The founder and spiritual head of Shafaudeen in Islam Worldwide, Professor Sabitu Olagoke Ariyo, has condemned the former Head of State and President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, for attempting to truncate the ongoing electoral process as irresponsible.
In a release he signed and made available to journalists, he said that the former president had demonstrated his partisanship by endorsing the Labour Party presidential candidate and warning of dire consequences that could surface should his candidate fail to emerge as the winner.
The religious leader said he has thus forfeited his right of mediation because he has become an impartial arbiter.
According to the release, Chief Obasanjo, who was not known to be an avowed democrat because he once sought a third term in office against the Constitution’s prescriptions and presided over the worst election before leaving office, should allow INEC to complete its constitutional assignment of conducting the election without interference.
It added that if they had genuine grievances, aggrieved contestants or parties could seek redress in court, as prescribed by law.
Prof. Olagoke cautioned that, as no election was perfect, the octogenarian should leave a good legacy behind by erasing the bad memories the public has previously had and up till now.
He advised him to be a good elder statesman by imitating former Presidents and Heads of State who remain neutral and by channelling his advice or grievances through appropriate diplomatic channels, not public letter writing.
The renowned cleric noted that the former president’s letter could set the country on fire, especially now that the youths are angry.
It will be recalled that the former military dictator (Chief Obasanjo) had openly endorsed Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party and threatened fire and brimstone should his preferred candidate lose the elections. as irresponsible the attempt by the former Head of State and President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, to truncate the ongoing electoral process.
