RECRUIT OPC INTO AMOTEKUN - MURIC

 

 

28^th September, 2020

                             

PRESS RELEASE:

RECRUIT OPC INTO AMOTEKUN - MURIC

 

Nigeria’s Islamic human rights organization, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has advised the handlers of the South West security outfit codenamed ‘Amotekun’ to recruit leaders and members of the Oduduwa People’s Congress (OPC) into the new security outfit.

 

 

The advice was contained in a press statement issued on Monday 28^th September, 2020 by the Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

 

 

The statement reads:

 

“We advocate for the recruitment of members of Oduduwa People’s Congress (OPC) into the new South West security initiative codenamed ‘Amotekun’. OPC deserves that preference because it was the only known militant organization which confronted the military during the June 12 struggle. Their leaders were incarcerated on account of the just struggle for the actualization of MKO Abiola’s high-jacked mandate.

 

 

“Apart from this, OPC played a central and unforgettable role in bringing sanity to the South West during the proliferation of armed robbery attacks between year 2000 and 2015. Their performance was heroic and they are still very much around. This was a period when even the police relied on the OPC for community policing. Many armed robbery suspects were apprehended with the help of OPC and handed over to the police. To a large extent, therefore, the South West owes the peace it enjoys today to the OPC.

 

 

“It is our considered opinion that South West governors should not forget these heroes in the ongoing recruitment exercise into Amotekun. We have observed attempts by charlatans to hijack the project. Two fraudsters were recently arrested for defrauding applicants: one Kareem Taiwo who claimed to be an Amotekun officer in Ibadan and Adeyemi Agboola, a cybercafé owner in Oyo town.

 

 

“OPC members are in every ward in Yorubaland. They know the territory very well. They are bold. They also have the experience in confronting criminal elements. Many communities in Yorubaland today employ OPC members as night guards. They are therefore used to night patrol and overnight duty. They did it when they were not being paid one kobo. This is the time to compensate them. They will be more reliable in combating criminality.

 

 

“Our suggestion is without prejudice to the recruitment of seasoned security personnel like retired soldiers and ex-police officers. But members of OPC will be good foot-soldiers for Amotekun. The handlers will be ignoring OPC at their own peril.

 

 

“OPC members should not be pushed to the background under the excuse that they are not ‘educated’. We affirm that emphasis on educational qualification as a pre-requisite for recruitment into Amotekun is a product of colonial mentality. OPC provided security for the region in the past without possessing certificates.

 

 

“We opine that action is education, not the paper qualification. Education is the ability to provide services. A carpenter is educated. A welder is educated. Anybody who is trained to do a particular work has education whereas paper qualification can be worthless particularly these days when forged certificates are very common.

 

 

“For the umpteenth time, we reiterate our principled stand on the need for Amotekun to provide security for all residents in Yorubaland without any ethnic or religious stereotyping. Any arrangement meant to complement the efforts of the Nigerian security agencies is a welcome exercise.

 

 

“Meanwhile we advise the general public to ignore rumours of a purported meeting between MURIC or its director and an ethnic group over Amotekun. It is another desperate attempt by unscrupulous elements and shameless liars to divert the attention of the public from their nefarious activities.”

 

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

 

STOP DECEIVING NIGERIANS: MURIC TELLS YORUBA SEPARATISTS

 

23^rd September, 2020

                             

PRESS RELEASE:

STOP DECEIVING NIGERIANS:

MURIC TELLS YORUBA SEPARATISTS

 

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has told the protagonists of the proposed Oduduwa Republic to stop using fake Islamic organisations to camouflage as Muslims. The human rights organization urged Nigerians to be wary of fake Islamic groups masquerading as genuine and declaring support for the secessionists.      

 

 

This was revealed by the Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, in a press statement issued on Wednesday, 23^rd September, 2020.

 

 

“The protagonists of the proposed Oduduwa Republic are desperate. Their desperation has reached a crescendo where they have resorted to dishonourable actions. This should jog the conscience of honest Nigerians. There is nothing wrong to have differences and disagreements. It is also normal to have ambition. But what is abnormal and ignoble is to pursue your ambition by hook or crook.

 

 

“Those in the irredentist Oduduwa Republic camp have descended so low that they use fake Muslim names and counterfeit Islamic organisations to issue statements in order to confuse Nigerians. Their plan is to deceive Nigerians and the rest of the world into believing that Yoruba Muslims are with them in their secession bid. This is not politics. It is outright dishonesty. It is not only cowardly, but ignoble, despicable and condescending. It should be condemned by all men and women of honour.

