WE REJECT SENATE’S POSITION ON APO KILLINGS

29^th November, 2013

PRESS RELEASE:

WE REJECT SENATE’S POSITION ON APO KILLINGS

The Senate on Wednesday 27^th November, 2013 declared that the eight people killed by security agents in Apo Quarters were not members of Boko Haram but the Upper House cleared the Nigerian security agencies of culpability in the death of the workers.

It will be recalled that eight Keke Napep operators were killed by security agents as they squatted in an uncompleted building at Soji Aderemi Close, Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja, on 20^th September, 2013.

We note with deep concern the obvious contradiction in the report. Whereas Senate admits that the victims were not members of Boko Haram, it went ahead to absolve the security agencies who carried out the dastardly act.

We of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) condemn this double standard in the strongest terms. This type of thing should not be happening in a democracy. Life is sacred and security agencies have no right under the law to kill and maim at will. It is sheer manifestation of impunity.

MURIC finds the testimonies in the minority reports more credible. We commend Senators Mohammed Sani Saleh (Kaduna Central) and Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa (Zamfara Central) for their courageous stand and their rejection of the report. We are of the considered opinion that Senate has allowed religious sentiment to becloud its sense of judgement. Senate has failed the people of Nigeria.

We therefore urge families and friends of the victims to seek redress in the courts. MURIC pledges to render every necessary assistance in this regard until the culprits are brought to book. Nigerian security agencies must learn to respect constitutionalism, rule of law, equal rights, justice and fairplay.

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

08182119714

ARREST OF DR. NAZEEF: MURIC CALLS FOR CAUTION

24^th November, 2013

PRESS RELEASE:

TERRORISM CHARGE AGAINST DR NAZEEF:

MURIC CALLS FOR CAUTION

The State Security Service (SSS) recently paraded Dr. Muhammad Nazeef, a lecturer of Islamic Studies at the Kogi State University and four others (Umar Musa, Mustapha Yusuf, Ismaila Abdulazez and Ibrahim Isah) who had been detained on suspicion of being members of a Boko Haram cell in Kogi State. Whereas his co-detainees testified against him, Dr. Nazeef has vehemently maintained his innocence.   

While we realize the need for the law to take its due course, we equally see the necessity for proper investigation of the matter in order to avoid a situation whereby an innocent man is unjustly punished. Dr. Nazeef is a well known Islamic scholar who has spoken against terrorism and violence in his public lectures. The fact that he holds a doctorate degree in Islamic Studies means that he has deep knowledge of Islam and cannot compromise Islam’s true teachings of peace and peaceful coexistence for the distorted Boko Haram ideology of bestial violence and terror.

Again while we admit the fact that the security agencies must do their job, we remind them of the sophisticated approach of the Boko Haram group. We strongly suspect that Dr. Nazeef may have been targeted for vengeance by the group because of his condemnation of their activities.

Nigeria is witnessing another phase in Boko Haramism. Having faced a solid wall in its guerrilla warfare against the Nigerian state, the group is now graduating into advanced psychological warfare. It has mastered the advanced plot of setting up one enemy to be eliminated by another enemy.

Boko Haram is now using its members to set up Islamic scholars who speak against them. Security agents have swallowed the bait: hook, line and sinker. The four men who testified against Dr. Nazeef are the guinea pigs. The question may arise: who is the next Islamic scholar that Boko Haram will set up before Nigerian security agents read between the lines?

It is an open secret that Boko Haram regards Islamic scholars who condemn terrorism and violence as their enemies primus inter pareil. The group is known to have assassinated several Islamic scholars when the group was still very strong. They are now reverting to subterfuge in their days of weakness. Boko Haram is out to get in the bends what it could not get in the straights.

They may have roped in Dr. Nazeef using those who testified against him. This is a group that believes in dying for a cause in which it believes. This is a group that has sent its members out on missions of no return in the past. What will it cost them to send three or more people to mislead security agents so long as it will lead to the incarceration of a long-time foe?

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) therefore appeals to the SSS to look before it leaps. Our hypothesis is that SSS may indirectly be doing to Dr. Nazeef what Boko Haram actually wants to do to him. This may produce a negative effect on Islamic scholars nationwide. Those who have been condemning Boko Haram and terrorism may crawl back into their shells for fear of being targeted by the dreaded terror group while those who have been timid and silent on the issue will now prefer to remain silent forever. The result of this development is the unfettered growth of terror cells.

While MURIC reaffirms its condemnation of terrorism, we remind security agents that they cannot fight terrorism alone. They need information and cooperation from civilians. There is no gainsaying the fact that it is the Muslims who can be most useful in this regard particularly on the Boko Haram affair while it is Islamic scholars who can effectively counter Boko Haram indoctrination. What message is the SSS passing across if it continues to detain the same Islamic scholars?

It must be noted that Nigerian Muslims have been united in condemning Boko Haram and Islamic scholars have dug deep into the scriptures of Islam (the Glorious Qur’an and the Hadith of the Holy Prophet SAW) to puncture Boko Haram’s misleading ideology. This is why the violent group regards Islamic scholars as their numero uno foes and always targets them for elimination.

