RELEASE PRESS : INTERNATIONAL WIDOWS DAY

23rd June, 2012 PRESS RELEASE INTERNATIONAL WIDOWS DAY: PAY ATTENTION TO THE PLIGHT OF WIDOWS   The world is today marking the International Day of Widows. The United Nations (UN) in year 2010 set aside the 23rd of June every year to jog the conscience of the world on the plight of widows.   There is no gainsaying the fact that widows suffer untold hardship in some cultures where there are no welfare packages for them. In some cultures, widows are abused and repressed. They are deprived of their Allah-given and fundamental rights. They are compelled to re-marry relations of their deceased husbands or thrown out of their late husbands' houses into the wild world. Some innocent widows are accused of killing their husbands and made to undergo unbearable torture.   This is aside the severe economic hardship they face at widowhood. Widows generally have been endangered species for long. They are double losers in a world dominated by conscienceless power. The victims of the abuse of widows are not the widows alone but their children as well. The latter face multifarious socio-economic challenges. Alienation and abandonment often lead to anti-social behaviours. Seeing themselves as enemies of the public, the orphans join the rising army of social miscreants thereby causing crime to rise.   Today the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) calls for a halt to all forms of encroachment on the rights of widows. The world must end all discriminatory practices and witch-hunting targeted at widows. It is a crime against humanity to rob widows of welfare, joy and peace of mind after losing their husbands and bread-winners.   We charge people of the world to create space in their hearts for the love of widows and to show compassion towards them. MURIC asserts that all anti-widow practices are not only anachronistic, they are barbaric and inhuman. We urge all governments and institutions to put in place legislations capable of protecting Allah-given and fundamental rights of widows. Spouses are advised to create machineries aimed at preventing women from suffering in the event of widowhood. In this regard financial institutions should evolve special programmes to which living spouses can subscribe and from which women can benefit in the event of widowhood.   Finally, MURIC reminds governments and peoples of the world to pursue the path of peace and to do everything possible to avoid war and violence. Men who die in large numbers during war constitute palpable threat to the survival of women and children.   Professor  Is-haq Akintola, Director, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) 08033464974 08182119714 Professor Is-haq Akintola,  Lagos State University, P.O. Box 10211, LASU Post Office, HO 102 101, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria. Tel. 234-803-346-4974        234-818-211-9714 Website: www.ishaqakintola.com Blog: drishaqakintola.blogspot.com Twitter:  ishaqakintola Facebook: facebook.com/ishaqakintola Twitter: ishaqakintola   I remain oppressed untill the hungry are fed, the naked clothed, the sick healed and the homeless sheltered

