MURIC LAUDS FG-BOKO HARAM TALKS

28th August, 2012

PRESS RELEASE:
MURIC LAUDS FG BOKO HARAM DIALOGUE

The recent confirmation by the Federal Government that it is currently holding talks with the dreaded Boko Haram group is welcome news. The group, otherwise known as the Jamaat as-Sunnah Lil-Da'wah wal-Jihad has engaged in fierce guerilla warfare with government troops and the Nigerian Police for about two years. The most deadly attacks launched by the group include the bombing of the United Nations building in Abuja on August 26, 2011 and the Christmas day bombing of a church in Suleja.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) welcomes the bold move by the Federal Government to engage the sect in talks. This is a step in the right direction as it is most likely to stop the carnage which has engulfed the nation for several months with no solution in sight.

We however note the government's hesitation and precautionary measure as it describes the talks as 'indirect'. We regard this as a small step forward for the administration. We urge the Federal Government to take the giant step forward for the country in its search for durable peace by boldly transforming the 'indirect' talks to direct bilateral talks capable of leading to a general amnesty, disarmament in the volatile region and an economic empowerment programme that will take the gullible and jobless Northern youths off the streets.

The Federal Government must learn from events in other countries. America is currently having problems in Afghanistan because it chose to engage the Taliban in indirect talks via Qatar instead of direct, frank and open discussions with the second party. It is our considered opinion that the Federal Government should take the bull by the horns by holding direct bilateral talks with Boko Haram.

This is possible because we have precedents. Britain dialogued directly with the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Italy held frank talks with the Red Brigade. Spain sat down in roundtable discussions with the Basque Separatist Movement. Britain, Italy and Spain are today reaping the fruits of their sincerity and respect for their erstwhile enemies. 

It is also on record that this country once sat down in direct talks with the Niger Delta militants. We cannot afford to underestimate any foe. Nigeria needs a peaceful atmosphere to develop its economy. The Federal Government can stoop to conquer. The time for direct talks is now. We must make hay while the sun shines.  

Professor Is-haq Akintola,
Director,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)
234-818-211-9714
234-803-346-4974

 

Professor Is-haq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC),

234-803-346-4974

234-818-211-9714

E-mail: muslimrightsconcern@yahoo.co.uk

             muslimrights@gmail.com

Website: www.muric.net

Yahoo Group: groups.yahoo.com/group/muslimrights

Blog:       muslimrightsmuric.blogspot.com

Twitter:   twitter.com/muslimconcern

 

 

 

 

 

Be just Justice is the soul of peace

No one can deny one and have the other

Neither can violence or naked force bring lasting peace

PRESS RELEASE: MURIC LAUDS FG-BOKO HARAM TALKS

28th August, 2012 PRESS RELEASE: MURIC LAUDS FG BOKO HARAM DIALOGUE The recent confirmation by the Federal Government that it is currently holding talks with the dreaded Boko Haram group is welcome news. The group, otherwise known as the Jamaat as-Sunnah Lil-Da'wah wal-Jihad has engaged in fierce guerilla warfare with government troops and the Nigerian Police for about two years. The most deadly attacks launched by the group include the bombing of the United Nations building in Abuja on August 26, 2011 and the Christmas day bombing of a church in Suleja. The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) welcomes the bold move by the Federal Government to engage the sect in talks. This is a step in the right direction as it is most likely to stop the carnage which has engulfed the nation for several months with no solution in sight. We however note the government's hesitation and precautionary measure as it describes the talks as 'indirect'. We regard this as a small step forward for the administration. We urge the Federal Government to take the giant step forward for the country in its search for durable peace by boldly transforming the 'indirect' talks to direct bilateral talks capable of leading to a general amnesty, disarmament in the volatile region and an economic empowerment programme that will take the gullible and jobless Northern youths off the streets. The Federal Government must learn from events in other countries. America is currently having problems in Afghanistan because it chose to engage the Taliban in indirect talks via Qatar instead of direct, frank and open discussions with the second party. It is our considered opinion that the Federal Government should take the bull by the horns by holding direct bilateral talks with Boko Haram. This is possible because we have precedents. Britain dialogued directly with the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Italy held frank talks with the Red Brigade. Spain sat down in roundtable discussions with the Basque Separatist Movement. Britain, Italy and Spain are today reaping the fruits of their sincerity and respect for their erstwhile enemies.  It is also on record that this country once sat down in direct talks with the Niger Delta militants. We cannot afford to underestimate any foe. Nigeria needs a peaceful atmosphere to develop its economy. The Federal Government can stoop to conquer. The time for direct talks is now. We must make hay while the sun shines.   Professor Is-haq Akintola, Director, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) 234-818-211-9714 234-803-346-4974 Professor Is-haq Akintola,  Lagos State University, P.O. Box 10211, LASU Post Office, HO 102 101, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria. Tel. 234-803-346-4974        234-818-211-9714 Website: www.ishaqakintola.com Blog: drishaqakintola.blogspot.com Twitter:  ishaqakintola Facebook: facebook.com/ishaqakintola Twitter: ishaqakintola   I remain oppressed untill the hungry are fed, the naked clothed, the sick healed and the homeless sheltered