 

 

 

“Those behind it should be ashamed of themselves and those still supporting them should realize by now that they are being led by the nose. We urge Nigerians and the outside world to wake up to the antics of shenanigans masquerading as leaders of Yoruba self-determination groups. Yorubas are known to have great qualities of honesty and transparency. That is why the average Yoruba man, based on established Yoruba norms and values, is proud to be called an ‘Omoluabi’, i.e. a man of honour.

 

 

“But the reverse is the case with the self-acclaimed leaders of the present Yoruba irredentists. They are another cup of tea entirely. They are prepared to get their reckless and ill-thought-out ambition by fair or foul means. Instead of using superior logic to convince Nigerians, they tell lies at will to confuse the gullible. They forge names and concoct counterfeit organisations just by snapping their fingers.

 

 

“All these are in an effort to deceive the public. Our question to them is very simple: what kind of ‘republic’ do you want to establish with falsehood? Why must you resort to deception, lies and false propaganda? It is sheer mischief, nothing else. This is where Nigerians have to choose: should we follow liars and mischief makers or should we queue behind men of honour and truth? The devil you know is always better than the one you do not know. We may not have gold or silver today, but we will never deceive you with lies or half-truths. Unless you are a certificated gambler, it is too dangerous to follow liars to terra incognito.

 

 

“The names of fake Islamic groups like Yoruba Jamatru, Yoruba Islamic Organisation (YISO) and Yoruba Muslim Community have been used to deceive the general public. We alert the press and the good people of Nigeria that these are all fake groups conjured by the secessionist camp.

 

 

“Observers of the religious circle in the South West will note that notable Islamic organisations that have been speaking for Muslims in the region are the umbrella body for all Islamic organisations in the zone, the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), the Companion, The Criterion, The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), FOMWAN, NASFAT, QAREEB, the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), The Muslim Congress (TMC), The Ansaruddeen Society, Nawairudeen Society, MURIC, the Movement for Islamic Cultural Affairs (MICA) and a few others whom space cannot allow us to mention here.

 

 

“Most of these Islamic organisations have issued statements rejecting the Oduduwa Republic but the irredentists want to distort history by making forged statements using faceless Islamic organisations. This is criminal. We advise journalists to seek clarification from MUSWEN whenever any new group comments on the matter in order to avoid vicarious liability. MUSWEN is our umbrella organization in the South West and all Islamic groups in the South West are registered under it.

 

 

“We assert clearly, categorically and unequivocally that none of the so-called Islamic groups which have issued statements in support of a Yoruba Republic are known to us. They are fifth columnists created by the separatists with the aim of dividing the Yoruba Muslim community. But they have failed. It is not an Islamic organization if it is not an Islamic organization. The Yoruba Ummah is one, virile and indivisible. We therefore charge the Nigerian press to handle the Oduduwa Republic matter with utmost professionalism. The wheat must be separated from the chaff. This is not the time for yellow journalism. Neither is it the time for sensationalism.

 

 

“Statements issued by groups that are hitherto unknown in Christian, Muslim and traditional Yoruba circles should be checked and cross-checked. Media houses who publish statements made by fake groups will be held responsible for such statements. A certified journalist is expected to check the source of his or her information. The press must take responsibility.

 

 

“Those who allow the name of Yoruba Muslims to be used freely and irresponsibly will answer to Yoruba Muslims because we are going to make sure that we forward reports of fake statements to the security agents and legal action will be taken where necessary. The sources of those statements will be traced and all those involved will have questions to answer. This society must be sanitized.

 

 

“There must be consequences for irresponsible and mischievous statements and publications capable of causing the breakdown of law and order in the society. Yoruba Muslims have Allah-given fundamental right to enjoy freedom from molestation, harassment, intimidation and coercion from any quarters. MURIC will do everything possible within the laws of the land to guaranty this right.

 

 

“MURIC appeals to Nigerians, particularly the Yoruba people, to shine their eyes. These liars and forgers are advocatus diaboli whose only desire is to cause chaos in society. The Yoruba say ‘Omo ti o ba puro yio jale’ i.e. a child that tells lies will soon start stealing. Those who are now misleading you with lies will definitely steal all your money if ever Oduduwa Republic becomes a fait accompli. They are not to be trusted. They are making noise today because the tap from which free naira and dollar used to flow has been closed. We assure Nigerians that the agitation will die a natural death when the man they love to hate ends his tenure in 2023.

 

 

“To cut a long story short, we warn those agitating for the establishment of Oduduwa Republic to stop deceiving Nigerians by using Muslim names and fake Islamic organisations to issue statements. The Nigerian press has a duty to ensure that fake and faceless groups are not allowed to use it to cause disaffection in the society. Media houses are advised to publish only what they can be proud of as members of the noble profession.”