DEMOCRACY DAY MESSAGE

28th May 2012 DEMOCRACY DAY MESSAGE: NIGERIA'S DEMOCRACY IS A FRAUD Nigeria will tomorrow 29th May, 2012 mark the thirteenth anniversary of its longest and Third Republic. The First Republic which was incubated in 1960 but which began effectively in 1963 ended disastrously after only three years in the hands of an overzealous, parochial and unprofessional military in 1966. The Second Republic which began in 1979 was terminated by the same gluttonous, impatient, overbearing and tyrannical military in 1983 after just four years of civil rule. In comparison, the Third Republic which entered its thirteenth year on 30th May 2011 has therefore been the longest so far. We of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) contend that Nigeria's democracy has always been a fraud and remains, to date, a monumental tool of deception. The first signpost of the insincerity of our democratic institution is the choice of 29th May of every year as the date for celebrating democracy in Nigeria. This date was picked by reactionary elements who were bent on eclipsing the historical landmarks of the June 12 1993 election which remains the fairest, most objective and most peaceful election in Nigeria to date. We affirm the sanctity of June 12 and urge progressives in the country to push for its recognition by the Federal Government. 29th May is a historical fraud concocted by conservative elements. It must be dumped into the dustbin of history. The high level of corruption in our public life and the celebration of mediocrity on the altar of excellence make Nigeria's democracy the biggest fraud anywhere in the world. It is on record that Transparency International named Nigeria the Most Corrupt Country in the world in 2003, Second Most Corrupt Country in 2005 and Third Most Corrupt in 2006. Today corruption has dug in deeper. The Jonathan administration in particular has greatly embellished the sceptre of corruption with its fraudulent oil subsidy imbroglio. The ruling party has institutionalised corruption into a hydra-headed monster with wide-open and mighty jaws swallowing up the social order. If democracy must herald transparency, probity and accountability, Nigeria's democracy is a fake institution. The political landscape is characterized by violence and electoral malpractices due to the fraudulent nature of our democracy. Whereas political scientists agree that in order to guaranty success, progress, peace and security, democracy must be fully participatory, Nigeria's democracy is selective. It ignited militancy in the Niger Delta because it ignored the welfare of the people in the oil-producing region. It elicited Boko Haram in the North due to the subjection of that region to perpetual poverty. Nigeria's minority elites exhibit a West-induced yet strong phobia for involving Islamic landmarks and institutions in our national life pari passu with Christo-Western institutions. The result has been religious friction and threat to peaceful coexistence. To cap it all, an extremely powerful centre breathes down the neck of the federating units, strangulating and impoverishing them in an equally fraudulent 'federal' concoction.  MURIC clearly, unequivocally and unflinchingly condemns Nigeria's fraudulent democracy. We warn that enduring peace will continue to elude this country until we make justice the basis of all dealings among ourselves. Justice is the soul of peace. No man born of a woman can deny one and enjoy the other. We call for a Sovereign National Conference to avail all and sundry the opportunity to participate in reforming and reshaping the future of Nigeria on the platform of fairness, equity and justice.  Professor Is-haq Akintola, Director, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) 234-818-211-9714 234-803-346-4974 Professor Is-haq Akintola,  Lagos State University, P.O. Box 10211, LASU Post Office, HO 102 101, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria. Tel. 234-803-346-4974        234-818-211-9714 Website: www.ishaqakintola.com Blog: drishaqakintola.blogspot.com Facebook: facebook.com/ishaqakintola Twitter: ishaqakintola   I remain oppressed untill the hungry are fed, the naked clothed, the sick healed and the homeless sheltered

MURIC WARNS AGAINST RETURN OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA

5th April 2012 PRESS RELEASE: ASSASSINATION OF OSHIOMOLE'S AIDE: MURIC WARNS AGAINST RETURN OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE Olaitan Ayorinde, 44, Principal Private Secretary of Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomole, was assassinated early yesterday. The Edo governor's aide was gunned down by a four-man gang who shot him in the head, stomach and chest in the presence of his wife.   Coming so soon after an alleged attempted killing of the governor himself and occurring on the same day that the latter was set to flag off his campaign for re-election for a second term in the coming June gubernatorial election, the murder of Olaitan signals the return of political violence.  Equally disturbing is the tension created in the State of Oshun where Senator Omisore allegedly threatened to attack the convoy of governor Rauf Aregbesola. The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) roundly condemns the cold-blooded murder of Olaitan Oyerinde, a young, energetic and promising politician. We frown at the level of frustration that might have driven his opponents to draw blood. In the same vein, we denounce Omisore's unguarded and highly provocative outburst.  MURIC identifies a link between Omisore's threat to attack Aregbesola's convoy and the real 'attack' on Oshiomole's convoy. Omisore's threat may also have been a coded message to his accomplices and agents in Benin who staged the so-called truck crash into Oshiomole's convoy. The time frame between the threat and the 'crash' are close enough to attract the attention and suspicion of homicide detectives. We charge the police in both Oshun and Edo States to do thorough investigations. In actual fact we expect a non-partisan police and other security agencies to have invited Omisore for questioning on the basis of his threat. How can anyone threaten a sitting governor in that manner and nothing happens? Some politicians have demonstrated that they possess the noun 'murder' and the verb 'to kill'. We warn against the return of political violence. This is an ill wind that blows nobody no good. We urge the ruling party to rein in not only its enfant terrible but also the advocatus diaboli within its rank and file. Heating up the polity at a time when there are serious security challenges is counter-productive. The authors of 'do-or-die' politics are the worst enemies of democracy. Professor Is-haq Akintola, Director, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) 234-818-211-9714 234-803-346-4974 Professor Is-haq Akintola,  Lagos State University, P.O. Box 10211, LASU Post Office, HO 102 101, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria. Tel. 234-803-346-4974        234-818-211-9714 Website: www.ishaqakintola.com Blog: drishaqakintola.blogspot.com Facebook: facebook.com/ishaqakintola Twitter: ishaqakintola   I remain oppressed untill the hungry are fed, the naked clothed, the sick healed and the homeless sheltered

BUK KANO ATTACK: HORRENDOUS

30th April 2012

PRESS RELEASE:

BUK ATTACK: HORRENDOUS, UNJUSTIFIABLE

Catholic church worshippers in a lecture hall in Bayero University, Kano (BUK), were attacked by about six gunmen who threw bombs and fired automatic rifles, causing pandemonium. About fifteen people have been reported dead.  

