LEADER of the Conscience Forum of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hon. Moshood Salvador, on Sunday hosted a Ramadan lecture and zakat distribution organised by the group.
The event, held at Salvador Tower in Surulere, drew thousands of members and chieftains from the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs) across Lagos State.
Delivering a lecture on unity and misconceptions about Islam, the guest speaker, Sheikh Abdul-Mumin Seriki, urged Muslims to remain united and show tolerance toward adherents of other faiths.
He described Salvador as “an uncommon politician whose heart is full of compassion and love for the masses.”
Seriki noted that the gathering reflected religious diversity.
“This is a multi-cultural and multi-religious gathering which reflects the beauty of Islam. We have not only Muslims here, but people from different ethnic backgrounds, Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba, which underscores religious tolerance,” he said.
Addressing insecurity and violence in Nigeria, the cleric questioned narratives that portray Islam as inherently violent.
“Islam is a religion of peace,” he said, while acknowledging concerns about banditry and kidnapping affecting both Muslims and non-Muslims.
He urged Nigerians to look beyond religion in addressing the country’s challenges.
According to him, differences in language, culture and belief are natural in a diverse country of over 200 million people, stressing that such differences should not fuel division.
He maintained that Islam promotes peace and obedience to divine principles, adding that negative perceptions of the religion often stem from misinformation and the actions of individuals.
Seriki also appealed to the media to exercise objectivity in reporting issues relating to Islam.
“I am appealing to the media to be factual and avoid sensationalism in reporting matters concerning Islam. We should not allow propaganda to distort the message of peace that Islam represents,” he said.
In his remarks, Salvador appealed to the gathering to vote their conscience and elect leaders who have the people’s interests at heart.
He identified tribal sentiment and lack of fear of Allah as being at the root of the nation’s challenges.
“If you have the fear of Allah, you won’t have any problem. What is disturbing us in this nation is tribal sentiment, which some leaders use as a tool for disintegration. This is Nigeria. This tells us we are one. Why the unnecessary discrimination? The same goes for leadership. Allah says He will give us the type of leaders that suit our situation.
“We are not made for poverty and suffering in Nigeria if we can elect the right leaders. I appeal to you to vote not based on sentiment. Don’t vote because you are offered bread. Vote for quality if you want success and progress. Don’t vote for any politician with corruption cases hanging over his shoulder. Vote for leaders who will feel your pain,” he said.
The event also featured the distribution of zakat to beneficiaries as part of the forum’s annual humanitarian outreach.