ID AL-FITR MESSAGE

18th August, 2012 'ID AL-FITR MESSAGE: LEADERS MUST STOP SHARING THE PEOPLE'S WEALTH AMONG THEMSELVES The 2012 (1433 AH) Ramadan fasting exercise comes to an end today Saturday 18th August, 2012. Muslims worldwide will mark the end of the fasting season tomorrow with 'Id al-Fitr, supplications, exchange of visits and gifts as well as intellectual efforts like seminars and symposia. However, Nigerians must not allow merry-making during the festival to becloud the significance of fasting for such a long period. The essence of Ramadan lies in the readiness of millions of faithfuls to stint themselves of food, water and other worldly benefits while eschewing obscenities, frivolities and corruption. True believers had also avoided bitterness, conflicts and violence during the season. It was a season of selflessness, forgiveness and love. The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) urges Nigerian leaders to borrow a leaf from the lessons of Ramadan. In particular, altruism must be the watchword of all holders of public office. We are particularly disturbed by the report of a tussle over a juicy plot of land between the current and immediate past First Ladies which broke out during Ramadan.  The land conflict between the First Ladies exposes the greed of our leaders. Nigerian rulers have the propensity to ignore the hunger of millions of unemployed youths, the wailing of thousands who sleep under the bridge and the lamentations of hundreds who wear rags. How could the so-called Messiahs look the other way as thousands of poor Nigerians lose their landed properties to heartless government demolition squads while the leaders' wives are busy sharing our land?  Yet for every one ugly deal that is exposed, hundreds of such must have escaped public glare. It is this injustice to the poor that is at the root of the present insecurity in the land. Islam teaches socio-economic justice. Qur'an 33:67-68 threatens double punishment for leaders who cheat the citizenry. Islamic liberation theology affirms the right of the poor to have their appropriate shares in the wealth of the land. This is why Qur'an 17:26-27 commands that the jamaheer (masses) must be given their right. MURIC therefore charges rulers to be Allah-conscious. Leaders must not appropriate to themselves more than they morally deserve.  Finally, we call on Muslims to spend the Id holidays in fervent prayers. We must pray for the return of peace to all troubled parts of the country. Let us pray that Allah endows our rulers with the wisdom to solve the challenges facing us as a nation. Let us pray for love, tolerance and better understanding between Christians, Muslims and adherents of African Religion.  Professor Is-haq Akintola, Director, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) 234-818-211-9714 234-803-346-4974 Professor Is-haq Akintola,  Lagos State University, P.O. Box 10211, LASU Post Office, HO 102 101, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria. Tel. 234-803-346-4974        234-818-211-9714 Website: www.ishaqakintola.com Blog: drishaqakintola.blogspot.com Twitter:  ishaqakintola Facebook: facebook.com/ishaqakintola Twitter: ishaqakintola   I remain oppressed untill the hungry are fed, the naked clothed, the sick healed and the homeless sheltered