Coming on the heels of the bomb attack in Kaduna two days earlier which left about six people dead, the attack inside Bayero University is one too many. Once again, we of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) reiterate our unflinching condemnation of attacks on places of worship and worshippers. Such attacks symbolize total disrespect for the Supreme Creator and signpost an astounding manifestation of ignorance about the ways of God.

MURIC believes that those responsible for this horrendous crime have acted in contradistinction with the tenets of religion. There is therefore an urgent need for Nigerians to review their understanding of religion with a view to placing the latter in its proper perspective. We charge school authorities to place high premium on the study of religion. 

The attack at BUK exposes the ineptitude of the Nigerian security apparatus. This attack could have been prevented if those in charge had been visionary and imaginative. We charge the security agencies to be more alive to their responsibilities. Forward-looking protection manouvres coupled with properly coordinated intelligence gathering must be the focus of those in charge of our security. No loopholes must be allowed. In particular, all places used for worshipping by Christians in the North must be given full protection. In the same vein, security agencies must be on guard in places of worship in the South. 

We appeal to all stakeholders to exercise restraint. We urge the perpetrators of these attacks to lay down their weapons and embrace dialogue. For procrastinating on proposed talks with this violent group, MURIC holds the Federal Government responsible for this tragedy. Instead of listening to the voice of reason and creating an atmosphere conducive to ceasefire and genuine dialogue, Government has been threatening to eliminate Boko Haram 'before July'. The warning of well-meaning Nigerians that force alone could not guarantee peace in the present ugly situation was ignored. This official lackadaisical attitude is as condemnable as the bombing itself. Why is government wasting the lives of poor and innocent Nigerians?

MURIC charges the Jonathan administration to wake up from its deep slumber before this country goes under. The Nigerian leadership needs to understudy daily doses of dynamism being injected into certain progressive states by the governors. Nigeria seems to have situated in the centre what ought to have domiciled in a remote local government. That is why nothing is working. We jog the conscience of the ruling Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) to show interest in the security of lives of ordinary Nigerians instead of seeking phantom secession in faraway State of Oshun. 

  

Professor Is-haq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

234-818-211-9714

234-803-346-4974

BUK KANO ATTACK: HORRENDOUS

30th April 2012
PRESS RELEASE:
BUK ATTACK: HORRENDOUS, UNJUSTIFIABLE

Catholic church worshippers in a lecture hall in Bayero University,
Kano (BUK), were attacked by about six gunmen who threw bombs and
fired automatic rifles, causing pandemonium. About fifteen people have
been reported dead.

Coming on the heels of the bomb attack in Kaduna two days earlier
which left about six people dead, the attack inside Bayero University
is one too many. Once again, we of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)
reiterate our unflinching condemnation of attacks on places of worship
and worshippers. Such attacks symbolize total disrespect for the
Supreme Creator and signpost an astounding manifestation of ignorance
about the ways of God.

MURIC believes that those responsible for this horrendous crime have
acted in contradistinction with the tenets of religion. There is
therefore an urgent need for Nigerians to review their understanding
of religion with a view to placing the latter in its proper
perspective. We charge school authorities to place high premium on the
study of religion.

The attack at BUK exposes the ineptitude of the Nigerian security
apparatus. This attack could have been prevented if those in charge
had been visionary and imaginative. We charge the security agencies to
be more alive to their responsibilities. Forward-looking protection
manouvres coupled with properly coordinated intelligence gathering
must be the focus of those in charge of our security. No loopholes
must be allowed. In particular, all places used for worshipping by
Christians in the North must be given full protection. In the same
vein, security agencies must be on guard in places of worship in the
South.

