igbo Muslims.”

The group also spoke on how it wants to be identified and its plans to institute annual lecture.

“They want to be known and addressed, henceforth, as Ndigbo Muslims and in full identification and promotion of Igbo culture, including Igbo dress and language,” they said.

“In connection to this, they plan the institution of leaderships of Ndigbo Muslims in each of the five states of Southeast and of Igboland. This is to have organized leaderships like the Emirs in the North and Obas in the West.

“SEMON plans to institute an Annual Lecture to commemorate the life and achievements of late Sheikh Ibrahim Okpani Nwagui who brought Islam to limelight in Igboland.

“SEMON also encourages intermarriages amongst themselves through adoption of the Sunnah, the practical life of Prophet Muhammad in all aspects of their lives.”

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