MURIC TASKS OBIANO ON MUSLIMS IN ANAMBRA

29^th April, 2020

               

PRESS RELEASE:

MURIC TASKS OBIANO ON MUSLIMS IN ANAMBRA

The governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, on Sunday 26^th April, 2020, gave guidelines to the state’s residents regarding the relaxation of lockdown in the state. However, an Islamic human rights association has criticized the governor for focusing on Christians and church attendance protocol during lockdown in the state to the detriment of his Muslim subjects.

This was contained in a press statement circulated on Wednesday 29^th April, 2020 by the group’s director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

“We are bemused by the one-sided statement accredited to the governor of Anambra State on his advisory to residents of the state on easing the lockdown. He kept referring to churches and church leaders thereby giving the impression that he only recognizes Christianity in his state.

“Obiano said and we quote, ‘With regards to religious groups, leaders of the church should ensure that worshippers comply with the standard protocols of COVID-19 which includes wearing of face masks to church, use of hand sanitisers, social distancing and regular washing of hands.

“Church leaders should decide how best to conduct mass and service in strict adherence to the principles of social distancing to ensure that worshippers are not endangered. Please note that there should be no crusades and vigils for the time being.’ (http://saharareporters.com/2020/04/26/jubilation-anambra-governor-obiano-relaxes-lockdown-churches-markets-open)

“Political office holders should understand the complex nature of our communities. They should allow liberalism to flow in their speeches and actions. This particular speech of Obiano gives the impression of a governor who will not recognize the presence of Muslims in his state, talk less of granting them their Allah-given fundamental human rights.  

“There are implications in such utterances. They come from the subconscious. They reflect the belief and attitude of the speaker. The question that comes to mind naturally after reading the governor’s speech is whether Anambra is also a Christian state. Is it like Wike, like Obiano? We are therefore constrained to ask the governor, ‘Is Anambra State also a Christian state? Do you recognize the existence of Muslims in the state? Who will guide the Muslims in Anambra concerning COVID-19 religious culture now that you have refused to address them? Are Muslims in the state safe under you?’

“We remind Governor Obiano that apart from the large number of Northerners in the state, there are thousands of Anambra indigenes who are Muslims. These people also yearn for his attention, guidance and care in this difficult period. A governor in the Nigerian context cannot afford to be governor of the Christians or that of the Muslims alone. Once you are governor you are governor over the adherents of all faiths. Obiano is the father of all in Anambra State. He should be impartial and his guidance and assurances should go to all, not to Christians alone.

“We therefore call for the governor’s understanding of the fears of Muslims in his state and across the country. He should clarify his statement. If a governor mentions the church in an official statement, he is expected to mention the mosque also. Obiano is not a church leader. Nigerians know him as a political leader and a sitting governor for that matter.

“For the avoidance of doubts, MURIC has no apology for making statements like this. Leaders must be interrogated. Democracy bestows the power of interrogation to every citizen and even more so civil society. We have the right to raise questions. It is democracy in action. Unfortunately what we have these days is parochial democratic practices. The Nigerian society has been compartmentalized into a ‘four legs good, two legs better’ environment a la Animal Farm. George Orwell must be laughing his head off in the grave. Otherwise why is it business as usual when some individuals and groups make sweeping statements and even threaten the peace of the land but Muslims (particularly MURIC) must not even ask ordinary questions without any hullabaloo?

                                                 

“The aim of our detractors is to portray us as extremists and terrorists. But they have failed woefully because MURIC has never issued threats against anyone. We have never incited anybody to violence. We have always promoted dialogue in keeping with the motto of our organization which is ‘Dialogue, Not Violence’.

“Only a section of the country can talk without being shouted down even by those who should know better. The common dogma these days is that Muslims must keep their mouths shut. Muslims must not challenge the status quo. MURIC must not ask questions. We refuse to be intimidated. We will never succumb to the whims and caprices of agents of neo-colonialism, political shenanigans and religious demagogues.

“Imagine if the governor of any of the Northern states had said half of what Obiano said or if President Buhari mentions mosques without adding churches immediately after, all hell would have been let loose. But nobody said anything about Obiano’s parochial utterances. They regard it as normal. We challenge this lopsidedness. It is not democracy. It is neither helping civilisation nor promoting the cause of humanity.”

