A Kwara State based Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Muyideen Hussein, has condemned most elected and appointed office holders in Nigeria for abandoning the electorate as soon as they get to office.
Sheikh Hussein has, therefore, admonished politicians to always spare a thought for the masses, especially the downtrodden, who are currently passing through a difficult time following the removal of petroleum subsidy by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The cleric, who is also the Imam of Offa, gave the condemnation on Wednesday at Ojoku in Oyun local government area of the State at the fidau for late Senator Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim.
Late Ibrahim, who represented the Kwara South Senatorial District in the 8th National Assembly, died on Wednesday last week in an Abuja hospital.
The Imam spoke glowingly about the late politician and urged those in attendance and other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the late Senator’s good virtues and deeds, adding that the deceased bequeathed worthy legacies for his children through landmark achievements in and out of power.
He said; “I call on all politicians seated here today and others across the country to show kindness and love to the masses in case of another day for the masses not to ditch you when you will also need them.
“Rafiu used his positions to affect positively the lives all in Kwara South. This informed the number of monarchs from the district who attended his fidau.”
He condoled with the former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, on the passing of one of his strong allies, adding that: “One of the political trees you planted has fallen. This has indeed left a huge vacuum in the Saraki political dynasty.”
Earlier, in his sermon, Sheikh Suleiman Onikijipa, represented by his younger brother Sheikh Usman Onikijipa, reminded all that death is a necessary evil that would strike unannounced, adding that anybody that is spiritual would always be thankful to God.
Sheikh Onikijipa said that Rafiu’s death was an act of God, adding that: “it is not the number of years one lives that matters but one’s impacts on humanity. Senator Rafiu’s positions and trappings and modernity did not sway him from serving his God.”
Dignitaries at the event included former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki, former Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed, Ex-Speaker of the State House of Assembly Prof Ali Ahmad, serving House of Reps member Yinka Aluko, former Peoples Democratic Party National Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Baraje, Director General National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) Prof. Suleiman Abubakar, former House of Representatives leader Mulikat Akande and traditional rulers across Kwara South senatorial district.