We appeal to all stakeholders to exercise restraint. We urge the
perpetrators of these attacks to lay down their weapons and embrace
dialogue. For procrastinating on proposed talks with this violent
group, MURIC holds the Federal Government responsible for this
tragedy. Instead of listening to the voice of reason and creating an
atmosphere conducive to ceasefire and genuine dialogue, Government has
been threatening to eliminate Boko Haram 'before July'. The warning of
well-meaning Nigerians that force alone could not guarantee peace in
the present ugly situation was ignored. This official lackadaisical
attitude is as condemnable as the bombing itself. Why is government
wasting the lives of poor and innocent Nigerians?

MURIC charges the Jonathan administration to wake up from its deep
slumber before this country goes under. The Nigerian leadership needs
to understudy daily doses of dynamism being injected into certain
progressive states by the governors. Nigeria seems to have situated in
the centre what ought to have domiciled in a remote local government.
That is why nothing is working. We jog the conscience of the ruling
Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) to show interest in the security of
lives of ordinary Nigerians instead of seeking phantom secession in
faraway State of Oshun.


Professor Is-haq Akintola,
Director,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)
234-818-211-9714
234-803-346-4974











--
Professor Is-haq Akintola,
Director,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC),
234-803-346-4974
234-818-211-9714
E-mail: muslimrightsconcern@yahoo.co.uk
muslimrights@gmail.com
Website: www.muric.net
Yahoo Group: groups.yahoo.com/group/muslimrights
Blog: muslimrightsmuric.blogspot.com
Twitter: twitter.com/muslimconcern
twitter.com/muslimrights





Be just. Justice is the soul of peace.
No one can deny one and have the other.
Neither can violence or naked force bring lasting peace.

THISDAY OFFICE BOMBING: SACRILEDGIOUS

 

26^th April, 2012

PRESS RELEASE

BOMB EXPLOSIONS AT THIS DAY OFFICES: SACRILEDGIOUS!

 

Coordinated bomb attacks rocked the Kaduna and Abuja offices of ThisDay newspaper today, Thursday 26^th April, 2012. According to online sources, casualty figures reported so far are about forty. But there may be more.  

 

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) strongly denounces these attacks. They are not only barbaric and callous but also bestial and coldblooded. Any attack aimed at unarmed civilians must be roundly condemned by all right-thinking men. In particular, any violent attack aimed at the Fourth Estate of the Realm must be seen in its right perspective: a desperate move by frustrated elements to silence the only megaphone of the jamaheer (masses), the voice of the voiceless.

 

MURIC charges the Nigerian security services to go after the perpetrators of this dastardly act and bring them to book within the shortest possible time. Nigerians cannot continue to live in fear and bondage. We call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to put a stop to this senseless carnage by hearkening to the advice of well-meaning Nigerians who have advocated dialogue with all aggrieved parties.

 

It is painful that so many innocent people have died for no fault of their own. Yet it is the poor and oppressed who are falling victims. We fear that many more may lose their lives or get maimed unless government tackles this matter with seriousness and sincerity. We reject the Federal Governments grandstanding on this issue. Is it because no high-ranking government official has fallen victim of the bombs? Government should come down its high horse and act like a responsible public institution.

 

MURIC condoles the families of today's bomb blasts and prays that Almighty Allah will grant them the strength to bear their losses. We sympathise with the management and staff of ThisDay newspaper and the Nigerian Union of Journalists.

 

 

Professor  Is-haq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

08033464974

08182119714

LETTER TO YORUBA LAWMAKERS

LETTER TO YORUBA LAWMAKERS

Dear Lawmakers, As-Salaam Alaykum. I addressed a letter to Yoruba governors last week over the issue of hijab for Muslim pupils in public schools. Reactions to the letter coming from the articulate though minority elite who have been wielding conscienceless power over the large majority of Muslims who constitute the powerless conscience block have been shockingly rude, uncivilized and generally carefree.

For daring to make a demand for Muslims in the South-West, I was called unprintable names. Name-calling, however, will not make me lose my temper. I will not call anyone names in retaliation. I will insult nobody. I will maintain a language that is parliamentarian. I wonder though if some 'elites' could go this far with an ordinary class teacher like me, what will they not do when the governors start reacting positively to the issues raised in my letter. Perhaps I should, at this juncture, refer you to my letter to the governors which was published simultaneously in my weekly column in the Nigerian Compass of Friday, 6th May, 2012, page 17 and the National Mirror of the same day, page 30.

