DistantNews

Islamic cleric joins Zamfara gov’ship race

From The Punch · (1d ago) English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Dr AbdulMutallib Mohammad Gusau has joined the Zamfara State governorship race under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
  • Gusau stated his decision to enter politics stems from a belief in leading by example and addressing the nation's current challenges.
  • He pledged to tackle security issues and poverty in Zamfara, criticizing the current administration's performance.

Zamfara State is witnessing a unique political development as Sheikh Dr AbdulMutallib Mohammad Gusau, a respected Islamic scholar, enters the governorship race under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). His decision to transition from religious scholarship to active politics underscores a deep concern over the current state of affairs in Nigeria and specifically within Zamfara.

I am an Islamic cleric who have been preaching for over a period of time, and I decided to join politics in order to lead by example, as people say ‘action speaks lauder than words.’

— Sheikh Dr AbdulMutallib Mohammad GusauExplaining his motivation for entering politics.

Sheikh Gusau articulated that his motivation for joining politics is to "lead by example," emphasizing that actions speak louder than words. He expressed profound disappointment with the prevailing living conditions and the pervasive security challenges plaguing Zamfara. Gusau specifically criticized the current administration for failing to address joblessness and insecurity, despite promises made during the election campaign.

The administration of Governor Dauda Lawal has yet to tackle security challenges and joblessness affecting our people despite his campaign promise of ending insecurity within three months in office.

— Sheikh Dr AbdulMutallib Mohammad GusauCriticizing the performance of the current Zamfara state government.

With a vow to bring positive change, Sheikh Gusau aims to tackle the pressing issues of insecurity and poverty head-on. He believes that his leadership, guided by Islamic principles and a commitment to accountability in the hereafter, will usher in a new era for the state. Gusau also sees the ADC as the most viable platform for effecting meaningful change in Nigeria, urging his supporters to join the party in its mission to rescue the country from potential disintegration.

By the grace of God, I will change the narrative within the short period of time I emerge as governor of the state if i happen to be in power.

— Sheikh Dr AbdulMutallib Mohammad GusauExpressing confidence in his ability to bring positive change to Zamfara.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.