SSS and other security outfits may therefore be cutting their noses to spite their faces by detaining and prosecuting Islamic scholars. It may be a sophisticated Boko Haram strategy. Our security agents may be waging Boko Haram’s war against Islamic scholars on behalf of Boko Haram.

On the basis of the above thesis, MURIC affirms that the arrest of Dr. Muhammad Nazeef can only be counter-productive. We call on the SSS to urgently review the case and set him free. SSS must determine who it is working for: Boko Haram or the Nigeria State? To continue detaining those who speak against Boko Haram is to work indirectly for the terror group.

MURIC appeals to Islamic scholars and organizations who have been apprehensive since the arrest of Dr. Nazeef to relax. We also urge leaders of Islamic organizations throughout Nigeria to douse tension among their members. Suspicions of witch-hunting and profiling of Muslims and Islamic scholars by security agents should not be allowed to germinate at this point in time when the nation needs the prayers of Islamic scholars for Nigeria’s spiritual growth and the peaceful conduct of the Muslim population for economic development.

Finally, MURIC urges the Security Committees of both Senate and the House of Representatives to examine the circumstances surrounding the case of Dr. Nazeef against the background of his impeccable record of positive spiritual guidance for Muslims and his past condemnation of violence, terrorism and Boko Haramism.

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

08182119714

ANAMBRA ELECTION: WE CONDEMN HARASSMENT OF OPPOSITION

17^th November, 2013

PRESS RELEASE:

ANAMBRA ELECTION: WE CONDEMN HARASSMENT OF OPPOSITION

The gubernatorial election was held in Anambra yesterday with reports of irregularities, violence and intervention by security operatives. Election was cancelled in 65 wards. Men of the State Security Services (SSS) also allegedly put Mallam Nasir El-Rufai under house arrest while about 120 APC supporters who were on their way to Anambra were detained in Owerri, Imo State.

These are very disturbing developments. Nigeria should be able to do better after several years of democratic experience. The cancellation of election in 65 wards which the opposition describes as its stronghold gives cause for serious concern. In the same vein, the curtailment of the movement of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, a key opposition figure, to a hotel room is an unacceptable breach of his fundamental right of movement, election or no election.

The detention of several opposition members whom the opposition claims were election observers is symptomatic of arbitrary use of security agents. The intention of the authors of this action can only be antithetical to democratic principles.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) calls for the immediate lifting of the house arrest imposed on El-Rufai and the unconditional release of the APC election observers. A situation where party agents and observers are coerced is bound to create suspicion and its attendant fallouts. We assert that a free and fair election is sine qua non in a true democracy. A level playing ground must be provided for all the parties contesting in elections.

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

08182119714

WE REJECT MISCHIEVOUS PRE-NATIONAL CONFERENCE MEETINGS

12^th November, 2013

PRESS RELEASE:

WE REJECT MISCHIEVOUS PRE-NATIONAL CONFERENCE MEETINGS

The Presidential Committee on the proposed National Conference has held two sittings in the South West to date (one in Akure, Ondo State and the other in Lagos).

It was not an accident that Friday was picked on both occasions while the time for starting the sittings was 1.30 pm. We assert clearly, unambiguously and unequivocally that neither the day picked nor the time was coincidental. The members of the committee are not foreigners. They knew what they were doing. There is no single Nigerian who does not know that Friday is the day of worship for Muslims and that the time for Jum’ah prayer is 12.30 to 2.30 pm.

To have slated such a sensitive sitting for the Muslim prayer time is not only mischievous but preposterous, disdainful and absolutely unacceptable. It is also most undemocratic because democracy is all about participation and equal opportunity to participate. It is also an invitation to chaos. What if the marginalized Muslims had stormed the venue with protests? Could it have been done out of ignorance? But how can the committee claim to be ignorant in such a very sensitive circumstance?

The result of this badly planned pre-National Conference meeting held in Akure and Lagos was the exclusion of the Muslim population and their representatives. This is a significant misrepresentation particularly in a region in which the Muslims form the majority. It reveals an unnecessary attempt to rush the National Conference. The outcome of such a conference can only scratch the surface. Only the deep can call to the deep. The plan as presently designed will merely sweep the issues under the carpet. A country that has long been bedeviled with ethnic and religious conflicts need more serious planning.

Furthermore, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) regards the need to raise and fully discuss religious matters at the conference as fundamental and non-negotiable. There is no gainsaying the fact that religion has been responsible for most conflicts in this country. Why then are the organizers of the purported ‘National Conference’ laying emphasis on ethnicity alone? Any attempt to hold a national conference in this country without discussing religion will be an exercise in futility. The injustice of the colonial masters against the Muslims must be discussed at the conference.

MURIC contends that Nigeria as it stands today is a neocolonialist project serving the purpose of the colonial master and the imperialists alone. The colonialists adopted a parochial method through which they virtually eliminated all vestiges of Islam which they met on ground. This they did by using sheer force, divide et impera and so many other subterfuges. The British bequeathed to us a legacy which was heavily tainted with their own perception of religion in all aspects of life: education, health, law, etc.

