MURIC CONDEMNS AKWA IBOM GOVT FOR FIXING EXAM ON SALAH DAY

 

20^th July, 2021

PRESS RELEASE:

MURIC CONDEMNS AKWA IBOM GOVT FOR FIXING EXAM ON SALAH DAY

   

The Ministry of Education in Akwa Ibom State has declared that the ongoing SSII promotion examinations will continue today, Tuesday, 20^th July, 2021 in spite of the public holiday.     

 

 

However, an Islamic human rights organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has condemned the announcement. MURIC described the action of the ministry and the state government as Bohemian, arrogant, insensitive and intolerant.

 

 

MURIC’s statement was circulated to the media on Tuesday, 20^th July 2021 by its director and founder, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

 

 

The statement reads:

 

“Our attention has been drawn to an announcement made by the Ministry of Education in Akwa Ibom State to the effect that the ongoing SSII promotion examinations will continue today, Tuesday, 20^th July, 2021 despite the public holiday declared by the Federal Government.

 

“A brief statement issued by the Ministry of Education, Akwa Ibom State, reads, ‘Please note that the JSS2 promotion exams will continue on Tuesday despite the public holidays. SS2 students, parents and principals of schools should adhere strictly. Thanks. All senior secondary two (SS2) and junior secondary three (JSS3) students are expected to be in school on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 to continue their examinations. For Management.’

 

 

“We are shocked to our marrows at the level of acrobatic religiousity which some state governments are manifesting towards Muslims. The government of Akwa Ibom State is fully aware that there is a remarkable percentage of Muslim population made up of both indigenes and non-indigenes in the state. The children of these Muslims are in Akwa Ibom schools.

 

 

“The fact that the state’s Ministry of Education ignored these people and insisted on continuing examinations on Salah days prove that it is not prepared to coexist with any other religion. It is also impunity of the highest order for the state government to ignore the declaration of today and tomorrow by the Federal Government as public holidays and to insist on holding examinations on public holidays. This is Bohemian, arrogant, insensitive and intolerant.

 

 

“We strongly condemn the state government’s decision to hold examinations during a Muslim festival and on a public holiday. We wonder what the reactions and comments will be if a core Northern state should do something similar on Christmas day.

 

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director, 

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) 

MAKINDE LIED : MUSLIMS BOUGHT MOSQUE LAND

 

19^th July, 2021

PRESS RELEASE:

MAKINDE LIED : MUSLIMS BOUGHT MOSQUE LAND

   

An Islamic human rights outfit, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has debunked the claim made by the Governor of Oyo State, Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, that Bodija Mosque was built on part of the land earmarked for the recreation centre. MURIC asserted that this was not true because Bodija Muslims bought the land on which the mosque was built.

 

 

MURIC’s statement which was signed by its director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, was issued on Monday, 19^th July, 2021.

 

 

“Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State yesterday reacted to our allegation that he commandeered the Muslim praying ground situated at Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State. Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, the governor claimed that ‘Part of the land which was designed as a recreation centre since the creation of Bodija Estate was used to build a mosque and a church’.

 

 

“This is a blatant lie. The governor has made it look as if Oyo State government gave the Muslims the parcel of land on which Bodija mosque was built. We have it on good authority that Bodija Muslims paid for the land on which the mosque was built and the Muslims had to engage the electicity authorities to relocate the tension wires on the land.  

 

 

“Makinde is trying to create a diversion. He is seeking to divert attention from the Muslim praying ground to the mosque whereas the issue in contention is the former. What we accused the governor of seizing is the Muslim praying ground, not the mosque. Why is he turning it round? We will not allow Makinde to play the game according to his own rules. So we are not discussing the mosque.

 

 

“The question we asked in our statement was ‘Has Makinde Seized Bodija Muslim Praying Ground?’ Our question was not ‘Has Makinde seized Bodija Mosque?’ But the artful dodger is trying to manoeuver his way out of the question. However, he shot himself in the foot while being too clever by half. He inadvertently admitted that he is building a recreation centre.

 

 

“Mr. Governor Sir, on what location are you building your recreation centre? Is it not on the Muslim praying ground? But that was exactly what we accused you of doing. Statements like ‘The new construction will not in any way tamper with the existing mosque in the area’ is not only diversionary. It is deceitful. Nigerians are not fools.

 

 

“Nigerians can read between the lines. Makinde is actually constructing a recreation centre on the open field which Muslims have been using as Id praying ground for decades. He expects Muslims to start using the mosque for our ‘Id prayers. Unfortunately his advisers failed to explain to him that there is a difference between a mosque and an ‘Id ground. Muslims observe their daily prayers and the Friday Jumu’ah service in the mosque but they need an open space for the ‘Id prayer.

 

 

“This is because a much larger number of worshippers come for ‘Id prayer. As for Bodija Id praying ground, worshippers troop in from as far away as Mokola, Coca Cola, Sango, etc to converge on the place. Bodija mosque cannot contain them. So the question of ‘Why don’t they use their mosque’ does not arise.

