1^st November, 2022

PRESS RELEASE:

NAIRA REDESIGN:

PUT ARABIC ON ALL DENOMINATIONS – MURIC   

 

An Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has backed the move by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to redesign the naira. However, the group gave the condition that Arabic Ajami must be inscribed on all naira denominations.

 

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday, 1^st November, 2022 by the group’s director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

The statement reads :

“The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, announced on Wednesday, 26^th October, 2022 the plan by the CBN to redesign the naira (https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/business-news/561816-cbn-to-launch-new-naira-designs-december-suspends-deposit-charges.html).

 

“MURIC hereby expresses its support for the project with the proviso that all the denominations must contain Arabic inscriptions just as they had been before Arabic Ajami was conspiratorially and unjustly removed from some denominations. The removal provoked Muslims and caused division within the country. Only its return to all denominations can heal the wound.

 

“Chief Olusegun Obasanjo fired the first salvo against the naira during his eight year rule as a civilian president (1999 – 2007). Obasanjo removed the Arabic Ajami from N5, N10, N20 and N50 denominations in 2005. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan took the cue by removing Arabic Ajami from the N100 note when he issued the commemorative centenary banknote on 19^th December, 2014.

 

“We assert clearly, categorically and unequivocally that both Obasanjo and Jonathan were motivated by tramadolised religiousity in taking this action. In both cases, the removal of Arabic from the naira generated heated debates and divided Nigerians along religious lines.

 

 

“We have reliable information that both Obasanjo and Jonathan acted after sustained but surreptitious pressure from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). The fact that the removal of Arabic from the naira on two different occasions occurred during the administration of two Christians speaks volumes.

 

“Even as we speak, a Christian lawyer has approached a Lagos high court seeking the removal of Arabic from the remaining naira notes. This implies that our Christian neighbours want to take everything from us. The remaining denominations from which they could not remove the naira through political power is what they have now assigned a Christian lawyer to get through the courts.

 

“MURIC succeeded in securing a joinder in the case and no judgement has been given yet. The main defendants are the CBN and the Federal Government of Nigeria.

 

“It points indubitably to the fact that it is a Christian agenda. Why is it that those who removed Arabic from naira are Christian presidents? Why couldn’t the campaign continue under the Muslim president who succeeded Obasanjo? Why was it reactivated under Jonathan, another Christian president?

 

“This, again, explains why CAN always agitates for Christians to be in power as president or as vice president. The Christian umbrella organisation always seeks to use the influence of Christian rulers to get what it does not deserve. CAN is always scheming to remove all Islamic landmarks from the Nigerian landscape.

 

“It was CAN that spread the misleading propaganda that the existence of Arabic Ajami on naira notes is a form of Islamisation. Nigerian Christians swallowed the bait, hook, line and sinker. That explains why 99% of those who have been agitating for the removal of Arabic from naira are Christians.

 

“They failed to see that if Arabic on the naira represents Islam or signifies Islamisation, English on the same naira either represents Christianity or portends Christianisation. By extension, if the use of Arabic is Islamisation, then the use of English, particularly as a lingua franca, is the Mother of all Christianisation.

 

“Unknown to many, Arabic is not a foreign language in Nigeria because it is actually spoken as the local language by a significant proportion of the population in North Eastern Nigeria called Shuwa Arabs. The removal of Arabic from the naira has cut off this section of our population from economic activities. This action constitutes a gross violation of Allah-given fundamental human rights of the Shuwa people as well as that of millions of Nigerian Muslims.

.

“MURIC is not unaware of the assurance given yesterday, Monday, 31^st October, 2022 by the former governor of the CBN, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, to the effect that the current CBN governor had assured him that Arabic would not be removed from the new naira notes which are being expected next month.

 

“Our problem with the assurance is that it is silent on the bank notes from which Arabic Ajami was removed by both Obasanjo and Jonathan (https://dailynigerian.com/naira-redesign-emefiele/). We prefer a holistic package. Only thus can the injustice perpetrated by the two Christian rulers against Nigerian Muslims be addressed and the time to do it is now.  Those who removed Arabic from naira were Muslim-haters. Not only did they act in error, they were motivated by articulated Islamophobia.

