Dr. Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef, Lagos State Commissioner of Home Affairs, has enjoined Muslims and all righteous people to participate actively in politics to achieve the desired socio-economic development, infrastructural growth, prosperity and happiness in Nigeria.

Delivering a keynote address titled “Morality, the Missing Element in Nigerian Politics” at the recent Ramadan Lecture organised by the Yaba College of Technology Muslims Alumni Association, the Commissioner said “the people who have the fear of Allah, knowledgeable, righteous and have all it takes to govern and put things right, remain apathetic and disinterested thereby abandoning the political landspace to those who are there for selfish desires and personal gains.”

He averred that majority of those who are active are there for business and cannot bring about the necessary changes desired by the masses.

“It is for this reason that as blessed and favoured as Nigeria is, with abundant human and mineral resources including petroleum and gas, clement weather and extremely good arable land, the country has continued to lag behind in virtually everything,” he said.

Abdul-Lateef advised righteous individuals to participate in politics by contesting for elective positions and supporting the people with the fear of God through their voices and votes so that the people would actually experience the favourable consequences of their actions.

He wondered why the highest levels of qualifications and very high standards are set for entry into reputable professions, big corporations and top positions in blue-chip businesses, while lowest moral standards and qualification requirements currently apply to elective political positions.

The Commissioner admonished Muslim faithful to demand and support people with the highest levels of qualifications and integrity for elective office.

He also tasked them to be forthright, show transparency and honesty that will engender good values as well as strengthen family, social, religious and political institutions.