RIVERS, ZAMFARA OUTCOMES CONFIRM PMB’S INTEGRITY

29^th May, 2019

PRESS RELEASE:

RIVERS, ZAMFARA OUTCOMES CONFIRM PMB’S INTEGRITY

An Islamic human rights group has compared the noninterference stance of President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) in the 2019 elections in Rivers and Zamfara states to the Federal-induced pressure in Ekiti and Rivers states in the Jonathanian period.       

In a public statement issued by its Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola on Wednesday, 29^th May, 2019, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) maintained that PMB exhibited the highest level of statesmanship and rubbed shoulders with leaders in advanced countries in transparency, probity and accountability as well as global best practices of democratic experience.

On the contrary, MURIC continued, PMB’s predecessor, ex-President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ), flew the flag of an unrepentant fascist and a totalitarian dictator who was determined to drive the opposition underground. These conclusions were drawn by the human rights group while reviewing the attitude of both leaders vis a vis the opposition parties.

“Nigerians need to appreciate PMB as he begins the journey to his second term in office today. He deserves kudos for refusing to unleash Federal might on Rivers and Zamfara States during the 2019 general elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) virtually gave the two states to the opposition on a platter of gold but PMB looked the other way. Thus he adhered religiously to his policy of noninterference with other arms of government.

“PMB kept mum as INEC declared his ruling party persona non grata in the gubernatorial and house of assembly elections in those two states. Also, he made no attempt whatsoever to influence the decision of the Supreme Court which nullified the participation of the ruling party in Zamfara State a week ago.   

MURIC cast a retrospective glance at the way GEJ used Federal might in gubernatorial elections in his own days.

“On the contrary, comparing PMB to GEJ in democratic practices is like comparing the sun to candle light. GEJ used federal might to give undeserved victory to Ayodele Fayose in Ekiti in June 2014 and to Governor Nyesome Wike in May 2015. Equally relevant here is the open denial of the people’s will in Osun 2014 until former Governor Rauf Aregbesola went to court to seek redress.

“On 20^th November, 2014, GEJ sealed up the House of Representatives in a bid to impeach its speaker (Aminu Tambuwal) in the runup to the 2015 general elections. The lawmakers had to scale the gates to gain access into the hallowed chambers.  Security details attached to ex-governors Amaechi, Kwankwaso and ex-Speaker Tambuwal were withdrawn. For several weeks, the Emir of Kano had to seek refuge in the state government’s house.  

“As if that was not enough, GEJ grounded Amaechi’s plane and prevented sitting governors from reaching their destinations where they intended to support their colleagues during elections.  

“It is obvious from the above that PMB is strengthening the system, particularly the judiciary and the electoral body, INEC. Democracy is gaining weight and Nigeria is earning more respect in the comity of nations. He may have appeared weak and fragile for refusing to flex federal muscle when it mattered, but the system benefits more. This is exactly what Nigeria needs at this point in time. Stronger personalities and weaker institutions have been our albatross, but today the picture is different under PMB.

“The true democrat has arrived. The facts are emerging not only in the fight against corruption but in strict compliance with due process, respect for the rule of law and noninterference in the workings of other arms of government. PMB is building a new Nigeria. His name will be written in letters of gold when the history of the emergence of modern Nigeria is chronicled.

“As we draw the curtain, we affirm clearly, categorically and unequivocally that PMB has exhibited the highest level of statesmanship. He has rubbed shoulders with leaders of advanced countries in transparency, probity and accountability as well as in global best practices in governance. These are what have been missing hitherto in the Nigerian political culture.

 “Therefore, we call on Nigerians to give PMB unalloyed support during his second term. We charge newly elected lawmakers across boards to develop the mien for patriotic politicking and an aggressive appetite for positive law-making. This is the only way to transform Nigeria to an El Dorado and bequeath an enduring democracy to future generations”.   