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

COVID-19: MURIC SENDS SOS TO FG ON KANO

27^th April, 2020

               

PRESS RELEASE:

COVID-19: MURIC SENDS SOS TO FG ON KANO

The rampaging COVID-19 pandemic has rocked Kano to its foundations in the past few days with prominent citizens in academics and business circles falling victims. While only the names of prominent citizens among the victims are made public, hundreds of ordinary citizens are buried without any noise.

Although the state government has denied any connection between the strange deaths and corona virus, an Islamic human rights group, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has sent a Save Our Soul message (S.O.S) to the Federal Government (FG) urging it to intervene immediately.

This was revealed in a press statement circulated to the media on Monday 27^th April, 2020 by the group’s director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

“Too many people are dying in Kano these days. It is too unusual. We suspect COVID-19. We need help in Kano very urgently. This is an S.O.S. The Federal Government must act with dispatch. We cannot afford to play the waiting game in this matter. We may not overwhelm COVID-19 even if we succeed in containing it in the rest of the country. This is because Kano is strategically positioned. The virus can easily spread to the North West, North East and then down South.

“Records have shown that the advent of the virus in some Northern states is not unconnected with the ancient city of Kano. The index cases in Adamawa, Plateau, and Jigawa are from Kano. Even two of the index cases in Kaduna are from Kano. That is an indication that the virus is very active in Kano State. Kano already has 77 cases of Corona virus at the last count but even that figure is debatable.

“More disturbing is the rumour that the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in the state has locked up its offices and its officials are not responding to distress calls. The only testing centre in Kano which is situated at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital has also been allegedly locked up. So where did NCDC get its figure on Kano? Something is fishy here. We are surprised that testing centres are almost nonexistent in the North. Is this a deliberate attempt at debilitating Northern population with its attendant impact on Muslim majority population in the country?

“We therefore demand an inquiry into circumstances surrounding the alleged closure of NCDC office in Kano State as well as the paucity of testing centres in the whole North.

“We advise Kano citizens in particular and the rest of Nigerians in general to take half a tea-spoonfull of habat as-sauda (black seed) with honey every morning to boost their immunity. Warm water should be added thereafter. During his lifetime, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommended habat as-sauda as remedy for all diseases. Some COVID-19 patients have also testified to the effectiveness of habat as-sauda.

“Apart from this, we must be frank with ourselves. We should stop disobeying health officials and the authorities. FG advised against crowding. The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) also warned us to stop holding congregational prayers. We in MURIC also warned that Nigerian Muslims should not try to be more Muslim than Muhammad (peace be upon him). But some of us did not listen. We insisted on attending Jumu’ah prayers. We must go back and read Qur’an 4:59 and pay attention to what the Qur’an says on obedience to constituted authorities. Where are those scholars who misled you now? Where are they?

“Nigerian Muslims are currently enjoying a majority status in the area of demography. We must avoid anything capable of decimating our population. We urge Kano citizens to strictly obey rules set by health officials, particularly social distancing, washing hands regularly with soap, using sanitizers and staying at home. You must break the cycle of this killer virus. Above all, the government must be vicious to be triumphant. Violators of lockdown rules must be dealt with according to the law while the lockdown on Kano must not be lifted until the rate of death slows down to a reasonable level.”

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

RAMADAN MESSAGE: COVID-19 RAMADAN: EXTEND CHARITY TO ALL

24^th April, 2020

               

RAMADAN MESSAGE:

COVID-19 RAMADAN: EXTEND CHARITY TO ALL

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, yesterday announced the sighting of the moon signaling the commencement of this year 2020 (1441AH) Ramadan.      

In its Ramadan message, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has sent fraternal greetings to President Muhammadu Buhari, the Sultan of Sokoto and all Muslims in the country on the occasion of the beginning of Ramadan. The Islamic human rights organization said there was every reason for Nigerians to thank Allah for being alive at this trying period. It appealed to Muslims to extend its Ramadan feeding and other charity programmes to people of all faiths.

This was revealed in a Ramadan message circulated to pressmen on Friday, 24^th April, 2020 by the group’s director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

The director said, “We felicitate with President Muhammadu Buhari, the Sultan of Sokoto and all Muslims in Nigeria on the advent of 2020 Ramadan and we pray that we will witness many more on earth. We call on all Nigerians to show gratitude to Allah for being alive at this trying period.