 

“For the gross violation of the rights of Muslims by Obasanjo and Jonathan, MURIC demands redress and healing of wounds during the redesign of the naira by the CBN. Return of Arabic from those naira denominations from which it was earlier removed will reunite Nigerians.

 

“We demand the inscription of Arabic Ajami on every denomination coming in December 2022 or at any other time in future. Nigerian Muslims will consider any attempt by any Nigerian administration to remove Arabic Ajami from the naira as a deliberate assault on its faith. It will also be seen as an existential threat. It is the red line.” 

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

 

MURIC RAISES ALARM ON HOARDING OF RICE, FINGERS CAN

 

28^th October, 2022

PRESS RELEASE:

MURIC RAISES ALARM ON HOARDING OF RICE, FINGERS CAN

 

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on Nigerian authorities to critically look into the unwholesome attitude of some people suspected to be members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over massive purchase and hoarding of paddy rice across the country.

 

The Muslim body raised the alarm in a statement signed by the Chairman, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Kano State Chapter, Mallam Hassan Sani Indabawa, on Friday, 28th October, 2022. 

 

The statement reads as follows: 

 

"Series of investigations conducted by MURIC has revealed a disturbing trend of massive purchase of paddy rice across the rice producing belt, cutting across the three northern agricultural ecological zones of the country. Several reports from the field established that a huge number of strange people are massively buying the commodity in bulk in Kebbi, Niger, Benue, Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi and Yobe states.

 

“The eight northern states account for over 70% of the rice being produced in the country. Nigeria is currently the largest producer of rice in Africa with a production capacity of 5.0m metric tonnes per annum.

 

"With the onset of the current harvest season, the unusual high demand for the commodity has already spiked the price upwards, aiming for the roof. While farmers may be happy with a good price, however, the rush for the mass purchase of the commodity is enough to raise some genuine concerns.

 

"Farmers and other stakeholders noticed an organized and coordinated purchase of the commodity in large quantity. From Kebbi State, down to Gashua in Yobe State, the story of influx of people, mainly Christians, is the same. They came for massive purchase of tons of rice, both milled and paddy.

 

"Our investigations further point to a high likelihood of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) being involved in this orchestrated mass purchase of rice produced for all Nigerians particularly because the buyers in large quantities are all Christians. They come with their weighing scale and tons of money. It is very suspicious.

 

"Apart from the existing aggregating centers, new ones have emerged where the commodity is bought at a higher price. This has already made the price of the commodity to jump up at an alarming rate.

 

"While farmers and local dealers are happy with the new buyers, many are, alarmed by the disturbing trend. Many of the "new rice merchants" admitted to have been mobilized for the exercise. While it is obvious that the ordinary farmer is happy that he is getting ready buyers, the discerning mind must ask the question : Why are they all Christians?

 

"The questions begging for answers are: What is the game plan of CAN? Why is the Christian body desperate to make the bulk purchase and hoard the commodity? And why at this crucial time, a few months to the general elections? Their action has already created unnecessary fear and anxiety as no one is sure of CAN's motive.

 

“Is CAN deliberately trying to create artificial scarcity or is the Christian umbrella body preparing for a worst case scenario? Or is it trying to discredit the Federal Government by making its efforts in the agriculture sector look like a failure? We all know how food is being weaponized in modern conflicts. Is CAN driving Nigerians to a stage when everyone will be forced to go to church for before they can get rice to buy?

 

"We call on the Nigerian authorities to look closely into this desperate move. Both the apex body of Nigerian farmers, the Apex Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) admitted to the unusual demand and the unprecedented hike in the price of the commodity at the peak of this year's harvest season. 

 

"The Federal Government should do the needful by preparing adequately and timely to forestall possible hunger due to mischievous hoarding of this essential commodity by some evil forces. FG can evolve a counter-purchase plan to save Nigerians from the Shylock merchants in CAN. We warn CAN to eschew any diabolical plan it may have with the massive purchase of the commodity." 