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

WITHDRAW RESTRICTIONS ON MEDIA: MURIC TELLS NASS

26^th May, 2019

PRESS RELEASE:

WITHDRAW RESTRICTIONS ON MEDIA: MURIC TELLS NASS

The National Assembly (NASS) recently announced stringent restrictions on the media. Among such restrictions are the voiding of accreditations, the imposition of strict rules for renewal and the need for a media house to prove that it circulates at least 40,000 copies daily.

Other new pre-requisites include evidence that a media outfit has a certificate of incorporation, that it belongs to a professional body or bodies for media organisations, that it has proof of membership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) backed by registration number and a code of certification from the National Library.

Reacting to the new guidelines, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) described them as tyrannical, anachronistic and vengeful. The Islamic human rights organization reacted via a press release issued by its Director, Ishaq Akintola, a professor of Islamic Studies on Sunday, 26^th May, 2019.

“It is the handiwork of a reactionary leadership whose failure has led to frustration. This leadership is venting its spleen on the press. These new regulations cannot stand. They are draconian. We say no to the harassment, intimidation and coercion of the press. It shows that the present NASS is in the hands of fake democrats, rebellious subjects and enemies of the Nigerian people. Freedom of the press is fundamental to the effective functioning of democracy and only dictators tamper with it.

“Those new guidelines are absolute bunkum, unrealistic, ludicrous and untenable. How can they expect a newspaper to provide evidence of selling 40,000 copies daily? How many of them buy newspapers on a daily basis? How many Nigerians buy newspapers in these days of infotech and social media. The truth is that they hate the media but they just cannot say so.

“But they are on a wild goose chase. We will not allow the muffling of the press because we know its value. The media is a separate arm of government. It is the fourth estate of the realm. They should learn from President Muhammadu Buhari who strictly follows a policy of noninterference with other arms of government.

“It is a manifestation of intolerance. They have something to hide. It is also symptomatic of bitter lawmakers. They are bitter because the press has boldly exposed many of the antics of the 8^th NASS. The press has exposed them as the worst NASS in the annals of Nigeria’s democratic experience.

“These restrictions portray the 8^th NASS as moving backwards towards the Stone Age while its counterparts in the rest of the civilized world consistently jet towards sophisticated democratic practices. What a pity!

“The new rules are anti-people because the press is the representative of the people. It is the voice of the voiceless. They are the ears and the eyes of the hoi polloi. The Nigerian people voted members of the NASS as their representatives. One of the major parameters of gauging a democracy is that the electorate should be kept abreast of the deliberations of their representatives. The media fills this lacuna. Therefore, placing restrictions on the press in the NASS falls short of this vital yardstick. It translates to an attempt at blindfolding the citizenry. 

MURIC calls for a quick repeal of those stringent rules. In the event that the current crop of lawmakers refuse to withdraw the draconian rules, the incoming NASS must repeal it immediately or get ready for a long-drawn battle with civil society. Those rules are designed to put the hands of the press in handcuffs. They are unacceptable.

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

GEN ALKALI: NO HANKY-PANKY PLEASE

25^th May, 2019

PRESS RELEASE:

GEN ALKALI: NO HANKY-PANKY PLEASE

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has decried the shoddy manner in which the case of the gruesome murder of General Muhammad Idris Alkali (rtd) is being handled.

In a statement issued on Friday, 25^th May, 2019 by its Founder and Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the human rights outfit expressed the fear that the late general’s family as well as the Nigerian Muslim community may not get justice eventually.

It will be recalled that the car of Late General Muhammad Idris Alkali (rtd) who had been missing since 3^rd September 2018 was found at the bottom of the Dura-Du pond in Jos, Plateau State on 29^th September, 2018 after searching for two months. His body was later found in a deep well located in Dura on 3^rd November, 2018.

“There is no doubt that this was organized killing involving the Berom community. The melodrama acted out by Berom women who held a deceitful protest at the pond to dissuade the army from searching the site points to this fact.

“The Nigerian Police paraded nineteen (19) Berom suspects on television on 5^th November, 2018. They were all arraigned before Justice Daniel Longji at the High Court Number 5 in Jos, Plateau State. But seven (7) of them were granted bail on 17^th December, 2018.