 

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

 

 

MURIC MOURNS EMIR OF ZAZZAU

 

21^st September, 2020

                    

PRESS RELEASE:

MURIC MOURNS EMIR OF ZAZZAU

 

The Emir of Zaria and traditional head of Zazzau Emirate, Alhaji Shehu Idris, died yesterday, Sunday, 20^th September, 2020 after a brief illness. He was 84.

 

 

Meanwhile the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has sent a condolence message to the head of the Nigerian Muslim community, the Sultan of Sokoto, the Governor of Kaduna State, the Zazzau Emirate and the people of Zaria. The message was signed by the Director of the Muslim rights group, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

 

 

“The news of the passing away of the Emir of Zazzau is saddening. We commiserate with our leader, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar. We condole the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. Our sympathy also goes to the Zazzau Emirate Council, particularly the Yariman Zazzau, Alhaji Munir Ja‘afar and the good people of Zaria.

 

 

“The late Emir was born on 20^th February 1936 into the family of Mallam Idrisu Auta and Hajiya Aminatu. His grandfather was the Sarkin Zazzau, Alhaji Muhammadu Sambo who reigned from 1879 to 1888. Shehu Idris was the 18^th Emir of Zazzau and the Chairman of Zazzau Emirate Council as well as the Kaduna State Emirate Council. He ascended the throne on 8^th February, 1975 following the demise of Alhaji Muhammadu Aminu, the 17^th Emir of Zazzau.

 

He attended Katsina Training College and taught at Hunkuyi. He served as private secretary to the Sarkin Zazzau, Muhammadu Aminu. He became the secretary of the Zaria Native Authority Council in 1965. He took the title of Dan Madamin Zaria in 1973 and became the district head of Zaria and Kewaye in the same year.

 

 

“The late Emir Shehu Idris was a diligent, pious and patriotic Nigerian. His patience could melt Mount Everest. He once ordered his convoy to turn back and find another route instead of telling the police to attack a Shiite procession that refused to allow his convoy to drive past. He was an exemplary leader.

 

 

“May Almighty Allah overlook his shortcomings and grant him a lofty place in Al-Jannah Firdaus. May Allah give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.”

 

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

 

MURIC TO FAYEMI: DON’T REVIEW APPEAL COURT DECISION

 

15^th September, 2020

                             

PRESS RELEASE:

MURIC TO FAYEMI: DON’T REVIEW APPEAL COURT DECISION

 

A Nigerian Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has called on the governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, to respect the rule of law. According to the rights group, the governor has set up a committee to review the decision of the appeal court on the installation of the Alawo of Awo, Oba Azeez Sulaiman Aladejuyigbe.

 

 

MURIC described the governor’s attempt to review the decision of the court as unlawful, illegal, illegitimate, unconstitutional, extra-judicial, undemocratic and a rape on the rule of law. The group’s position was made known in a press statement issued on Tuesday, 15^th September, 2020 by its Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

 

 

“We are calling on Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State to dissolve the committee set up by him to review the decision of the appeal court on the Alawo of Awo stool. It is alien to the law for a state governor to subject the pronouncement of a competent court of law to his personal whim and caprice in the name of a review committee. Such an action is unlawful, illegal, illegitimate, unconstitutional, extra-judicial, undemocratic and a rape on the rule of law.

 

 

“The High Court of Ado Ekiti delivered judgement in favour of Oba Azeez Sulaiman Olaleye Aladejuyigbe on 7^th October, 2015. Not satisfied, the complainants took the matter to the Appeal Court and the latter delivered judgement in the Oba’s favour again on 3^rd December, 2019. Instead of heading straight to the highest court in the land, the appellants resorted to backdoor manipulations relying on religious sentiment. It is unfortunate that the governor willingly became complicit in an anti-Muslim conspiracy headed by a learned SAN.

 

 

“We are asking Governor Fayemi to tell Nigerians when the faith of a candidate for the royal stool became an issue. Why must an Oba-elect be denied access to the palace because he is a Muslim? Fayemi’s government will be laying a very bad precedent if this is allowed. Instead of allowing the court’s ruling to stand, the governor has thrown his weight behind an anti-Muslim group in the town by ordering the review of the decision of the Appeal Court through the Chieftaincy Committee of Ekiti State Traditional Council.

 

 

“This process is unknown to law. The traditional Council cannot set aside the decision of a higher court. Fayemi’s action is therefore ultra vires, null and void and of no effect whatsoever. We ask the governor to take the honourable path of stopping the review exercise before it is too late.

