By JIMOH BABATUNDE

The Coordinator of Muslim Support Group for Ambode, Alhaji Tijjani Yusuf has urged Muslims in the state irrespective of their ethnic background to support Mr Akiwunmi Ambode’s aspiration as the next Lagos State governor because of his track records while in service.

Yusuf, a University don made this call in Alausa, recently just as a the Joint Muslim Forum (JMF) a Muslim, non-governmental and non-profit organization with no political affiliation launched a ‘No-hijab-no-vote’ campaign against the ruling party in the state following the judgment of Justice Modupe Onyeabor on in a suit filed by Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, MSSN, Lagos State Area Unit, against the government on the ban on hijab. The judge held that Nigeria’s ‘secular’ nature as provided by Section 10 of the Constitution must be preserved by the government.

Lagos State Governorship Aspirant Mr Akinwumi Ambode (second right), flanked by All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Alhaji Safiriyu Abiodun Sunmola (third right) and others during Ambode declaration for Governor of Lagos at Onikan Stadium

However, the Yusuf before the decision of the JMF, called on Muslims in the state to support Ambode’s aspiration.

He said: “based on prophetic saying we must support a tested leader and here we are supporting Ambode and call on APC delegate to support him.

He said Muslims are enjoined to be in the forefront in social justice , just as they are urged to work with people of faiths like Christians.

The University don said Muslims have roles to play in nation building as security, education and national interest

“The promotion of social justice is germane in Lagos as without social justice there will be no good schools, good public transport, education

“In Lagos we need good schools, roads,housing, and education. And the starting point is electing a good leader.” He said based on prophetic saying Muslims must support a tested leader, “here we are supporting Ambode and call on APC delegates to support him.”

Also speaking at the endorsement, Dr. Mustapha Bello urged Muslims to be tolerant of others as Islam teaches tolerance. While urging Muslims to vote a credible leader, he said Hunger and poverty do not discrimination.

He said while the Muslims want one of then to be governor “but we are not the only one occupying the space.”

Dr. Bello said Muslims will present their demands which include “ hijab for our children and making teaching and learning of religion in our schools compulsory.

Other demands put forward by the group include faith inspired economic program that will reduce distrust in the society; Protection of religious freedom in the society and improving human capital development which they said is not for Muslims alone but for all Lagosians.