SUPREME COUNCIL: LOOK OUT FOR THE CRESCENT

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH THE MOST BENEFICENT THE MOST MERCIFUL  NIGERIAN SUPREME COUNCIL FOR ISLAMIC AFFAIRS                                               (NSCIA), NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA NATIONAL MOSQUE OFFICE COMPLEX, ABUJA, FCT ¾ 08036231533 / 08079365658  28th Ramadan, 1433  (16th July, 2012) PRESS RELEASE  TERMINATION OF THE RAMADAN FAST OF 1433 AH   Prophet Muhammad (SAW) instructed the Muslims, saying: "Do not fast unless you see the Crescent (of the month of Ramadan) and do not give up fasting till you see the Crescent (of the month of Shawwal). But if the sky is overcast, count thirty (30) days of Sha'aban or of Ramadan as the case may be" (Narrated by Abdullahi Bin Umar)  Therefore in accordance with this Prophetic Tradition, Friday August 17, being the 29th day of Ramadan 1433AH, Members of the National and State Moon-Sighting Committees as well as other Nigerian Muslims should look for the new Crescent of Shawwal month. If the moon is sighted on that day, the under-listed Leaders should be communicated immediately:  His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto Sokoto 08036470422  HRH the Shehu of Borno Borno 08037855555, 08023549558  Dr. Abdullateef Adegbite Abeokuta 08034020350  HRH the Emir of Gwandu Kebbi 08036154369  HRH the Emir of Kano Kano 064-631114, 633769  HRH the Emir of Bauchi Bauchi 077-542801, 543036  HRH the Lamido of Adamawa Adamawa 075-634449, 634822  HRH the Olukare of Ikare Ondo 08058014860  HRM Timi of Ede Osun 08037740390   HRH the Emir of Katsina Katsina   HRH the Emir of Zazzau Kaduna 069-332002  HRH the Etsu Nupe Niger 08039668707  HRH the Emir of Ilorin Kwara 031-2213218  HRH the Oba of Lagos Lagos 01-7767802  HRH the Oba of Agbede Edo 052-250153  HRH the Emir of Wase Plateau 08037042555  Chief Imam of Ibadan Ibadan 08062609601  Chief Imam of Osogbo Osun 08035740333  Chief Imam of Egba Abeokuta 08035028763  HRH the Emir of Kazaure Jigawa 08098121000, 08026806971  HRH the Emir of Suleija Suleija 08037006034  HRH the Emir of Anka Zamfara 063-36458  HRH the Emir of Damaturu Yobe 08088870415   HRH the Emir of Gombe Gombe   HRH the Emir of Lafia Nasarawa 08036140098  HRH the Emir of Nasarawa Nasarawa 08065115151  Sheikh Haroun Ajah Ebonyi 08033397491, 08053152722  Sheikh Adam Abdullahi Idoko Enugu 08036759892  Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Bauchi 08033058201  Chief Imam of Owo Ondo 08063104919  Chief Imam of Ipokia Ogun 08033827971   Alhaji Dauda W. Onyegocha Owerri 08063828218  Alhaji Mukail Asoquo C/River 08037122258  NSCIA Secretariat Abuja 08036231533 / 0803540120   Dr. Khalid Abubakar (Sec-Gen., JNI) Kaduna 08034531742  Chairmen of States Moon-sighting Committees:  v Alhaji Musa Otto Rivers 08037710930  v Alh M.B.Ahmad (Imam) Bauchi 08036080799  v Sheikh Sheriff Sale Al-Hussein Borno 08022195159, 08033140822  v Alhaji Mikail Etim Asuquo Cross River 08037122258  v Alhaji Garba Baba Benue 08037862666, 07082234021  v Sheikh Ahmad Onilewura Osun 08052101331, 07062653336  v Alhaji Engr. Ibrahim Adike Anambra 08037840873, 048482086  v Alhaji Badamasi Dodo Kaura Zamfara 07066665225, 08024333774  v Alhaji Yusuf Chinedozi Nwoha Imo 08036306922  v Sheikh Haroun O. Ajah Ebonyi 08033397491, 08053152722  v Sheikh Adam Idoko Enugu 08036759892, 07083523590  v Sheikh Abdul-Aziz Yusuf Plateau 08035835562  v Dr. Kamildeen K. Oloso Oyo 08037168442, 08059229059  v Alhaji ibrahim Chima Abia 08032037478  v Mallam AbdulFattah Enabulele Edo 08058767058, 08034519626  v Ustaz Abusufyan Uche Bayelsa 08032516763  v HRH Emir of Damaturu Yobe 08088870415  v Kadi Ibrahim Babbawa Adamawa 08057160043  v Mallam Abdullahi Shuaib Lagos 08023037478  v Alhaji Tijanni Ughellivero Delta 08033547452  v Ustaz Musa Muhammad FCT 08033335254  v Prof. Aliyu M. Bunza Kebbi 08034316508  v Dr. Salihu S. Abubakar Kaduna 08037037898  v Hon. Kadi Salihu O. Muhammad Kwara 08035036591  v Musa Ibn Ibrahim Gombe 08054449928  v Mohammad Usman Taraba 08033159190  v Mohammed Gidado Jigawa 08036646410  v Yakubu Musa. H Katsina 08033217246, 08025502421  v Sheikh Mayaleeke A.R.F Ogun 08035050804  v Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Lemu Niger 08036005570       Where the authorities are satisfied that the new Moon has been sighted in accordance with the prescribed procedure, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, should be informed at once, for a formal announcement of the termination of the Ramadan Fast and the observance of Eid-el-Fitr Prayer the following day, that is Saturday August 18th, 2012.  In the event of the moon not being sighted on Friday 17th August, 2012, the fasting would continue on Saturday while the Eid-el-Fitr Prayer shall be observed on Sunday 19th of August, 2012.  Radio and Television Stations throughout the Federation are kindly requested to cooperate fully and broadcast any announcement made by His Eminence, the Sultan to the Muslims.   Wishing you all a blessed Eid-el-Fitr.  Dr. Abdul Lateef Adegbite, CON  Seriki and Baba Adinni of Egbaland  Secretary-General, NSCIA Professor Is-haq Akintola,  Lagos State University, P.O. Box 10211, LASU Post Office, HO 102 101, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria. Tel. 234-803-346-4974        234-818-211-9714 Website: www.ishaqakintola.com Blog: drishaqakintola.blogspot.com Twitter:  ishaqakintola Facebook: facebook.com/ishaqakintola Twitter: ishaqakintola   I remain oppressed untill the hungry are fed, the naked clothed, the sick healed and the homeless sheltered

