2015 PRIMARIES: AVOID SAME-FAITH TICKETS

3^rd December, 2014

PRESS RELEASE:

2015 PRIMARIES: AVOID SAME-FAITH TICKETS

Nigerian political parties have started the race towards 2015 general elections. Some of the parties have actually held the first leg of their primaries. However, none of them has held gubernatorial or presidential primaries even though several candidates who are interested in becoming state governors and presidents have been struggling to emerge as the flagbearers of their parties.

It is therefore germane at this point in time to caution all political parties against the emergence of Christian-Christian or Muslim-Muslim tickets. Apart from the past hue and cry from well-meaning stakeholders as well as blackmailers over this possibility, the current political atmosphere is not conducive for such a situation.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) therefore invites prospective Muslim flagbearers particularly at the presidential level to choose candidates from other faiths as running mates. This advice also goes for all states where other faiths have substantial showing in the population.

Nigerian Muslims have no interest in dominating anyone so long as they are left alone to practice their religion as enshrined in the constitution. We are equally willing to coexist with our Christian and traditionalist neighbours. Neither can we stand in the way of Christians willing to lead the country.

The faith of this country’s president does not matter. What matters is his ability to dispense justice and equity in his handling of issues. What matters is his capacity for giving equal opportunity to people of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds. What matters is his readiness to shun favouritism, discrimination and primordial sentiment in the discharge of his duties.

Above all, we are more interested in the ability of the person at the helm of affairs in this country to put bread on our table, secure lives and properties, respect Allah-given fundamental human rights, generate policies capable of attracting foreign investors and to provide necessary infrastructure, qualitative education and a sound public health policy. In short, what matters is good governance.

We remind Muslim candidates that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) exhorted Muslims to assist both the oppressed Muslims as well as the oppressor who happens to be a Muslim (Unsur akhaaka zaaliman ao mazluuman). Asked how one could help a Muslim oppressor, he replied, “Ta’khudhuhu faoqa yadayhi”, meaning, “Hold him by the wrist”, i. e. don’t allow him to oppress people.   

MURIC therefore warns Muslims among the emerging candidates at all levels of the contest to ensure that they have what it takes to establish good governance before committing themselves to the adventure. We warn those who regard governance as an opportunity to perfect their kleptomania propensity to bury their ambition now because we will be among the first to blow the whistle on them.

In conclusion, we call on Islamic organizations nationwide as well as individual Muslims to educate Muslim candidates on good governance in Islam. According to the Prophet (SAW), a Muslim ruler who fails to establish good governance will not even smell the sweet aroma of Al-Jannah, talk less entering it. The Qur’an affirms that leaders will be made to account for their tenure in office (Qur’an 7:6) and promises double punishment for bad rulers in Al-Qiyaamah (the Hereafter; Qur’an 33:68).

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

INEC SHOULD APOLOGISE TO GOVERNOR FASHOLA

2^nd December, 2014

PRESS RELEASE:

INEC SHOULD APOLOGISE TO GOVERNOR FASHOLA

The names of the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola and that of his wife were reportedly missing on INEC’s register during the ongoing registration exercise in preparation for the 2015 general elections which is barely two months away. Consequent upon this, neither the governor nor his wife could collect their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVC).

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) frowns upon this ugly development. It is not only embarrassing but also irritating, provoking and therefore unacceptable. It is an invitation to chaos. It also portrays the Lagos chapter of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as inept and nonchalant. It is capable of exposing Nigeria to ridicule in the comity of nations.

We appreciate INEC’s corrective measures in certain area and we commend the electoral body for this. For instance, it is on record that INEC extended dates in order to allow residents to have more time to pick their PVCs where there are flaws. INEC has also demonstrated the ability to use information technology to reduce problems associated with the inability to locate names on its register. We commend INEC for all these. Nonetheless, we note with grave concern the hiccups which have characterized the distribution of PVCs since the exercise began nationwide a few weeks ago. We therefore charge INEC to put its house in order. 

The palliative measures adopted by INEC indicate flexibility. We are of the opinion that INEC can extend this flexibility to other areas in other to avoid chaos during the 2015 elections. We therefore suggest that Nigerians who registered during the 2011 general elections but whose names are still missing on INEC’s register should be allowed to use their temporary voters’ cards to cast their votes in February 2015.

Such people have satisfied all righteousness by registering properly and obtaining their voters’ cards during the 2011 exercise. They should not be held responsible for the current anomalies. INEC’s excuse of computer problems is untenable because the electoral body is expected to have taken precaution against such mishaps.

In the same vein, MURIC advises INEC to adopt positive diplomacy in handling the issue of Governor Fashola’s PVC. The electoral body must not allow Nigerians in general and Lagosians in particular to interprete the governor’s missing name as a calculated attempt to embarrass the governor and his wife. We contend that it is not proper for INEC to ask the governor to re-register, having been properly registered ab initio.