 

 

“Oba Azeez should be allowed to move into the palace. There is no doubt that he enjoys the support of the good people of Awo Ekiti who have risen to his defence on many occasions when the political charlatans and religious demagogues launched ferocious attacks on him and his family.

 

 

“In the same vein, we appeal to community leaders and all men of conscience to intervene in this matter in order to forestall a peculiar mess in Ekiti State. The impression is being created that Oba Azeez is being persecuted because he is a Muslim. It is becoming more glaring daily that the age-long belief of the existence of religious tolerance among the Yoruba is sheer myth, a mirage and a nonexistent phantom. The facts today as we have it is that Muslims are being denied political appointments, traditional stools and job opportunities in Yorubaland.

 

 

“Take Ikire and Eruwa for example. A Muslim Prince secured Supreme Court judgment since 2014, yet he has not been able to benefit from the judgment because of a powerful anti-Muslim clique in the town which has vowed not to see a Muslim as their king. In Eruwa, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has ignored a Supreme Court judgement of 2019 in favour of a Muslim Oba.

 

 

“Governor Fayemi has not helped matters by seeking to disallow a Muslim Oba-elect from moving into the palace despite a court judgement. Like his predecessor, Ayodele Fayose who ran an all-Christian administration, Fayemi also marginalized Ekiti Muslims in political appointments.

 

 

“The judiciary has spoken. The ideal thing in true practice of separation of power in a democracy is for the governor to give the court pronouncement some flesh by installing the Oba who won in court. Unfortunately Fayemi has elected to ridicule the theory of the separation of power.

 

 

“We find it pertinent to correct the impression being given in certain quarters that MURIC is supporting a particular political party. On the contrary, our focus is the promotion of Allah-given fundamental rights of Muslims anywhere in Nigeria while ensuring at the same time that Christians and traditionalists enjoy equal rights as well. Besides, we have always supported good governance, integrity and transparency and we will continue to do that no matter the political party in power at federal and state levels.

 

 

“As we drop the anchor, we charge Governor Kayode Fayemi to dismiss the committee reviewing the decision of the Court of Appeal on the ascendance of Oba Azeez to the throne of the Alawo of Awo. Anything else smirks of religious bias and executive impunity.”

 

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

 

SOUTHERN KADUNA: MURIC CONDEMNS KILLING OF MUSLIMS AFTER PEACE PACT

 

14^th September, 2020,

PRESS RELEASE: SOUTHERN KADUNA: MURIC CONDEMNS KILLING OF MUSLIMS AFTER PEACE PACT   The Nigerian Muslim rights group, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has condemned the guerilla-style killing of Muslims and Fulanis in Zangon Kataf. The killings occurred on 8th and 9th September, 2020 thereby violating the peace pact of 22nd August, 2020.     MURIC condemned the killings in a press statement issued on Monday, 14th September, 2020 by its Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.     The statement reads:   “Christian youths of Zangon Kataf have violated the 22nd August, 2020 peace pact initiated by the Agwa Atyap, Sir Dominic Gambo Yahaya between the Atyap and Hausa/Fulani. The breach occurred on Tuesday 8th September, 2020 when they launched guerrilla-like attacks on Muslims and Fulanis.       “The attacks resulted in the killing of three unarmed and defenseless Fulani near Gora Gan. Those killed were Abdullahi Hassan, Yusuf Hassan Sogiji and Abubakar Hassan. Two other Fulani men, Musa Hassan and his father, Malam Hassan are still being treated in Jama'a Clinic in Zonkwa after sustaining various degrees of injuries during the attack.     “Another Fulani Muslim, AbdulRashid Lawal Malan was killed by the Christian Kataf militia the following day, Wednesday, 9th September, 2020 in Kurmin Masara, near Bakin Kogi bridge. Maitalata Idris Narutu, a Fulani and native of Zango urban, who lives in Dokan Lere narrowly escaped being killed when his car was stopped at an illegal roadblock mounted by Atyap youth militia.     “The setting up of roadblocks by the youth militia contravenes the terms of the peace pact entered on 22nd August, 2020. Both local and international stakeholders must hold the Christian Atyap militia of Southern Kaduna responsible for starting the vicious cycle of bloodshedding after the recent peace pact.     “MURIC strongly condemns these killings and attacks on law-abiding Muslims. We call for stronger presence of security agents. It is high time soldiers are drafted to Southern Kaduna to enforce law and order. We advocate long term military presence until the inhabitants of Southern Kaduna learn how to peacefully coexist.     “As an organization whose motto is ‘Dialogue, No Violence’, we frown at violence in all its ramifications. We are fully committed to a peaceful approach to the Southern Kaduna crisis. We therefore call on both parties to sheath their swords.”     Professor Ishaq Akintola, Director, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)