 

Mallam Hassan Sani Indabawa,

Chairman,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC),

Kano State Chapter.

 

RCCG LIED: WE HAVE EVIDENCE – MURIC

 

26^th October, 2022

PRESS RELEASE:

RCCG LIED: WE HAVE EVIDENCE – MURIC

 

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) yesterday denied the allegation that it was disallowing Muslims from entering its camp along Lagos-Ibadan expressway to transact business in their banks or to check their WAEC, JAMB and other examination centres. An Islamic human rights advocacy group, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), which brought up the allegation has accused RCCG of lying. The group said it has evidence to support its claim.

 

MURIC spoke again on Wednesday, 26^th October, 2022 through its director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, after RCCG’s denial.

The statement reads :

“We were shocked yesterday when we learnt that the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) denied our allegation that it was disallowing Muslims from entering its camp along Lagos-Ibadan expressway to transact business in their banks or to check their WAEC, JAMB and other examination centres.

 

“Why does RCCG take actions that it cannot defend? The securitymen at the RCCG gate refused to allow those Muslims to enter based on instructions given to them by RCCG officials. What is the world turning to? A place of worship should not alienate itself from truth. They called it fake news. What could have been the purpose of cooking up such an allegation? It is not in our character. What do we stand to gain from fabricating such a story?

 

“We expect RCCG to claim ignorance of the incidents, not to deny their occurrence. It is understandable if the guards at the gate did it out of overzealousness. It also makes sense if RCCG officials claim that it was due to security concerns and promise to ensure that it does not happen again. But this total denial is most abominable.

 

“RCCG’s denial is an affirmation of recalcitrance. It shows no sense of remorse. They will do it again and again and that is why MURIC will pursue the matter to a logical conclusion until RCCG owns up or it is sanctioned for religious apartheid.

 

“We therefore call on the examination bodies in the country (WAEC, NECO, JAMB, etc) to set up their own independent investigations. The examination bodies must take responsibility, otherwise they will become accomplices. Nigerians must be told if WAEC or JAMB examination is for Christian candidates only.  

 

“We also appeal to the press to conduct factchecks on the story. MURIC is ready to supply all available evidence to aid the investigation. RCCG lied. We have evidence. Those Muslim victims are still alive and kicking. We will make our evidence of discrimination against Muslim candidates and bank customers available whenever the safety of the victims can be guaranteed.

 

“But at least they will be available for interaction with journalists who are ready to guarantee their anonymity. This is necessary because there is evil in the land and tyrants are desperate for cover up. The more you look, the less you see.

 

“This ugly trend cannot be swept under the carpet by calling it ‘fake news’ as the RCCG spokesperson, Pastor Olaitan Olubiyi, just did (https://nigeriannewsdirect.com/rccg-denies-banning-muslims-from-redemption-camp/). We will partner with the press and the examination bodies to ensure that it does not happen again. It is a backdoor attempt to deprive Muslims of access to higher education.”

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

 

 

DELIST RCCG CAMP FROM EXAM CENTRES FOR DISALLOWING MUSLIMS FROM ENTERING – MURIC

 

24^th October, 2022

PRESS RELEASE:

DELIST RCCG CAMP FROM EXAM CENTRES FOR DISALLOWING MUSLIMS FROM ENTERING – MURIC

 

An Islamic human rights advocacy group, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has accused the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) of disallowing Muslims from entering its camp along Lagos-Ibadan expressway to transact business in their banks or to check their WAEC, JAMB and other examination centres. The group therefore demands the relocation of examination centres from the RCCG camp.

 

The allegation was contained in a public statement issued on Monday, 24^th October, 2022 by the director of the group, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

The statement reads :

“Our office has been inundated with complaints from Nigerian Muslims who have been denied access into the Lagos-Ibadan expressway camp of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

 

“Among the complainants are Muslims who registered for the Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB), the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) as well as other examinations. Attempts by the candidates to enter the RCCG camp in order to check their examination centres are always rebuffed by RCCG securitymen who turn them back at the gates with clear messages that Muslims are persona non grata inside the camp.