“Ramadan 2020 has coincided with COVID-19 which is a global health challenge that has defied all solutions. It has heralded death in its thousands and has rendered the global economy asunder. Hunger and starvation stare mankind in the face. Therefore, Nigerian Muslims have the responsibility to extend their feeding and other charity programmes to Christians, traditionalists and people of all faiths. COVID-19 is a leveler. It has equated fasting Muslims with hungry non-Muslims. Nigerians are battling with two viruses: Corona virus and hunger virus.  

“We are all fasting. We are all in the Ramadan season, a season of hope, mercy and forgiveness. Therefore, nurse no malice towards any human being no matter his religious or tribal background so that your fasts may be accepted. Extend charity to all.

“We must raise the banner of love and kindness as proclaimed by the Prophet of Mercy, Muhammad the son of Abdullahi when he said, “Show mercy to those on earth so that those in heaven will show mercy to you.”

“In particular, we charge Muslims who are used to travelling out to Saudi Arabia for Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) every year and wealthy Muslims who used to sponsor large number of Muslims for the same exercise to channel their riches towards the feeding of fasting Muslims and hungry Nigerians. The hadith affirms the huge reward accruing to those who feed people who are fasting without prejudice to the reward of those who are fed.

“We call on Muslims who are engaged in this holy exercise to spend the period in prayers for the lifting of this COVID-19 affliction from Nigeria in particular and the globe in general. We call for prayers for peace, political stability and economic buoyancy in our country.”

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

KANO SAN’S DEATH: MURIC SENDS CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

22^nd April, 2020

               

PRESS RELEASE:

KANO SAN’S DEATH: MURIC SENDS CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has sent a message of condolence to the governor of Kano State, family, friends and colleagues of former Attorney General of the state, Aliyu Umar, SAN, who died on Friday, 17^th April, 2020. He was 68 years old.

MURIC’s condolence message was issued by the human rights advocacy group’s director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Wednesday, 22^nd April, 2020.

“The late Aliyu Umar who was called to bar in 1978 was an expert in criminal law. He was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) eight years ago.

He was the epitome of piety, humility and dignity. A legal mentor per excellence, the learned silk was highly respected in legal circles, particularly in criminal litigation. Most importantly, the late SAN successfully combined professionalism in his career with spiritualism, maintaining a balance between the bar and the mosque.  

“Our personal interface with him each time MURIC had cause to consult a senior lawyer revealed his deep knowledge, his wide exposure and his respect for decorum. Aliyu Umar would not stomach dirty courtroom gimmicks. He played by the rules. Nigeria has lost a great legal icon. We miss him tenderly.

“MURIC hereby commiserates with the governor and the good people of Kano State as well as members of his family, on the passing away of Aliyu Umar, SAN. We also condole his friends and colleagues, particularly members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Kano chapter. We pray that Almighty Allah forgives him and repose his soul in Al-Jannah firdaus. May Allah also grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.”

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

COVID-19: MURIC GIVES CASH, FOOD TO NIGERIANS

20^th April, 2020

               

PRESS RELEASE:

COVID-19: MURIC GIVES CASH, FOOD TO NIGERIANS 

As COVID-19 continues to diminish the numerical strength in world populations and assail the health condition of over 1.5 million people across the globe, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has revealed its contributions towards the amelioration of hunger and hardship associated with the lockdown in Nigeria.

The Islamic human rights group revealed that it launched what it termed MURIC COVID-19 RELIEF SCHEME in March 2020 and Muslims from all parts of the country have been donating to the scheme while the money realized is being steadily channeled to widows, orphans and other vulnerable Nigerians through the state chairmen of the organization,

This was revealed in a press statement issued by the director and founder of the human rights advocacy group, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Monday, 20^th April, 2020.

“There is no gainsaying the fact that COVID-19 is a deadly pandemic and we in MURIC realized very early that all hands must be on deck to combat its spread as well as to ameliorate the suffering of the people. MURIC in particular has a special interest in generating palliatives for vulnerable Nigerians during this lockdown.