“In our press statement dated 20^th December, 2018, we denounced the bail so speedily granted and described it as a miscarriage of justice and a judicial namby-pamby. Almost six months on, the case is still shrouded in terra incognito. The public is not aware of developments although our investigation has revealed that the next hearing of the case is 16^th June, 2019. Anyone who thinks the Alkali family and Nigerian Muslims have forgotten about this painful issue is living in self-denial.

“MURIC demands transparency in this case on the part of both the Nigerian Police and the Plateau State judiciary. There must be no attempt at sweeping the matter under the carpet. In particular, the police should clarify the number of those arrested and the number of those granted bail. Police should clear the conflicting figures. Exempli gratia, how many were arrested? Is it 19 or 28? How many were granted bail? Is it 7 or 20? The clarification should be given adequate publicity.

“In the same vein we charge the judiciary in Plateau State to conduct the case in the most professional manner and in accordance with the provisions laid down by the Nigerian Judicial Council (NJC).

“We also call on the security agencies to fish out the sponsors of the killings as well as the remaining suspects. Nobody should trivialise this issue because it goes beyond General Alkali. Hundreds of Hausa-Fulani and Muslim travelers had disappeared in the same zone and at least four other cars were found alongside the late general’s own. It is also an established fact that there are several other ponds in the area. Those ponds are also suspected to contain several cars belonging to Hausa-Fulani and other Muslim victims of heartless and inhuman killings in the hands of the Beroms.

“Therefore, the sponsors of Berom killers must be named, arrested and prosecuted. We reiterate that the Plateau crisis will continue to defy solution until the big guns behind the killings are dealt with the same way their errand boys are treated. There must be no sacred cows in this case. This is a matter of serious national concern. Therefore, there should be no hanky-panky.

“We remind all stakeholders that new killings will start in that zone again unless the killers of General Alkali are brought to book. The killings have lasted this long because nobody had actually been punished in past killings. Others will hesitate to kill once they realise that there are dire consequences.

Finally, we appeal to the family of the Late General Muhammad Idris Alkali as well as Nigerian Muslims in general to patiently await the outcome of the case. We advise the leadership of the Nigerian Muslim Ummah as well as the Muslim Lawyers Association (MULAN) to dispatch at least two senior Muslim lawyers to attend and observe all sittings on the case until it is finally decided.     

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

LOOTERS MUST REPENT, REFUND & REFRAIN IN RAMADAN

21^st May, 2019

PRESS RELEASE:

LOOTERS MUST REPENT, REFUND & REFRAIN IN RAMADAN

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has advised people who corruptly enriched themselves to seek forgiveness before the end of Ramadan. The Islamic advocacy and human rights group spoke on Tuesday 21^st May, 2019 via a press release issued by its Founder and Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

According to MURIC, the process of securing forgiveness for looters involves genuine repentance by the looter, refunding the stolen money or property or diverting it to non-profit public use and finally, refraining from further stealing. The organization advised that looters should seize the opportunity in this month of Ramadan because it is the month of forgiveness.

“We advise looters to repent in this Ramadan because it is the month of forgiveness. The train of mercy is leaving now. Purchase your own ticket before the month ends. Ask Allah to forgive you and He will do so because He is a Merciful God.

“So we have brought the three R’s this Ramadan: Repent, Refund and Refrain. Looters are asked to repent. They must refund stolen funds after repenting and finally, they must refrain from further stealing after refunding what they stole.  

“Allah frowns on corruption because it is a cancerous tumor which must be removed from the anatomy of every society lest it spreads and consumes the whole. It is an established fact that no good surgeon will hesitate to amputate an infected part of the human body.

“As a religion which promotes human welfare, Islam seeks to create an egalitarian society where there is no palpably visible wide gap between the rich and the poor. This is where corruption and Islam stand poles apart. The former compartmentalizes society into the stupendously rich and the terribly poor whereas the latter seeks to raise the standard of living for all.

“This is why Islam forbids every man or woman from taking or receiving bribes and kickbacks or engaging in over-invoicing (Glorious Qur’an 2:188; 4:29-30). The Qur’an also condemns the accumulation of wealth (102:1-8; 104:1-9).