 

 

“For the avoidance of doubts, our press release of 17^th July, 2021 was a fact-finding statement. The report of the seizure of the Muslim praying ground came to us from within Bodija Muslim community. However, in keeping with the teaching of Islam that reports should be verified (Glorious Qur’an 49:6), we asked the Oyo State government to confirm or deny the report.

 

 

“But instead of confirming or denying it, Makinde has resorted to lies and deceit. He also labeled MURIC as a group bent on inciting the populace when he said, ‘The peace-loving people of Oyo State are enjoined to disregard every attempt to disrupt the fragile peace of our dear state’. Makinde is simply afraid of his own shadow because MURIC has never been known to forment trouble. Our avowed motto is, Dialogue, No Violence’. Disruption of peace is not in our character.

 

 

“Makinde is adding salt to injury. His mission is to inflict as much collateral damage as possible on the Muslims of Oyo State. Both MURIC and the Muslim Community of Oyo State have accused him of political marginalization. His appointments are heavily skewed against Muslims. Makinde can tell as many lies as he likes. He can blackmail as many groups as he desires. But that will only last for as long as he remains in the government house.

 

 

“Politicians understand only one language, at least in a democracy and that language is the next election. Oyo State Muslims spoke to the late Bola Ige in the language he understood. The latter lost his second term election. The vulture is a patient bird. Oyo State Muslim Community will speak to Makinde in the language he understands. The clock is ticking.”

 

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director, 

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) 

 

HAS MAKINDE SEIZED BODIJA MUSLIM PRAYING GROUND?

 

17^th July, 2021

PRESS RELEASE:

HAS MAKINDE SEIZED BODIJA MUSLIM PRAYING GROUND?

   

The Governor of Oyo State, Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, has reportedly earmarked the Muslim ‘Id praying ground situated at Bodija, Ibadan, for the construction of a recreation centre.         

 

 

However, an Islamic human rights organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has stepped into the matter. In a press release captioned ‘Has Makinde Seized Bodija Muslim Praying Ground?’, the human rights group sought to know the true position of things and asked Governor Makinde to clarify his government’s stand. The statement was circulated to pressmen on Saturday, 17^th July, 2021 by the group’s director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

 

 

MURIC said, “Reports reaching us indicate that the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has allocated the Muslim ‘Id praying ground situated at Bodija, Ibadan, for the construction of a recreation centre. As a human rights group dedicated to the promotion, projection and protection of Allah-given fundamental human rights of Muslims, it is natural that we will be worried.

 

 

“But even in spite of our concern, we are careful not to create tension and this informed our careful choice of words and caption. We are asking the Oyo State governor if it is true that he has allocated the only ‘Id praying ground being used by Bodija Muslim Community for the construction of a recreation centre. It is our right as voters and citizens to interrogate the actions of government. Afterall probity and accountability are basic principles of democracy.

 

 

“Governor Makinde should note that religion is a very sensitive thing and any issue that may trigger controversy is better left untouched by governments. In particular, converting a place of worship where Muslims call on Allah to a recreation centre where fun seekers manifest all kinds of lewd, obscene and vulgar profanities sounds more like mocking Islam.

 

 

“Nay, it sounds more like telling Bodija Muslims and, by extension, Muslims of Oyo State in particular and the Nigerian Muslim Ummah in general that they are insignificant. This may depict insensitivity to the religious feeling of a large proportion of the Nigerian population. It should not happen at a time when Nigeria is trying to get all hands on deck to nip the current spate of insecurity in the bud.

 

 

 “The governor may also like to note that Muslims of Bodija and environs have been using this spot for ‘Id prayers for decades without interference from any quarter. Neither should it be assumed that the spot is not being fully utilized or that it is a once-in-a-year affair. The Muslims use it for other purposes apart from ‘Id prayers. These include, but are not limited to, Muslim family picnics and Muslim trade fairs where Islamic wares are displayed and new initiatives, innovations, skills and ventures of Muslim youths and those of Muslim women in particular are displayed.

 

 

“Every Muslim community in Nigeria has its own praying ground where ‘Id prayers are observed and other Islamic activities take place. These open spaces provide avenues for open enterprises unlike the enclosed and restricted atmosphere in the mosque. Bodija Muslim praying ground is no exception.

 

 

“Governor Makinde should mark our words, Bodija Muslim praying gound has become sacred land and converting it to any worldly use is sacriledgious. We say this with all seriousness. No man seeking heavenly guidance and protection will challenge the Creator of all things, both living and non-living, by seizing the very property on which His Name is called.

 

 

“In addition, it is our hope that we are not witnessing a systematic, well-rehearsed and gradual elimination of Islamic landmarks in Oyo State. It was not long ago that a mosque in Iwo Road was marked for demolition by the same administration. It caused not quite a little stir. If that was mere happenstance, is the seizure of Bodija Muslim praying ground a coincidence, a declaration of hostility or an enemy action?

 

 

“More importantly, the Muslim Rights Concern is concerned about the fate of this coming ‘Id prayer in the next 72 hours in Bodija. We are not sure where Muslims residing in Bodija and environs will observe this year’s ‘Id prayer coming up on Tuesday, 20^th July, 2021. Are we sure that policemen will not be drafted to the spot before the arrival of Muslim worshippers on that day to make it impossible for Muslims to make use of the praying ground?