Has INEC forgotten that governors do not register quietly? Unlike that of ordinary citizens, a governor’s registration exercise is accompanied with pomp and pageantry. It is covered by the media with photographs and video clips.

There is therefore no doubt that even the Lagos State Government has documentary and incontrovertible evidence that Governor Fashola registered. So how does he go over all these again? The outside world must not hear this. It falls far below international best practices.

In view of the fact that this unfortunate anomaly has generated bad blood between INEC and the general public, and in view of the fact that there had been earlier controversies between the Lagos State government and INEC, like the missing 1.4 million names and the allegation of attempts by INEC to reduce the voting strength of Lagos, MURIC invites the Lagos chapter of INEC to sharpen its public relations paraphernalia.

In conclusion, INEC should sustain its flexibility by allowing people who have difficulties in collecting their PVCs to use their temporary voters’ cards to vote in 2015. This will douse the current tension all over the country. INEC top hierarchy should visit Governor Fashola as soon as possible to reassure the governor and apologise to him for the perceived embarrassment. In case INEC rules do not allow such visit, the electoral body can tender the apology in a public statement.

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

LESSONS FROM KANO MOSQUE BLASTS

30^th November, 2014

PRESS RELEASE:

LESSONS FROM KANO MOSQUE BLASTS

Huge blasts rocked Kano Central Mosque on Friday 28^th November, 2014. The blasts were immediately followed by sporadic shooting. The casualty figure, according to some reports, is as high as 200 while the number of those wounded is equally high.      

We are devastated by the high toll, the callousness and the barbarism. We pray that Allah forgives those who died in this monumental tragedy and reserves lofty places for them in Aljannah Firdaus. We also pray for quick recovery for the injured.

Our condolences go to Governor Kwankwaso and the Emir of Kano, His Eminence, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. Even as we mourn, we call on Nigerians to take note of the lessons inherent in the gruesome attack.

First and foremost, those behind the killings and destructions make no distinction between Christians and Muslims. We have a common enemy and all the accusations and counter-accusations since the beginning of the insurgency have been a waste of both energy and time.

Secondly, those who thought they could ignite a religious war between Christians and Muslims have miscalculated. It has become glaring that the blood-sucking monsters who are responsible for all these killings are religion-blind. Both the leaders and followers of both faiths should therefore close ranks and sink all differences to the chagrin of the enemies of peace.

Thirdly, all places of worship need protection. The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) therefore condemns the concentration of the security agencies on churches at the expense of mosques. Such a strategy is not only defeatist but also lacks clear vision.

Fourthly, it is becoming clearer everyday that instead of becoming weak, Boko Haram is getting stronger five years into insurgency. Yet instead of facing this rebellion headlong, President Jonathan has procrastinated for too long and shown more interest in extending his rule.

Finally, if it is true that a family that prays together stays together, MURIC suggests joint prayer sessions by Christian and Muslim groups all over the country. Our destinies are tied together. Let us pray together to survive together and to keep the country together. We also call for greater vigilance particularly in places where people assemble. There is also an urgent need for all Christian clergymen and Islamic scholars to be more security conscious.

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

PRESIDENCY’S REACTION: MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS

25^th November, 2014

PRESS RELEASE:

PRESIDENCY’S REACTION: MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS

The Presidency yesterday responded to a press statement issued by our organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) in which certain issues were raised, especially the supplanting of Arabic Ajami with the Jewish symbol. According to the Presidency, the symbol on the new N100 note is not the Star of David but a spark security feature.

MURIC is satisfied with the Presidency’s explanation regarding the symbol on the new N100 note. But the Presidency has said nothing about the rationale behind the removal of the Arabic Ajami on the old note. The spark security feature (what we initially called Jewish symbol) is peripheral in this case, what is tangential is the Arabic Ajami that was removed.

The average Northerner cannot read any other script except in Arabic Ajami and anyone who wants to communicate with him effectively must use the Ajami, not even writings in Hausa language can help in this matter and the Presidency should know this. Millions of Northerners have therefore been marginalized by removing the Arabic Ajami from the new N100 note.

The removal of Arabic Ajami is being interpreted as an attempt to discourage the learning and use of Arabic language which is the language of the Glorious Qur’an. It is a sensitive religious matter. Nobody can do this in Nigeria and expect the Muslims to organize a carnival for him.

We complained in 2005 when Arabic Ajami was removed from new naira notes during the tenure of Dr. Soludo as Governor of the Central Bank. The fact that the same thing is repeated has raised concern among Muslims. It means that there is a conspiracy to gradually and tactically eliminate Arabic Ajami. The Presidency has failed to address this.