 “Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) condemned cheats, bribe-takers and looters. This is very clear in his numerous pronouncements on corruption. Examples are, ‘Whoever cheats us is not one of us.’ ‘The curse of Allah is on both the givers and takers of bribe.’ ‘Gifts accepted by public officers are ghuluul (i.e. ill-gotten gains).’

MURIC also spoke about the eschatological implication of corruption on looters.

“The Glorious Qur’an warns that those involved will be punished in al-Akhirah (the Hereafter), ‘They take usury and collect bribe even though it is forbidden. They devour people’s money wrongfully. Verily indeed We have prepared a grievous punishment for unbelievers’ (4:161).

In the hadith (sayings of the Prophet) ‘Any leader who dies as a cheat will never enter al-Jannah (Paradise).’He also said that any public official or businessman who steals the people’s common patrimony and uses it to purchase or build personal property will appear yawm al-Qiyamah (the Day of Ressurrection) carrying the stolen money, property or properties on his head. Stolen money will become reptiles right from the grave on the day a looter is buried. Snakes and scorpions will bite him ad infinitum until yawm al-Qiyamah! 

To avoid the travails of al-Akhirah, MURIC asked looters to seek forgiveness.

“Muslims are known to covet al-Jannah. All their acts of worship (Salat, Zakat, fasting in the month of Ramadan, pilgrimage to Makkah, etc) are for the sake of al-Jannah. Therefore, the issue must be very serious if they are told that they will be denied that same al-Jannah if they loot public funds regardless of whether or not they dutifully performed other acts of worship.

“The way out is to repent. Looters must repent before they die or they will burn in hell. Fast everyday of your life if you like. Go on pilgrimage every year if you so desire. Perform Umrah every month or bring the whole city of Makkah to your expansive hilltop mansion and underground palace. You will burn in Jahannam (hell fire) if you steal our common patrimony and you still fail to repent, refund and refrain.  

“MURIC did not say it. It came from the lips of Prophet Muhammad and the Prophet does not speak in vain because every single statement of his is divinely inspired (Qur’an 53:3-4 wa ma yantiq ‘anil hawaa, in huwa ilaa wahyun yuuhaa). You have only one option: repent. Repent before it is too late. Ramadan is the month of mercy and forgiveness. So do it now! You may never have another chance.

But the group also advised that seeking forgiveness may not be enough if those who looted public funds fail to return the stolen money.

“There is every chance that Allah will forgive looters if they manifest genuine remorse. That sincere remorse can only be exhibited by the looter if he surrenders the loot. We therefore advise looters who are seeking Allah’s forgiveness to surrender their loot after seeking forgiveness. There is double assurance that Allah will forgive because He is the Most Beneficient and the Most Merciful.

“Allah Himself says concerning this, ‘Say Oh my servants who have transgressed against their own souls, do not despair about the mercy of Allah because Allah forgives all sins. He is the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful’ (Qur’an 39:53).

The Islamic human rights organization also throws light on how looters can return stolen funds.

“Some looters may find it difficult to return stolen money. This may be out of fear of the law enforcement agencies. But they must remember that if anti-corruption agencies (EFCC or ICPC) does not sees them, Allah sees them. They cannot hide from Allah. He sees and knows everything. 

“Therefore, our advice is that any looter who finds it difficult to return stolen money to the government should use it for a project from which the public can benefit, e.g. build roads in communities, provide drinkable water for rural communities, build city halls, repair roofs and windows of public schools, build public libraries, theatres, laboratories in public institutions of learnings, universities, secondary schools, etc and maintain them.

“He can build public toilets in several cities and make arrangement for their maintenance. Members of the public must be able to use such toilets free of all charges. Allah’s reward will continue to go to him for so long as people get relief from using the toilets.

“School buses can be put on the road for free ride by students. You can build public eateries where two free meals per day can be provided for senior citizens (anyone above the age of 60) and the jobless. This will reduce criminal activities to a large extent because many youth go into crime due to hunger. You can institute an endowment that settles hospital bills for poor and helpless patients. You can also distribute wheel chairs and similar health facilities for the handicapped.  

