By Monsuru Olowoopejo & Aderonke Adeyeri

•Warn against ‘No hijab, No vote’ idea

A Muslim group, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Nigeria, has lamented that the affiliation of religious leaders to political parties has reduced their efficiency to address issues affecting the country.

Amir of group, Dr. Mashhud Fashola who made the complain at the group’s secretariat, Ojokoro, Lagos, weekend, said “If religious bodies are serious, they can proffer solution to the challenges confronting the country.

“But lot of this religious organisations and their leaders have affiliated themselves to one political party or the order.

He warned that “they need to desist from this,”because rather than control the politicians on how best to provide the dividend of democracy, they become followers of the politicians.

According to him, “No matter how bad a public office is, religious leaders still go ahead to pray for him rather than admonish him.”

He also seized the opportunity to advice Muslims to desist from any anti democracy slogan like no hijab, no election. “hijab is one of many issues that concerns Islam. We should understand we can only fight against laws that are anti-Islam when we exercise our voting rights, to bring to power people who will have the fear of Almighty Allah and the love of the masses at mind “.

Also speaking, Dr. Saheed Timehin said “If Muslim and Christian leaders unite, they would be able to impact on the populace and give the people the required direction.

“Religious leaders are the only one who always address congregation of people with different background,” adding that their affiliation to politics is alarming.

According to him, “Few weeks ago, we were invited by a political party for their rally. But we didn’t attend because it would look as if one is sanctioning one person or candidate ahead of others.