“This is because apart from our motto which is, ‘Dialogue, No Violence’, we must work in consonance with MURIC’s popular dogma which says, ‘We are oppressed until the hungry are fed, the naked clothed, the sick healed and the homeless sheltered’. The implication of this ideology is that we are allergic to people’s suffering. We have a phobia for violence, bloodshed, tyranny, oppression, hunger, starvation, disease and all kinds of unfavourable human conditions capable of inflicting pain and trauma on homo sapiens.

“To this end, we launched ‘MURIC COVID-19 RELIEF SCHEME’ on 29^th March, 2020. It was a nation-wide campaign which attracted donations from Muslims all over the country. As at midnight of Sunday, 19^th April, 2020 (yesterday), the scheme has netted N2,210,500.00 (two million, two hundred and ten thousand, five hundred naira.

“To date, we have disbursed N2,033,000 (two million and thirty-three thousand naira), leaving N177,500 (one hundred and seventy-seven thousand, five hundred naira only. Our disbursements are channeled through the chairmen of state branches of MURIC, e.g. Mallam Hassan Sani Indabawa (chairman, Kano branch), Mustapha Ibrahim (Kaduna), Aminu Abdullahi Yalwa (Katsina), Muniru Shehu (Sokoto), Hajia Haleemah Muhammed Sani (Kogi), Dr. Nurudeen Oloso (Oyo), Alhaji Tajudeen Jimoh (Ogun), Alhaji Jibril Ette (Akwa Ibom), Salahudeen Ustadh Yunus (Abuja), etc.   

“These branch chairmen have been able to operate at grassroots level. They identified vulnerable Nigerians and gave them relief materials in cash and kind. Thus we have been able to bring smiles to the faces of Nigerians in our own little way. For example, the Lagos State chapter of MURIC embarked on a ‘3-Day Feed the Hungry’ campaign last week by sharing rice on Wednesday 14^th April, 2020, gari on Thursday, 16^th April, 2020 and cooked rice in takeaways on Friday, 17^th April, 2020.

“In addition, our Katsina state chapter under Aminu Abdullahi Yalwa and MURIC’s Ambassador to the state, Mohammed Idris Ruma, presented cartons of spaghetti to the Katsina state government on Thursday, 16^th April, 2020. Other state branches have also shared foodstuff and cash to members of the public.

“Furthermore, we have received distress calls from hungry Nigerians and we have responded by sending cash directly to their bank accounts. It may be as little as N5,000 or even N2,000 at times but the reactions we get from them shows the gravity of their plight, the depth of abject poverty among poor Nigerians and the suffering of Nigerians during this inevitable and life-saving lockdown. We are also happy to declare that our relief packages both in cash and kind is for all Nigerians. We do not discriminate between tribes or faiths. We give all so long as we still have.

“For probity and accountability, we give daily updates about donations received, amount transferred to the accounts of state chairmen and the balance. The chairmen also supply information concerning how allocations received by them are disbursed. We make the system transparent and this has infused confidence in our donors. But these reports are not so important as our consciousness of the final report which each of us must give Allah yaom al-Qiyamah (on the Day of Judgement). Interestingly, donations to MURIC cuts across tribes. Muslims donate to us from the North, from Abuja capital territory and from the South.

“We hereby express profound appreciation to our donors who made it possible to reduce hunger and suffering among Nigerians during COVID-19 lockdown. To the donors we say, ‘The beneficiaries may not know you. The hungry who have been fed may not have received directly from your hands. But Allah heard their cries when they were in distress, He also heard their sighs of relief upon receiving what you sent to them through us. Most importantly, He heard their silent and loud prayers for those who brought help to them. Be rest assured that those prayers from the heart of the poor climb swiftly above the clouds and reach the Divine Throne.

“In our concluding remarks, we appeal to Nigerians to be their brothers’ keepers. We charge wealthy individuals to give more at this trying moments. Nigerians are hungry. Give your neighbour something no matter how little. We have met whole family of eight that have had nothing to eat for three consecutive days. We have seen pain and anguish boldly printed on the faces of fellow Nigerians. It is pathetic. Our hearts bleed.

As Ramadan approaches, we remind Muslims in particular that they must renew acts of charity in the holy month. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, ‘Anyone who fills his stomach but ignores his hungry neighbor is not a Muslim’.