 

“But there is a caveat here. In an attempt to return stolen funds through the provision of service to the public, looters should not invest the money in any venture that will fetch them money in return, e.g. building private universities where exorbitant fees will be charged.

“In the final analysis, forgiveness and al-Jannah will be guaranteed with the proviso that the looter does not continue stealing after seeking forgiveness and after returning the loot”.

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

LOOTERS MUST REPENT, REFUND & REFRAIN IN RAMADAN

21^st May, 2019

PRESS RELEASE:

LOOTERS MUST REPENT, REFUND & REFRAIN IN RAMADAN

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has advised people who corruptly enriched themselves to seek forgiveness before the end of Ramadan. The Islamic advocacy and human rights group spoke on Tuesday 21^st May, 2019 via a press release issued by its Founder and Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

According to MURIC, the process of securing forgiveness for looters involves genuine repentance by the looter, refunding the stolen money or property or diverting it to non-profit public use and finally, refraining from further stealing. The organization advised that looters should seize the opportunity in this month of Ramadan because it is the month of forgiveness.

“We advise looters to repent in this Ramadan because it is the month of forgiveness. The train of mercy is leaving now. Purchase your own ticket before the month ends. Ask Allah to forgive you and He will do so because He is a Merciful God.

“So we have brought the three R’s this Ramadan: Repent, Refund and Refrain. Looters are asked to repent. They must refund stolen funds after repenting and finally, they must refrain from further stealing after refunding what they stole.  

“Allah frowns on corruption because it is a cancerous tumor which must be removed from the anatomy of every society lest it spreads and consumes the whole. It is an established fact that no good surgeon will hesitate to amputate an infected part of the human body.

“As a religion which promotes human welfare, Islam seeks to create an egalitarian society where there is no palpably visible wide gap between the rich and the poor. This is where corruption and Islam stand poles apart. The former compartmentalizes society into the stupendously rich and the terribly poor whereas the latter seeks to raise the standard of living for all.

“This is why Islam forbids every man or woman from taking or receiving bribes and kickbacks or engaging in over-invoicing (Glorious Qur’an 2:188; 4:29-30). The Qur’an also condemns the accumulation of wealth (102:1-8; 104:1-9).

 “Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) condemned cheats, bribe-takers and looters. This is very clear in his numerous pronouncements on corruption. Examples are, ‘Whoever cheats us is not one of us.’ ‘The curse of Allah is on both the givers and takers of bribe.’ ‘Gifts accepted by public officers are ghuluul (i.e. ill-gotten gains).’

MURIC also spoke about the eschatological implication of corruption on looters.

“The Glorious Qur’an warns that those involved will be punished in al-Akhirah (the Hereafter), ‘They take usury and collect bribe even though it is forbidden. They devour people’s money wrongfully. Verily indeed We have prepared a grievous punishment for unbelievers’ (4:161).

In the hadith (sayings of the Prophet) ‘Any leader who dies as a cheat will never enter al-Jannah (Paradise).’He also said that any public official or businessman who steals the people’s common patrimony and uses it to purchase or build personal property will appear yawm al-Qiyamah (the Day of Ressurrection) carrying the stolen money, property or properties on his head. Stolen money will become reptiles right from the grave on the day a looter is buried. Snakes and scorpions will bite him ad infinitum until yawm al-Qiyamah! 

To avoid the travails of al-Akhirah, MURIC asked looters to seek forgiveness.

“Muslims are known to covet al-Jannah. All their acts of worship (Salat, Zakat, fasting in the month of Ramadan, pilgrimage to Makkah, etc) are for the sake of al-Jannah. Therefore, the issue must be very serious if they are told that they will be denied that same al-Jannah if they loot public funds regardless of whether or not they dutifully performed other acts of worship.

“The way out is to repent. Looters must repent before they die or they will burn in hell. Fast everyday of your life if you like. Go on pilgrimage every year if you so desire. Perform Umrah every month or bring the whole city of Makkah to your expansive hilltop mansion and underground palace. You will burn in Jahannam (hell fire) if you steal our common patrimony and you still fail to repent, refund and refrain.  