Today, Nigerian Muslims see our so called independence in 1960 as cosmetic, our republican status in 1963 as window-dressing and our democracy today as a monumental fraud.  This injustice against Muslims must be addressed at the National Conference if this government seeks genuine peace. Christians and Muslims must enjoy equal rights in all fields in a post-National Conference Nigeria. That is why we must invite both groups to tell Nigerians what they want.

The exclusion of Muslims from the pre-National Conference meetings in the South West is part of a massive plan to permanently keep Muslims from the geo-political zone at bay. We decry this attempt as undemocratic, non-participatory and Bohemian. Nigeria’s search for peace must be genuine. It is therefore hypocritical to exclude religion from the theme of the conference.

We are alarmed by the shoddy preparations and the rush. Besides, we wish to warn that a booby trap lies ahead if the National Conference is combined with the 2015 general elections.

In view of the poor publicity for the past two sittings in the South West, we demand that the committee fixes other dates for the sub-region. These dates must be given due publicity in the print and electronic media. A national conference is not a child’s play and cannot be prepared for in secrecy. What is the committee trying to hide?

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

08182119714

PRESS RELEASE: LESSONS IN GOLDEN EAGLETS’ VICTORY

10^th November, 2013

PRESS RELEASE:

LESSONS IN GOLDEN EAGLETS’ VICTORY

Nigeria’s Under 17 National Team, the Golden Eaglets, defeated its Mexican counterpart in the final leg of the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2013 on Friday, 8^th November, 2013 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The Golden Eaglets thus became the first team ever to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup four times having won it in 1985, 1993, and 2007.  In all, Nigeria scored 26 goals in seven matches and conceded 5 only.

Not only that, the team also won the FIFA Fair Play award for its sportsmanship and approach to the game. The team’s highest goalscorer, Kelechi Iheanacho, emerged as the competition’s most outstanding player by winning the Adidas Golden Ball. He also won the Adidas Silver Boot as the competition’s second highest goalscorer with six goals, one behind the top scorer Valmir Berisha of Sweden. Goalkeeper Dele Alampasu also won the Adidas Golden Glove as the best goalkeeper of the tournament.

These laurels can be attributed to good preparation by the team’s handlers, vision of its leadership, sacrifice from both the handlers and the players and, above all, the spirit of unity among the players.

The outcome of this global tournament has revealed that religion and ethnicity are parochial barometers in choosing who leads Nigeria as well as in assessing their performance. What really matters is delivery, transparency, probity and accountability. If the combinations of Kelechi Ihenacho, Awoniyi, Chidera Ezeh, Dele Alampasu Musa Yahaya, Muhammed the captain, Abdulahi Alfa and goalkeeper can put aside religious and ethnic sentiments, what stops Aso Rock from treating Christians and Muslims equally in all matters?

The fact that the Golden Eaglet team consists of Christians and Muslims, Hausa, Ibo and Yoruba who worked in unison sends a strong and indubitable signal to Nigeria’s religious and traditional leaders, urging them to close ranks.

The young Nigerians who donned the nation’s battle fatigue in Abu Dhabi have demonstrated the fact that unity is what we need to move this country forward. They have also shown us that to achieve unity, there must be social justice, equal rights and rule of law.

It is crystal clear from the outcome of the universal sporting exercise that Nigeria can still get it right if we do it right. We can get it right if we stop putting square pegs in round holes. We must therefore stop the recycling of leadership or its rotation among the capitalist bourgeoisie. This does not necessarily mean forceful seizure of wealth from the rich as posited by the communists. Those who obtain their wealth through legitimate means must be allowed to enjoy the fruits of their labour while they guide the country to the path of greatness using their immense experience in business.

The body language of these young heroes has communicated an important message to Nigerians: that our youths possess great potentials and should be given the opportunity to showcase their various skills in different fields. The feat achieved by these young boys has exposed the hypocrisy of successive Nigerian leadership. It has revealed that Nigeria’s hope lies in its youths.

Yet in order to bring out the best in the young ones, they must be given the best education to meet international best practices. But whereas the United Nations Economic, Social and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recommends that 26% of the budget of every country should be set aside for education, Nigeria has always fallen tragically short, particularly from the 70s.

The failure to fund the universities properly based on the recommendation of UNESCO has robbed the nation of the much needed manpower to turn around Nigeria’s fortune. It was a great disservice to the young ones. Yet today it is this same oppressed, undernourished, under-funded and highly deprived young ones, the Golden Eaglets, who have lifted the banner of Nigeria to high heavens in far away Abu Dhabi and our leaders had no qualms sending an allegedly overbloated 250-strong Federal Government delegation after the meal was cooked and ready!

This is one meal our leaders cannot beat their chests to claim its preparation. The past and present leaders should therefore bury their heads in shame at the monumental degradation in the education sector and the Federal Government must turn repentant and attend to the needs of the sector with immediate effect.

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

08182119714