This is what informed my decision to write another letter to you as the representatives of the people. You have a crucial role to play in the unfolding scenario and posterity will be there to judge you. Destiny has placed you on a platform imbued with the right mechanism for a microscopic and analytical approach to the question at stake. 

As the debate on hijab rages on, our lawmakers can make their presence felt in a positive way by raising this matter in the houses of assembly in Yorubaland. We have a tradition of peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths throughout the region. We are not used to killing, maiming, burning and looting over religious differences. This tradition can further be strengthened with a skillful resolution of the hijab affair on the floors of the state parliaments.

Distinguished parliamentarians, Muslim parents in the region are feeling the heat of religious repression particularly in the public schools. The point of focus is the current school uniform whose design violates all known norms of Islam. They are demanding that the uniforms to be used by Muslim children should respect their faith. This may not necessarily be a coat of many colours or bring sharp contradictions between the present uniform and the design which they are suggesting. The only difference will be the hijab or head cover which Muslim girls will have on top of their present uniform. The colour and stuff of the material used for the uniform will be the same. 

Muslim parents believe that all their efforts to inculcate the culture of Islam in their children are being truncated by the public schools who disallow the children from using the hijab. It is tempting to consider this as trivial but it is very fundamental. Anyone with a good understanding of Muslims and the way they hold the Islamic culture will easily see the point I am trying to make.

Discordant tunes are already coming from several parts of the region. Muslim parents have gone out to the streets to demonstrate openly against the current school uniform. We do not want to wait until violent-prone elements and enemies of peace hijack the situation. I am therefore urging members of the houses of assembly in the region to take a dispassionate look at the matter. A bill is all it takes to douse tension in the region. 

Teachers who beat up Muslim children for wearing hijab outside the school compound (not within the school premises), to my mind, have acted ultra vires. This action is capable of setting off a crisis of unimaginable proportion, the type we have never seen in Yorubaland. I pray the day never comes. But it may be a disaster waiting to happen. What shall we all say then? Can we say nobody warned us?

This is the purpose of this letter. A stitch in time saves more than nine. Some of us happen to be in a position to feel the pulse of Muslims in general. The best we can do for this country and for the region is to let you know if and when we notice that something is just not right. We do not have to wait until things start happening.

Of course I do not need to point out your responsibilities as lawmakers in a democratic dispensation. Muslims are complaining that the system being run in the land has failed to carry them along. They feel marginalized. I belong to an Islamic school of thought which is allergic to violent agitation. We believe that dialogue can resolve a lot of issues. Lives and properties will be saved. Peace, progress and prosperity will be guaranteed.

I urge you all, honourable lawmakers, to take a very objective stand on this case. If the Muslims are part of this country and this region, the system should embrace them. It must be inclusive, not exclusive. Democracy is all about participation and involvement of all parties. It is high time we started giving the Muslims what we have given their Christian counterparts. Hijab is for the Muslims. Let us give them. 

It is didactic to know that Muslim children use the hijab in all private schools established by the Muslims in Yorubaland. Of course government cannot take that from them. But the message here is that it means this is what the Muslims want. It is also disturbing to note that hijab is used in all public schools in the North. Whenever this point is raised, opponents ask the Muslims in Yorubaland to pack their bags and baggages and go to the North. This sends a wrong signal, namely, Muslims are free to enjoy the dividends of democracy in the North but they must be denied in Yorubaland. Does this promote the ideals of peaceful coexistence? We reserve the right to demand that we all sit down to discuss matters which affect us. I sincerely hope that our honourable lawmakers in the hallowed chambers in Yorubaland will allow justice, fairness and equity to prevail.

Allah bless you all as you deliberate. May peace continue to reign in Yorubaland and may Allah bring the state of insecurity in Nigeria to an end.

Professor Is-haq Akintola, 
Lagos State University,
P.O. Box 10211,
LASU Post Office,
HO 102 101,
Ojo, Lagos,
Nigeria.
Tel. 234-803-346-4974
  234-818-211-9714
Website: www.ishaqakintola.com
Blog: drishaqakintola.blogspot.com
Facebook: facebook.com/ishaqakintola
Twitter: ishaqakintola
 
I remain oppressed untill the hungry are fed, the naked clothed, 
the sick healed and the homeless sheltered