“MURIC did not say it. It came from the lips of Prophet Muhammad and the Prophet does not speak in vain because every single statement of his is divinely inspired (Qur’an 53:3-4 wa ma yantiq ‘anil hawaa, in huwa ilaa wahyun yuuhaa). You have only one option: repent. Repent before it is too late. Ramadan is the month of mercy and forgiveness. So do it now! You may never have another chance.

But the group also advised that seeking forgiveness may not be enough if those who looted public funds fail to return the stolen money.

“There is every chance that Allah will forgive looters if they manifest genuine remorse. That sincere remorse can only be exhibited by the looter if he surrenders the loot. We therefore advise looters who are seeking Allah’s forgiveness to surrender their loot after seeking forgiveness. There is double assurance that Allah will forgive because He is the Most Beneficient and the Most Merciful.

“Allah Himself says concerning this, ‘Say Oh my servants who have transgressed against their own souls, do not despair about the mercy of Allah because Allah forgives all sins. He is the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful’ (Qur’an 39:53).

The Islamic human rights organization also throws light on how looters can return stolen funds.

“Some looters may find it difficult to return stolen money. This may be out of fear of the law enforcement agencies. But they must remember that if anti-corruption agencies (EFCC or ICPC) does not sees them, Allah sees them. They cannot hide from Allah. He sees and knows everything. 

“Therefore, our advice is that any looter who finds it difficult to return stolen money to the government should use it for a project from which the public can benefit, e.g. build roads in communities, provide drinkable water for rural communities, build city halls, repair roofs and windows of public schools, build public libraries, theatres, laboratories in public institutions of learnings, universities, secondary schools, etc and maintain them.

“He can build public toilets in several cities and make arrangement for their maintenance. Members of the public must be able to use such toilets free of all charges. Allah’s reward will continue to go to him for so long as people get relief from using the toilets.

“School buses can be put on the road for free ride by students. You can build public eateries where two free meals per day can be provided for senior citizens (anyone above the age of 60) and the jobless. This will reduce criminal activities to a large extent because many youth go into crime due to hunger. You can institute an endowment that settles hospital bills for poor and helpless patients. You can also distribute wheel chairs and similar health facilities for the handicapped.  

 

“But there is a caveat here. In an attempt to return stolen funds through the provision of service to the public, looters should not invest the money in any venture that will fetch them money in return, e.g. building private universities where exorbitant fees will be charged.

“In the final analysis, forgiveness and al-Jannah will be guaranteed with the proviso that the looter does not continue stealing after seeking forgiveness and after returning the loot”.

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

MURIC HAILS FG FOR ADDING LUSTRE TO JUNE 12

20^th May, 2019

PRESS RELEASE:

MURIC HAILS FG FOR ADDING LUSTRE TO JUNE 12

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has hailed the Federal Government of Nigeria (FG) for shifting the celebration of the inauguration of President Buhari’s second term to June 12.      

This was made known in a statement issued by the Founder and Director of the human rights organization, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Monday, 20^th May, 2019.

According to MURIC, “June 12 symptomises the struggle for the return of democracy to Nigeria, the transfer of power to the Nigerian people and the rejection of military rule. June 12 is an indelible landmark in the annals of Nigeria’s political history.

“That was the day Nigerians eschewed acrobatic religiousity and gymnastic ethnicity and gave their votes to a man who truly deserved it. They gave the cold shoulder to mediocrity and parochialism and donned the toga of merit and excellence in its totality.

“Whereas Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and Alhaji Ahmadu Bello had always won in the North, Chief Obafemi Awolowo had always won in the West only while Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe had always taken the East like a storm, the June 12 hero, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (M.K.O.) won a landslide victory in all the regions in the general election which took place on June 12, 1993.   

“It was a huge paradigm shift and an unprecedented political landmark. It was a great opportunity to bring true unity to Nigeria. But the military dictators robbed the good people of this great country of this great opportunity to rise above kindergarten political culture. June 12 election which was the fairest and most peaceful election in Nigeria was criminally annulled. This annulment proved to be a poisonous disincentive and frustration replaced patriotism.  