Instead of demanding an apology, the Presidency should have appreciated MURIC’s enquiries. Our statement was issued without malice and we did not issue any threat. The Presidency’s reaction is an admission of the removal of Arabic from the new note. Also, our attention would not have been drawn to the symbol if Arabic Ajami had not been removed from the new note. We demanded an explanation and one has been offered. If indeed we are tax-payers, if indeed Nigeria is a democracy, what offence have we committed by asking the President we voted into power to explain certain things? We are satisfied in one area but there are still some green areas.

We still ask the Presidency to tell Nigerians why Arabic Ajami was removed. We stand by our claim concerning the gross numerical imbalance between Christian and Muslim delegates in the last National Conference (303 Christians to 189 Muslims).

We are not satisfied with the Presidency’s response on this issue. One group has been favoured above another and Mr. President gave Muslims a promise which he did not fulfill, that is the issue, not what was discussed at the National Conference. This is fundamental. In any case, even the Presidency is aware that there is still opposition to some of the matters ‘concluded’ at the National Conference.

If the Presidency still thinks the issue of numerical imbalance was not important, why did a Muslim delegation visit him in Aso Rock to complain about it? What was the President’s response to them? Didn’t he promise to review the situation? Didn’t he promise to add more Muslim delegates? Did Mr. President keep his promise? The records are there.

The Presidency in his response was also silent on the allegation that no Muslim Minister was appointed for about four years until a formal complaint was lodged by Muslims. It is our humble submission that Mr. President has responded where he finds it convenient to do so.

MURIC appreciates the lightening-speed reaction to its enquiries and wishes that the Presidency sheds light on issues like this whenever they are raised by tax-payers.

The issue of Israeli security experts in Aso Rock, whether true or false, would have been laid to rest if the Presidency had been reacting to publications on the matter which began a long time ago. MURIC is not the first to raise the issue. It has been in the press for a long time.

As part of civil society, our role is to bring the people’s observations to the attention of government, thereby contributing to efforts towards ensuring good governance. We promote dialogue, condemn terrorism and douse tension. Those questions asked by MURIC came from Muslims all over the country, particularly at the grassroots level. They were not questions from elites among the Muslims, neither did they come from Muslims in the corridor of power.

For instance, the symbol which was initially taken to be the Star of David had gone viral on internet, Blackberry messages, Whatshap and other social media for about a fortnight particularly among Muslim groups before MURIC spoke up. The handlers of the Presidency’s social media department should have called the Presidency’s attention to it and a simple statement from Aso Rock would have saved the day. MURIC’s role in this regard should be seen as complementary, not hostile or confrontational.

Finally, MURIC assures the Presidency of its highest regard for the office of the President. The issue of the symbol on the new N100 note is settled but the removal of Arabic Ajami still remains.

We also affirm that Nigerian Muslims are not anti-Jonathan as millions of Muslims voted for President Jonathan in the last election and they are still members of the ruling party as well as other political parties. The issues raised in our statement are non-political and the earlier the Presidency addresses them or makes amends the better. Nigeria of today does not have the luxury of time.

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

JEWISH SYMBOL ON NEW N100 NOTE: MURIC DEMANDS EXPLANATION

23^rd November, 2014

PRESS RELEASE:

JEWISH SYMBOL ON NEW N100 NOTE:

MURIC DEMANDS EXPLANATION

The Federal Government (FG) on November 12, 2014 unveiled the new design for the N100 commemorative centenary banknote which will be officially issued on December 19.

However, the office of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has been inundated with calls for action on the Jewish symbol on the new one hundred naira note slated for flag-off in December. Nigerian Muslims are complaining that the Arabic writing in Hausa language (the Ajami script) that read ‘Naira Dari’ (i.e. one hundred naira) on the N100 note has been removed and replaced with the Jewish symbol, the Star of David.

As a faith-based human rights organization which believes in the dialogue option, MURIC is duty bound to articulate the demands of Nigerian Muslims particularly on matters which have to do with imbalance in governments’ (Federal or state) treatment of the adherents of the different religions.

MURIC recalls that Arabic inscriptions which have always been on Nigerian currency since independence were unceremoniously removed in 2005 from N5, N10, N20 and N50 denominations. They remained on N100, N200, N500 and N1,000 denominations.

Nigerian Muslims regard the latest action, namely, the supplanting of Arabic with Jewish symbol from the new N100 as a continuation of the campaign of elimination by substitution against Arabic language and, by implication, against Nigerian Muslims. It is well known that a large section of the Nigerian population use the Arabic Ajami and removing it from the new note will deprive millions of users of the Arabic Ajami of the ability to recognize, identify and use the new currency.

Furthermore, putting the Jewish symbol on the new N100 falls short of international standard as currencies worldwide are designed to suit each nation’s culture and history. Where does the Jewish symbol fit in? Which Nigerian community speaks the Jewish language? The insertion of the Jewish symbol is therefore clannish and parochial. It is tainted with undisguised religious fanaticism.