 

“The second group of Muslims who are not allowed to enter are those who opened bank accounts in some of the banks located inside the camp like Eco Bank, Unity, Guaranty Trust Bank, FCMB, United Bank for Africa, Zenith and Access Bank. This ugly trend has been on for quite some time but the complaints have increased in number recently.

 

“MURIC finds this development distasteful, disturbing and disdainful. It is interesting to note that this kind of stereotyping with Muslims as the victims is happening in Yorubaland. It is even more interesting to note that those behind this obnoxious practice are Yoruba Christians while the victims are Yoruba Muslims.

 

“Those who talk about religious tolerance being rampant in Yorubaland have therefore missed the point. Christians and Muslims who live together in the same buildings or those who work together in the same workplaces tolerate each other out of necessity. There are no clashes between them in those places because they do not bring their religion into their homes and offices. They relate as individuals. No more, no less.

 

“But the difference is the case in matters concerning religion where they operate as Christian or Muslim groups or as corporate entities. The same Christian teacher who lives in the same house with many Muslims without any problem is the same teacher who will snatch the hijab from the head of a female Muslim student in the school. Simply put, there is no religious tolerance in Yorubaland. That is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

 

“The reality is that Christians and Muslims in Yorubaland relate perfectly with one another as individuals, friends and family members but they have no respect or tolerance whatsoever for one another’s religion. However, it is the Muslims who are at the receiving end because Christians had the advantage of being in control of the paraphernalia of educational and socio-economic priviledges.

 

“The RCCG camp saga cited above is one good example. RCCG has used opportunities at its disposal to build a big camp on Lagos-Ibadan expressway. It has also equipped the camp with necessary infrastructural facilities including a university, schools, clinics, banks, residential houses, etc.

 

“MURIC acknowledges the right of RCCG to do all these but at the same time members of the public should be given access to them. Failure to allow that access robs RCCG of an important quality and role in social relations, namely, neighbourliness and service to the people. Afterall many other entities have such facilities and keep them open to the public.

 

“Or is RCCG replicating the obnoxious practice in apartheid South Africa where swimming pools and clubs hang bold signs outside their doors to warn off blacks? It used to be ‘Dogs and Blacks NOT Allowed’. Is it now ‘Dogs and Muslims NOT Allowed’?

 

“This attitude is most disgusting, most repugnant and therefore most unacceptable. MURIC will not stand akimbo when Muslims are treated with ignominy, contempt and utmost disrespect. Not even security concerns call for such treatment. RCCG is deliberately pursuing the same ostracization policy of Yoruba Christian elites against Yoruba Muslims in their midst. It amounts to gross intolerance.

 

“As a way forward, we demand, first and foremost, the relocation of all public examination centres from the RCCG camp. This camp should be delisted by WAEC, JAMB, NECO and other examination bodies for practising religious apartheid. However, any examination body that examines Christian candidates only are free to continue patronising RCCG camp.

 

“Any individual or institution that applies to examination bodies to host examinations must give access to the public, particularly the candidates. Anything to the contrary is arbitrary and alien to the culture of education. A situation whereby candidates of a particular religion are shut out of the premises of the examination venue is unfair, unjust and unacceptable by any standard.

 

“We advise Muslims to stop going inside the RCCG camp. It is private property where Muslims are not welcome. Muslims residing in the vicinity should patronise banks and other business concerns located outside the camp. However, we warn that banks and other business concerns located within RCCG camp may start losing their Muslim customers if they continue within RCCG camp. Our advice to the banks id to engage RCCG authorities in dialogue on this matter.

 

“Whereas RCCG has the option of using bomb detectors and conducting physical searches based on male for males and female for females method to overcome its security concern, it has elected to dehumanise Muslims seeking entry into its premises. This will remain on record for a very long time.”

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)