Islamic scholars urged to engage in active politics

BY ALIYU DANGIDA

DUTSE — Islamic scholars have been urged to participate in active politics to improve the society rather than remaining passive only to blame politicians for the country’s predicaments.

Special Adviser to the Jigawa State Governor on Religious and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Isa  Bahutu made the call while speaking at the closing ceremony of a four day workshop for First Aid members of the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa’iqamatis Sunnah, JIBWIS, in Dutse, the state capital.

He said: “It is not enough for religious clerics to confine themselves within the circle of criticism. They should also participate in active politics so as to contest elective positions like any other person.”

Bahutu stressed that it was not in doubt that religious leaders were desirous of change in the polity but warned that the change may only come through their participatory roles in the country’s democracy.

According to him, it was improper for some clerics to perceive politicians as thieves but fail to join politics to effect changes in the system.

On his part, the National Chairman of JIBWIS, Malam Abdullahi Lau regretted the inability to provide the voluntary service organisation which operates under emergency situations with a single ambulance or utility vehicle, to assist in conveying accident victims to the hospital.