*MICA KADUNA CALLS FOR PEACEFUL GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION IN KADUNA STATE*

MICA Islamic Centre for Awareness (MICA) Kaduna State chapter calls on well meaning Muslims and indeed residents of Kaduna State to embrace peace rather than making the forthcoming gubernatorial/State Assembly elections an affair in loggerheads.

Our attention has been drawn to all plethora of unsavoury messages flying across social media platforms aimed at causing mischief, mistrust and division.

MICA will not fold its arms and allow political events of these few days slide us into an uncontrollable state of anarchy.

The enemies of peace are at it again,hell bent on actualizing their evil agenda and it is to disunite the ummah using politics as a weapon of division. It's worthy of note that, the two leading contenders in the 9th March 2019 gubernatorial election in the state are Muslims and indeed our brothers.

No thanks to religious leaders who have had to set their followers on a collision course with a view to scoring cheap political points. The Muslims are but brothers. Democracy is not the Muslim style of leadership system, we have our unique system of governance devoid of unnecessary rancor and bickering but Muslims all over the world where democracy is practised consider it the least evil and the need to present leaders who will not stop us from our worship are the reasons among others that account for our participation in the democratic process.

Therefore, we must not make their political contention a source of disintegration to the ummah rather an avenue to solidify our unity and oneness. We must remain calm and be careful not to fall into the trap of the enemies of peace.

We can't claim to be unaware of the dangerous messages churned out in recent times by the Christian Association of Nigeria,(CAN) Kaduna Chapter and their co-travellers, Southern Kaduna People's Union (SOKAPU) whose dangerous but deliberate,acerbic and inciting messages have gone viral and has far-reaching security implication of mistrust, hate and anti-progress. This is not a recipe for peaceful coexistence. It is indeed irresponsible, unpatriotic and self-serving behaviour. We call on them to desist from this untowards act

Dear Muslim brothers and sisters, it's our right to choose the best leadership that will pilot the affairs of the state for the next four years, let's do it with high level of decorum and sagacity given that the two leading contenders are Muslims and knowing full well that a vote for one is a vote against the other.

We also encourage you to file out in your numbers and cast your ballots with the fear of Allah and of course with the hope of having an egalitarian society where commerce, industry and the rule of law reign supreme. As a people, we can't ask for less than the above .

We encourage you not to be one of those who will cast aspersions against your brothers. The prophet of Islam, Muhammad (SAW) had in several of his traditions warned against backbiting and slander.

In view of this, we condemn in strong terms hate speeches flying about in both social and traditional media platforms aimed at setting us on a collision course with ourselves or people of other faith who have shown indifference in the whole political gameplay.

Esteemed brethren, as we enter the election week let's comport ourselves, let's not be seen engaging in unhealthy political arguments, vote the best candidate, their credentials are in the public domain to help us make informed decisions.

Vote wisely! Say No to violence! May we all be hugely favoured by our Creator.

In the days ahead, we shall engage the government on issues relating to education, health and social well-being. Jazakumllahu Khayran!

Asalam alaikum warahmatullah wabarakatuh

*Signed:* *Abu Ni'imah*

*General Secretary*