“We urge the federal and state governments to consider the possibility of relaxing the lockdown temporarily so that the calamity which we are trying to avoid in the straight may not occur in the bends. Hunger has the potential of provoking criminality which, in turn, is capable of leading to death. Nigerians must also religiously follow the instructions of health authorities and those of the government. Stay at home or maintain social distance if you have to go out. Wash your hands frequently or use sanitizers. Nigeria needs you alive, not dead.”

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

MURIC MOURNS ABBA KYARI

18^th April, 2020

               

PRESS RELEASE:

MURIC MOURNS ABBA KYARI

The death of Abba Kyari, the Chief of Staff (COS) to President Muhammadu Buhari, was announced last night. He died from complications from Corona virus disease after battling with the virus for about one month.

Meanwhile an Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condoled with the President Muhammadu Buhari, the family of the former COS, the deceased’s personal friends and the generality of Nigerians. The group’s condolence message was contained in a press statement issued by its director, Professor Ishaq Akintola on Saturday, 18^th April, 2020.

MURIC said, “We commiserate with President Muhammadu Buhari, the family of the former COS, the deceased’s personal friends and the generality of Nigerians. Abba Kyari will be remembered for his uncommon loyalty, his incomparable patriotism and his thoroughness. He was an administrative colossus, a political juggernaut and a spinner nulli secundus. Abba Kyari knew not only how to hit the iron when it is hot, but how to make the iron hot by heating it at the right time.

“MURIC is greatly saddened by the demise of Abba Kyari. We mourn a great son of the soil. A thick darkness has enveloped our great country, Nigeria. But even though our hearts are heavy with grief, we submit as believers to the decree of Almighty Allah in whose hands lies the decision to let live or to recall to mother earth.

“May Allah forgive him and repose his soul in Al-Jannat Al-Firdaus. May He also give President Muhammadu Buhari another COS of like character and quality. We also pray that Allah gives the family of the deceased the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. In the same vein, we pray for the recuperation of all those who have been infected by the virus.

“We foresee the likelihood of some elements in the society celebrating the death of this administrative colossus, particularly critics of the Muhammadu Buhari administration. To such people we say, “You are just displaying your ignorance. Is Abba Kyari the only one in the corridors of power who have fallen to the deadly Corona virus? Are you unaware of tens of world celebrities who have become victims of the virus? Are you also immune to COVID-19?

“As we draw the curtain, we remind cynics and recalcitrant Nigerians that COVID-19 is real. A major lesson which we can draw from this unfortunate incident is that there is no more ambiguity about COVID-19. If indeed it can penetrate the seat of power, it means no one is immune from it.

“We therefore advise Nigerians to eschew stubbornness and cynicism. They should obey instructions given by health officials and the government. Avoid crowded places, maintain social distance, stay at home, wash your hands regularly with soap and avoid touching your face. Only living Nigerians can serve Nigeria.”

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

COVID-19: MURIC DEMANDS TRANSPARENCY IN PALLIATIVES

17^th April, 2020

               

PRESS RELEASE:

COVID-19: MURIC DEMANDS TRANSPARENCY IN PALLIATIVES

An Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has demanded transparency in the process leading to the identification of indigent Nigerians and vulnerable people within communities at grassroots level.  MURIC questioned the manner names of beneficiaries of relief packages are being collated.

This was revealed in a press statement signed by the director of the human rights group, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Friday, 17^th April, 2020.

“We need to monitor the modalities for selection of indigent Nigerians and vulnerable people within communities at the grassroots. Government should release the names of community leaders who supplied names of beneficiaries. The parameters for collating names of beneficiaries should also be made public. Such yardsticks should be devoid of religious or partisan considerations. It is only when this is done that the system can be described as open.  

“We demand transparency in the process. Already, there are allegations of marginalization of sections of Nigerian citizens and people of particular faith in the distribution of COVID-19 palliatives in some states. I think this should not be happening at a time when the whole of humanity faces this horrible monster.

“Exempli gratia, residents of Victory Estate, Iba in Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Ojo Local Government in Lagos State have alleged total marginalization in the distribution of relief materials. They complained that not a single pack was received by any of the residents in a heavily populated estate. Incidentally this is an area fully dominated by people of Igbo extraction. Is it ethnicity or partisan politics? The Lagos State Government needs to look into this.  