“Meanwhile, MURIC and the rest of the Nigerian civil society continued to demand recognition for June 12. This was as far back as 1994. All past regimes ignored the yearnings of patriotic Nigerians for the recognition of June 12 until the second advent of Buhari. President Muhammadu Buhari vividly captured the vision and spirit of June 12 when he recognized it in 2018.

“Although critics called it a political gimmick aimed at securing votes of the South West in the 2019 elections, FG has now proved the doubting Thomases wrong by its decision to celebrate the inauguration of Buhari’s second term on June 12.

“MURIC lauds Buhari for walking his talk. This is integrity incarnate. It is sincerity personified. Mr. President has added lustre to the June 12 victory. Marking his second inauguration on that great day is the icing on the cake. It gives it the necessary gleam, shine, splendor and glamour. Buhari is building a modern Nigeria not only with infrastructure but also with character. He is leading by example.

“Before we draw the curtains, we call on Nigerians to give FG maximum support in its efforts to build a virile nation. The South West in particular owes FG a moral debt of loyalty and solidarity over the June 12 issue. The debt is so huge that individuals and groups behind irredentist propensities and manifestations from the sub-region must be seen as ingrates from now on”.

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

MURIC REJECTS PROSPECT OF MILITARY COUP

15^th May, 2019

PRESS RELEASE:

MURIC REJECTS PROSPECT OF MILITARY COUP

The Nigerian military yesterday dissociated itself from a document calling for dissolution of the present administration. According to the report, the document is currently being circulated within the country. Furthermore, the document also advocated for the setting up of an interim government.       

Reacting to the development, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has described the document as illegal and provocative. The organisation’s reaction was contained in a press statement issued on Wednesday 15^th May, 2019 by its Founder and Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

“This is unacceptable. It is irritating, preposterous and ludicrous. How can any sane individual or group be calling for a military coup d’etat in 21^st century Nigeria? It is anachronistic. We have no doubt that it is the handiwork of unpatriotic and unscrupulous elements.

“They will fail. They will fail because the Nigerian people are solidly behind President Muhammadu Buhari. The people have spoken. They spoke loudly with their votes when they elected the incumbent again for the second term. It is desperation that is pushing some people to come up with this crazy idea.

“We have no iota of doubt that this document came from the corruption camp. They are bitter. They are frustrated. They want it to be business as usual but they have seen that Buhari means business. Now they want to get by the bends what they failed to get by the straight. For them it has always been by hook or by crook.

“President Buhari has inspired Nigerians and the latter have taken the cue. Nigerians have seen transparency, probity and accountability under Buhari. Modern trains are all over the place. Our roads are taking shape again. Public office holders no longer act with impunity. There is no financial recklessness in governance. There is no going back to corruption. It is dead. The corpse of corruption is in the mortuary. What remains is its burial and that will come very soon.

“MURIC commends the military for speaking out against the move. We charge the Nigerian people to reject hypocrites and parasites who are aiming to dismantle our nascent democracy. It is an invitation to anarchy. We warn that any attempt at a coup will be resisted by the Nigerian people. We refuse to be led into economic slavery once again. We will rather live as free men and women in our graves than live as paupers and slaves in our own land”.

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

54 SOLDIERS: SHOW THEM MERCY THIS RAMADAN

13^th May, 2019

PRESS RELEASE:

54 SOLDIERS: SHOW THEM MERCY THIS RAMADAN

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to grant presidential pardon to the 54 soldiers who are currently serving a 10-year jail term. 

The Islamic human rights organization made the appeal in a press statement issued on Monday, 13^th May, 2019. The statement was signed by MURIC’s Founder and Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.       

According to MURIC, the 54 soldiers were rounded up in 2014 when they complained to their commander that their weapons were too poor to confront better equipped Boko Haram fighters. They had earlier lost 23 men and four officers due to poor equipment when they advanced on Damboa on 9^thJuly, 2014. This made them to demand better supplies when they were ordered to return to the battle front again without improved weaponry. They were consequently tried and sentenced to death but this was later commuted to ten years imprisonment. They are still in jail as we speak.