 

 

“The governor needs to assure the teeming Muslim population in the area not only that this will not happen but that reports of the allocation of the Muslim ‘Id praying ground for the construction of a recreation centre is not true. Mr. Governor sir, don’t try to buy time because there is no time for sale. Bodija Muslims are warming up to roll their mats on the spot in 72 hours. To be or not to be? That is the question begging for your answer. Will Bodija Muslims be allowed to pray on the usual spot in two days time? Or have you seized Bodija Muslim praying ground?”

 

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director, 

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) 

 

MURIC TO LAW SCHOOL : DON’T SANDWICH SALAH DAY

 

15^th July, 2021

PRESS RELEASE:

MURIC TO LAW SCHOOL : DON’T SANDWICH SALAH DAY

   

An Islamic human rights organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has kicked against the dates picked by the Nigerian Law School for the screening of its call-to-bar candidates. The Law School had picked 19^th and 21^st to screen the fresh law graduates. MURIC described the dates as anti-Muslim.

 

 

This was contained in a statement issued by the group’s director, Professor Ishaq Akintola on Thursday, 15^th July, 2021.

 

 

The statement reads:

 

“The Nigerian Law School has scheduled the screening exercise for its fresh graduates for 19^th and 21^st July, 2021. This is in spite of the widely publicised dates of the Muslim festival of Id Al-Adha (Salah) which are 19^th, 20^th and 21^st July, 2021. The message on the Law School portal showed that 19^th and 21^st July 2021 are the screening dates while 28^th and 29^th July are for call to bar.

 

 

“Considering the fact that 20^th is now known to be the real date of Salah and the Federal Government is certain to declare two days as holidays, the two screening dates (19^th and 21^st July) picked by the Law School are too close to call. Afterall, Muslim faithfuls are expected to travel to their home states inorder to meet members of their families just as Christians do during Christmas.

 

 

“By sandwiching Salah day between its two screening dates, Law School has deliberately created inconvenience for its fresh Muslim graduates as well as its Muslim staff. The school has also encroached upon the public holiday declared by the Federal Government.

 

 

“It is a most unfriendly, uncharitable and unhospitable act. It is undisguised manifestation of malice and an open declaration of hostility against Nigerian Muslims. How on earth are Muslims involved in the screening exercise expected to join their families to mark the Salah, particularly those who have to travel long distances?

 

 

“But are there no other options? Were those options explored at all? Must the screenings be done on 19^th and 21^st July unfailingly? Were there no Muslims among those who fixed the date? Did anyone call attention to the implications of the chosen dates for the Nigerian Muslim population?

 

 

“These are questions begging for answers and only the Council of Legal Education can provide answers. We therefore appeal to the Council to do its findings and call the Law School to order.

 

 

“The action of the Law School constitutes a gross violation of Allah-given fundamental human rights of Muslim candidates who are expected to attend the screening. It is unlawful, illegal, illegitimate and unconstitutional to fix any official function, exercise, examination or screening on a public holiday. Law School can be challenged in a court of competent jurisdiction by any Muslim candidate who missed the screening, particularly on 21^st July, 2021 because it is a public holiday. Any screening done on a recognised public holiday can be declared null, void and of no validity whatsoever.

 

 

“We therefore call on Muslim candidates affected by this draconian screening schedule not to panic. We advise them to simply ignore the screening of 21^st July and enjoy their Salah holiday. It is their right and their right is their right. Nobody, not even ‘almighty’ Law School, can deprive them of it. We charge the Muslim lawyers to dust their law books and be prepared for a long legal battle on this matter. MURIC may have to challenge Law School in court if any Muslim candidate is illegally disqualified.

 

 

“Gone are those days when Nigerian Muslims were led by their noses. Today, we refuse to be intimidated. We will no longer kowtow to the pooh-pooh of our oppressors. We will use every legitimate means available to secure freedom for millions of Nigerian Muslims wallowing under the repression of their religious freedom.

 

 

“Law School must know where Nigerian Muslims are coming from. Our Salah days were taken from us by the colonial master. No holidays were declared for Muslim festivals during the days of Christian British colonial rule. But Christmas was marked with holidays, funfare, pomp and pageantry, all at the expense of tax payers and from our common patrimony.

 

 

“What Nigerian Muslims suffered under the Christian British imperialists is akin to what the blacks went through in apartheid South Africa. Nigerian Muslims went to school on Salah days. Public offices were opened for work and no Muslim civil servant dared to be absent. We began to secure our civil liberties gradually after independence.

 

 

“The struggle for liberty for Nigerian Muslims is the greatest test for democracy in contemporary Nigeria. Meanwhile, the genuineness of our democratic claims will depend on whether or not, and the extent to which, Nigerian elites are willing to allow Muslims to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

 

 

“We therefore urge the Law School to join hands with us in the struggle for freedom, equal rights, justice and equity. This can only be done if all statkeholders in the Nigerian Project jettison all vestiges of colonial mentality. Anything else will not fly. Our message to the Law School is ‘Don’t sandwich Salah day. Let the Muslims go’.”

 

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director, 

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)