We have received damning reports from some states but we want to be mature in the way we handle the allegations. This is not the time for parochial approaches. We will not name names but state governments where people are being marginalized on the basis of religion should take the cue from this message otherwise they will be exposed. We should not allow the integrity of the process to be eroded by individuals who have selfish interests.

“Finally, we encourage states to set up the machinery for the registration of senior citizens (anyone who is 60 and above). This data base can be used for the preparation of post-COVID-19 welfare packages for the elderly in each state. Such an arrangement will eject a heavy dose of humanity in our country. We must not be thinking of the present alone. We must plan for the future.”

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

LOCKDOWN EXTENSION: CREATE FEEDING CENTRES – MURIC

15^th April, 2020

               

PRESS RELEASE:

LOCKDOWN EXTENSION: CREATE FEEDING CENTRES – MURIC 

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has advised the Federal, state and local government authorities to create feeding centres urgently in order to cushion the effect of the extension of COVID-19 lockdown. It will be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari extended the lockdown by two weeks in his broadcast yesterday, Monday, 14^th April 2020.

MURIC gave this advice in a press statement issued by its director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Wednesday, 15^th April, 2020.

“Though the extension is our best option if we don’t want to see Nigerians dropping dead on the streets, the federal, state and local governments must change their method of distributing palliatives. The idea of sharing raw foodstuff is not working. This method is being abused by corrupt officials. Much of the foodstuff is being diverted. It is not reaching the poor masses.

“Governments at all the three tiers must device means of making diversion of palliatives unwise, cumbersome, unprofitable and therefore unnecessary. This can be achieved by organizing central feeding points in all communities at the local, state and federal levels. The same foodstuffs that are being distributed can be opened up, cooked and served in take-away packages for distribution among hungry Nigerians.

“It will be unthinkable for corrupt officials to divert up to a quarter of cooked food without making a mess of their own houses, stores and offices. They will have no option than to distribute the take-away packages as arranged.

“Neither should distribution be a problem. Why is it easy for the electricity companies to reach every nook and cranny in the communities to distribute bills and collect money from poor Nigerians but difficult to locate the same poor people when distributing palliatives? Why is it possible for politicians to knock on every door on the street when soliciting for votes but impossible for the same politicians to share food to hungry people on the same street?

“Politicians should stop deceiving poor Nigerians. Most senators and members of the House of Representatives are yet to visit their constituencies during this COVID-19 saga. They are yet to sympathise with their constituents and ask what they need and how they are coping.

“We are constrained to cry out to the three tiers of government. Nigerians are hungry. Whole families are starving. Most of the raw foodstuff that are meant for poor Nigerians did not reach them. Whole areas have been neglected. Many streets did not see a single ‘derica’ of rice or gari. While we appreciate the efforts of the Federal Government in ameliorating the sufferings of Nigerians, we lay emphasis on the need to change the modus operandi.

“Hunger has produced its natural backlash in form of the astronomical rise in criminal activities in Abuja and Lagos. Young gangsters are attacking neighbourhoods in daytime. Gunshots now rent the air at night in places that have been peaceful for years. Parents cannot control the youth because they cannot feed them. Hunger has neutralized loco parentis and the moral right to question the young ones has vanished into thin air. The new audacity of gangsters in Lagos is an indication that the palliatives are not being delivered to the targeted recipients. Lagosians are hungry.

“One way out of this is for employers of labour to pay their workers very early this April particularly in places like Lagos and Ogun States. This will enable millions of working parents to feed their family. The young ones will stop raiding their neighbours’ houses once there is food at home.

“MURIC calls on all government officials involved in the distribution of palliatives to fear Allah. Each of you will be held accountable on the Day of Judgement. The federal, state and local government may not see you but Allah can see everything you are doing and the angels are recording every move of yours. You will be shocked when you are confronted with the video shot by angels showing how and where you hid foodstuffs meant for the poor, how you made hundreds of Nigerians suffer and how you sold foodstuff meant for the poor. If COVID-19 is real, al-Qiyamah is reality incarnate. You will certainly render accounts.

“In our closing remarks, we advise the authorities to stop distributing raw foodstuffs which are subject to diversion. Instead, they should create feeding centres and share out cooked foods in take-aways. We also call for early payment of workers’ salaries to enable parents effectively keep their children at home thereby reducing the incident of gangsterism.  

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)