According to MURIC, “The Muslim Rights Concern is deeply concerned about the plight of these heroes of Nigeria who have been wrongly treated. Yes, we strongly believe that they have been wrongly treated. They had defended Nigeria on several fronts before the incident. Their comrades fell on the battle field in their presence.

“While other soldiers knew that money meant for weapons were being syphoned into private pockets of top officers but chose to remain quiet, the gallantry and patriotism in the 54 soldiers motivated them to speak up and demand better weapons. Their demand actually exposed the rot in the top military hierarchy regarding the high level corruption involving the diversion of funds meant for weapons.

“It was the eye-opener that led to the popular case of $2.1 billion weapons fund diverted to the 2015 electioneering campaign by the then ruling party. It is therefore paradoxical that the 54 soldiers who exposed corruption in the military are now rotting in jail.

“We in MURIC have been calling for their release since 2015. We have issued several statements on the matter but to no avail. What kind of people are we in this country? How can we leave our heroes to rot in jail? How can we allow the defenders of our territorial integrity to suffer years of alienation and deprivation?”

The organization revealed that it had met the Nigerian Vice President on the matter and also sent a petition to his office at Aso Rock.

Akintola said, “The leadership of MURIC went beyond issuing press statements on this matter. We met Vice President Yemi Osinbajo during his visit to Lagos around November 2018 and tabled the case of the 54 soldiers before him. The Vice President showed understanding and requested that we should send a petition to his office. We did that within one week and his office responded. We were hopeful. That was about six months ago. Justice delayed is justice denied.

“But today our hope is diminishing. It is melting away like ice cream in the hot sun. These innocent soldiers have already spent five years in custody. The Presidential Committee on Prisons Reform and Decongestion (PCPRD) which was inaugurated on Tuesday 28^th August, 2018 has freed about 5,000 prisoners but not a single one of them is among the 54 soldiers. The PCPRD, headed by Justice Ishaq Bello, has reportedly visited 15 states. We are not certain that the committee has seen the 54 soldiers.

 “There is no better time for President Muhammadu Buhari to invoke the prerogative of mercy on the 54 soldiers than now. The month of Ramadan is the month of mercy. It is the month of giving and sharing. The Prophet of Mercy, Muhammad the Son of Abdullahi said, ‘Show mercy to those on earth so that those in heaven will show mercy unto you’. He also said, ‘The beginning of Ramadan is blessing and mercy, its middle is forgiveness while its end brings freedom’.    

 “MURIC calls on ‘Sai Baba’ as his numerous fans call him not only to manifest mercy towards the 54 soldiers this Ramadan but to actually actualise it. Mr. President, Sir, show mercy to the 54 soldiers this 2019 Ramadan. It will also be a good initiative if President Buhari makes presidential pardon an annual Ramadan policy when large numbers of prisoners are set free.

“We also recommend this for all Muslim governors at state level. Other future Muslim presidents should also take the cue. Christian presidents and Christian governors should set large numbers of prisoners free during the lent and Christmas seasons. This will help to decongest our notorious prisons. But the significance of this gesture is to give hope to the hopeless, relief to the aggrieved and to show kindness to humanity. It gives a human face to governance.

“To conclude this advocacy, we call on President Muhammadu Buhari to invoke his prerogative of mercy to set the 54 soldiers free during this Ramadan. We renew our appeal to the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, to step up the petition on his table. We appeal to the chairman and the distinguished members of the Justice Bello reform committee to give the 54 soldiers a hearing. They have suffered more than enough.

“This is about the good name of Nigeria. It is about the essence of patriotism. It is about our values and norms as a people. Nigerians must be able to beat their chests and say, ‘Yes, our country rewards patriots.’ Not the other way round. Never again shall we compel young Nigerians to leave our shores in desperation. Never again shall we castigate excellence while we reward mediocrity, indolence and corruption. Never again shall we take actions capable of killing the gallantry in our soldiers. Never again…”

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)