Govern with fear of God, don’t oppress citizens, Islamic cleric charges political leaders

Blessing Akorowosi, Osogbo

The Chief Imam of Eripa, Boluwaduro Local Government area of Osun state, Sheik AbdulRosheed Olaniyan has charged political leaders to govern with the fear of God.

The cleric gave the charge in his sermon shortly after the observation of 2-rakat at Eripa Eid Prayer Ground to commemorate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.

He said leaders and those in the position of authority should always have it at the back of their minds that life is ephemeral, adding that whatever position one holds today would definitely be a thing of the past.

The cleric also warned those in leadership positions against oppressing the weak.

His words, “No matter how strong you think you are as a leader, God is stronger and more powerful than you and that is why, if you want to succeed as a leader, fear God in all you do.

“As a leader, don’t oppress the downtrodden and the weak because you will be judged. The leaders that ruled successfully were the leaders that ruled with the fear of God.

“Everything in our life is ephemeral. The things we have at present may not last with us as long as we live. If we are alive today and possibly dead tomorrow, why are we worried about this life, not about eternity? “

He, however, urged the youths to desist from anything capable of ruining their lives, saying indulging in criminal activities to garner worldly assets will earn them nothing but, to face wrath of the law.