There is nothing wrong for our president to like Israel as a nation but it is another thing entirely to openly and brazenly promote Zionism at the highest office in this country when we are still struggling with the last vestiges of colonialism. Nigerian Muslims are becoming increasingly suspicious and very uncomfortable with the actions and inactions of President Jonathan.

Firstly, in spite of the preponderance of Muslims in the South West, he appointed no single Muslim as minister in the whole region for almost four years.

Secondly, he marginalized Muslims in the deliberations which took place in the National Conference by appointing a meager 189 Muslims as against 303 Christians. What kind of leader pursues such gross imbalance in his policies by giving a higher number of delegates to a minority group? How can deliberations of such a conference receive popular acceptance?

Thirdly, Mr. President saturated the security system in Aso Rock with Israeli security operatives, a nation well known for its animosity towards Muslims. The supplanting of Arabic language with Jewish symbol is the fourth among Jonathan’s anti-Muslim policies.

The above are daring, divisive, reckless and highly provocative steps. They get Nigerians wondering where President Jonathan is taking this country. But if once is happenstance, if twice is a coincidence and if the third time is enemy action, what do we call the fourth time? We are sick and tired of our president’s hatred for us. He openly confronts Muslims and goads us to challenge him.

But we will not be provoked. Neither shall we be intimidated by executive maladministration. As apostles of dialogue and advocates of peaceful coexistence, as tax-payers, voters and citizens of this country, we hereby ask President Jonathan to explain the Jewish symbol on Nigeria’s money.

We also demand to know why the presidency could not employ security experts from neutral countries like Britain or France instead of Israel which is a sworn enemy of Muslims. Mr. President may also deem it fit to tell us if there is no correlation between the Israeli security experts in Aso Rock, the Israeli caught with Nigeria’s N9.3m arms money in South Africa and the Jewish symbol on the new N100 note.

Mr. President sir, are you not gradually selling Nigeria to Israel? And are you sure this will not attract the wrath of Israel’s enemies to our dear country? Can this also be partly responsible for the viciousness of the Boko Haram phenomenon?

MURIC appeals to Muslims nationwide to await President Jonathan’s response to the above questions and to remain calm and law abiding. Islam teaches tolerance (Qur’an 3:134) and obedience to constituted authority (Qur’an 4:59).

We must also eschew violence as stipulated in Qur’an 2:190. Instead of using illegal and unconstitutional means, we charge Muslims to explore every opportunity offered by the Nigerian constitution and the Nigerian democratic process to protest against Jonathan’s oppression of Nigerian Muslims. Tyrants can be taught lessons of their lives in times of elections.

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

POLICE BLOCKADE OF HOUSE OF REPS: IT IS THE MOTHER OF ALL SACRILEDGE

20^th November, 2014

PRESS RELEASE:

POLICE BLOCKADE OF HOUSE OF REPS: IT IS THE MOTHER OF ALL SACRILEDGE

A large number of State Security Service and police personnel took over the National Assembly today. The security men prevented the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal from entering the complex. However, the Speakers’ loyalists managed to smuggle him into the chamber after a protracted scuffle.

We are greatly disappointed by this ugly development. It is shameful, ridiculous and laughable. We are shocked that the Nigerian Police and the SSS can treat the nation’s lawmakers like ordinary students or unionists. It is a most disgraceful conduct.

Whoever gave the orders for the desecration of the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives is not fit to rule a local government, talk less of a country. In the same vein, whoever gave the orders for police invasion of the National Assembly and the subsequent blockade of the people’s representatives is not fit to wear the uniform of any of the security agencies in Nigeria. It is the mother of all sacriledge.

How on earth can the Nigeria Police fire teargas at lawmakers whom they are expected to protect? Why should lawmakers have to scale the fence of the National Assembly to access the chamber?

What happened to the principle of separation of powers? It is high time President Jonathan realized that respect begets respect. Mr. President will attract greater respect and a robust goodwill if he respects other institutions in the system. It is a great disappointment to see the president desecrating the same institution he swore to defend. Actions like the invasion of the National Assembly and attempting to disable a sitting Speaker is bound to attract resentment for Aso Rock.

Is it really worth all this hullabaloo? Must Nigeria be thrown into chaos just because Aso Rock wants to disenfranchise the whole North East via a pretentious emergency rule?

.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) wishes to remind President Jonathan that historians are taking notes. Mr. President must therefore decide how he wishes to be remembered: as the president who sustained democracy through justice and equity or as one who destroyed it through acts of impunity.

MURIC rejects the excuse given by the Nigerian Police that it acted based on intelligence report that thugs were about to disrupt proceedings at the National Assembly. Does the Speaker look like a thug? Can any policeman worth his uniform fail to recognize him? The police should save their story for the marines.

This invasion is sacriledge. It is the beginning of the end of law and order.

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)