6th August, 2012
PRESS RELEASE:
GIVE LAGOS TRAFFIC LAWS A CHANCE

The Lagos State Governor recently signed the traffic bill into law. Highlights of the law include the ban on driving against traffic, using the phone, eating or smoking while driving. Penalties range from fines to imprisonment. A tornado of criticisms have since greeted the newly introduced laws. 

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) calls the attention of Lagosians to the chaotic state of traffic in the state, particularly on Lagos Island and its suburbs like Ikeja, Agege, Ogba, Orile, Mile 2 and Okokomaiko. Those who experience it daily know that the experience is traumatic. 

Its effect on the people's psyche and health is damaging both on the short and long runs. The man-hour loss digs a deep hole in the state's economy. Prospective investors are also known to have shunned Lagos for fear of its traffic bottle-neck. Heavy traffic also aids criminality as rogues are known to have attacked stranded motorists and commuters.  

It is in the light of the above that MURIC lauds the vision behind the newly introduced laws. No responsible government will ignore the sufferings of its citizens or the lawlessness of a few unscrupulous elements in society. The hallmark of good governance lies in the timely response of those in power to the yearnings of law-abiding citizens.

The fear of possible abuse of the new laws has been expressed in certain quarters. Nonetheless, it is illogical that we will allow such fears to interfere with the law-making process. Such fears should not stop the authorities from making laws. There is a dogma that Nigerians in general (except a few) break the law at will. Patriotic and concerned citizens have suggested at one forum or another that we need a disciplinarian to straighten things out. We strongly believe that Lagos has found the solution. We must not kill the egg that lays the golden egg.

We charge all citizens to be conscious of their Allah-given and fundamental human rights. The few bad eggs among the law enforcement agencies must not be allowed to abuse the process or exploit innocent and law-abiding citizens. We call on Lagosians to expose overzealous officials by promptly reporting them to the authorities. MURIC wishes to warn those who are expected to implement the law to realize that Lagosians are more civilized this time around. Any attempt to be highhanded or to turn the laws into instruments of extortion will be resisted with every legitimate means at the people's disposal. 

Finally, we appeal to Lagosians to cooperate with the authorities in sanitizing the traffic system in the state. We must not allow political shenanigans to exploit the situation. This is not about politics. It is about the people's welfare. 

Professor Is-haq Akintola,
Director,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)
234-818-211-9714
234-803-346-4974

 

Professor Is-haq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC),

234-803-346-4974

234-818-211-9714

E-mail: muslimrightsconcern@yahoo.co.uk

             muslimrights@gmail.com

Website: www.muric.net

Yahoo Group: groups.yahoo.com/group/muslimrights

Blog:       muslimrightsmuric.blogspot.com

Twitter:   twitter.com/muslimconcern

 

 

 

 

 

Be just Justice is the soul of peace

No one can deny one and have the other

Neither can violence or naked force bring lasting peace