RELEASE DAILY POST CORRESPONDENT - MURIC

29^th May, 2020

               

PRESS RELEASE:

RELEASE DAILY POST CORRESPONDENT - MURIC

The Inspector General of Police Squad (IGP Squad) on Tuesday 26^th May, 2020 arrested Daily Post’s Delta State correspondent, Mr. Mathew Omonigho, in the premises of Delta State Nigerian Union of Journalists, Warri Correspondents’ Chapel. Three other journalists who came in solidarity with him were arrested and later released.

Meanwhile an Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has added its voice to those of many others who have called for the release of Mathew Omonigho from police detention. This was made known in a press statement issued by the Director of the organization, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Friday, 29^th May, 2020.

“The arrest of Mr. Mathew Omonigho allegedly for having the telephone number of a suspect is not only laughable but also illegal, unlawful, illegitimate and unconstitutional.

“The search of his telephone is a breach of his privacy. It is a contravention of Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which says, ‘The privacy of citizens, their homes, correspondence, telephone conversations and telegraphic communications is hereby guaranteed and protected.’ Besides, Article 12 of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights to which Nigeria is a signatory stipulates inter alia the right of every individual to privacy, family, home and correspondence.

“We therefore condemn in the strongest terms the arrest and detention of Omonigho and we demand his immediate and unconditional release. We remind the IGP Squad of Section 23 of the Police Act which stipulates that suspects cannot be detained beyond 24 hours after which the person should be charged to court in conformity with the basic constitutional rights of citizens.

“The IGP Squad should note that Article 7(b) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights stipulates the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court or tribunal. Article 9 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights also guarantees right to freedom from arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.

“Omonigho should therefore be released or produced in court as his arrest and detention is an encroachment on his freedom of movement as guaranteed by Section 41 of the Nigerian Constitution. Article 10 of the UN Declaration of Human Rights also lays emphasis on right to fair trial, in full equality to a fair and public hearing.

“In the same vein, we frown upon the manhandling of the journalist. His trousers and belt were allegedly torn. We condemn this absence of decorum. The police should be more civil. Nigerians deserve respect for the dignity of their human persons, more so members of the Nigerian press. The press is the voice of the voiceless and maltreatment of this Fourth Estate of the Realm is a threat to free speech. Democracy cannot thrive where freedom of the press is not guaranteed. Therefore the constant intimidation and harassment of journalists should stop forthwith.  

“Right to the dignity of the human person is entrenched in Section 34 (b) & (c) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended (2011) which says, ‘Every individual is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person, and accordingly…(b) no person shall be held in slavery or servitude and (c) no person shall be required to perform forced or compulsory labour.’

“The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Article 4, Clause 1 & 2 also says, ‘Human beings are inviolable. Every human being shall be entitled to respect for his life and the integrity of his person.’ In addition, Article 5 of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights equally emphasizes right to freedom from torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

“On a final note, we strongly condemn the manhandling, arrest and detention of Mr. Mathew Omonigho. We call for his immediate and unconditional release or arraignment before a court of competent jurisdiction. We charge the police and other security agencies to desist from constant intimidation and harassment of members of the press.”

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

BAKARE: MURIC CONDOLES WITH NUJ

27^th May, 2020

               

PRESS RELEASE:

BAKARE: MURIC CONDOLES WITH NUJ

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has sent a condolence message to the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) over the death of Waheed Bakare, Saturday Editor of the New Telegraph. Bakare died on Monday, 25^th May, 2020. He has since been buried according to Muslim rites.

MURIC’s condolence message which was issued on Wednesday 27^th May, 2020, was signed by its Public Relations Officer, Shefiu Ayorinde.

“We are saddened by the sudden death of Waheed Bakare. He was an amiable fellow, humble, honest and God-fearing. He was very passionate about his job and committed to the course of humanity. We are enveloped with grief.

“Our sympathy goes to the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ). Waheed Bakare is another sunset at noon. We feel your pain. However, we appeal to the NUJ to ensure that families of their fallen colleagues, including Waheed Bakare, are not abandoned to their fate.

“We pray that Almighty Allah overlooks the deceased’s trespasses and admits him into Al-Jannah firdaus in the Hereafter. May Allah also give the family left behind the fortitude to bear the loss.”

Shefiu Ayorinde,

Public Relations Officer,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

SALAH PRAYER SAGA: SANCTION ERRING GOVERNORS - MURIC

26^th May, 2020

               

PRESS RELEASE:

SALAH PRAYER SAGA: SANCTION ERRING GOVERNORS - MURIC

Several media reports indicated that Kano, Borno, Nasarawa, Jigawa and some other states allegedly defied the Federal Government’s (FG) pray-at-home directive on Id al-Fitr day as well as the advisories of the Jamaatu Nasril Islam (JNI) and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) which urged Muslims to avoid converging for prayers on Sunday, 24^th May, 2020 in order to prevent the spread of the deadly corona virus.

Meanwhile an Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called the erring governors to order. MURIC described their action as grossly irresponsible.

The statement reads:

“We are deeply perturbed by the action of some Northern state governors who goaded Muslims in their states to congregate for the Id al-fitr prayer on Sunday 24^th May, 2020 in spite of directives to the contrary from the FG, JNI and NSCIA. It is an act of gross irresponsibility. It is a shame that governors can play to the gallery even when it has to do with human life. This is not Islam. It is articulated religiousity.   

“There must be consequences when people in position of authority gamble with the lives of their citizens. This singular action has put the whole country in danger and we only have to wait for the next two weeks as the virus incubates for us to know the impact of the governors’ intransigence. This is how not to worship Allah.

“Neither is it about the right to celebrate a festival. MURIC as a human rights body will not defend the indefensible. Islam is a religion of justice. Therefore we will not bend the rules or change the goal post after the game has already started just because Muslim governors are involved this time around. The fact that we vowed to promote Allah-given fundamental human rights of Muslims does not mean that we would look away when Muslims do the wrong thing. Afterall we were all here when Christians marked Easter without fanfare, pomp and pageantry. So why can’t we as Muslims control ourselves?

“Every Nigerian Muslim must take responsibility for this. These recalcitrant governors have embarrassed Islamdom. We must admit our wrong particularly because what we did is capable of bringing untold hardship upon the whole country. The next two weeks will tell. But to start with, we must show remorse and apologise to fellow Nigerians for exposing the country to danger.

“It is on this note that we of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) tender unreserved apology, first to President Muhammadu Buhari, the Federal Government and all law-abiding citizens in the country. If we have always been quick to confront those who maltreat Muslims, we must not be silent when the Muslims themselves wrongly defy the rest of Nigerians and embark on actions capable of causing mass death among innocent Nigerians.

“We must speak truth to power because truth is sacrosanct. The governors simply went on a show of shame. It is disgraceful. It is a huge blunder. When did Nigerian Muslims become more Muslim than their Makkan counterparts? Why must we assemble for Id prayer in Nigeria when Muslims in all Arab countries prayed at home? Muslims in Senegal, Gambia, Ghana and other West African countries prayed at home.

“President Muhammadu Buhari must not allow these erring governors to go scot free. They must be sanctioned. FG must speak up. The action of these recalcitrant governors must be condemned in unmistakenly strong terms. Thereafter, Mr. President must design suitable punishments that will touch only the office and personality of the governors without necessarily affecting the gullible and misled citizens in the state. Those who fail to take responsibility have no cassu belli for occupying the government house.

“We have not seen the end of this incident if we have conscious lawmakers in the state assemblies. Any lawmaker worth his salt will know that the action of the erring governors stand in contra-distinction to the provisions of Article 14 Section 2(b) of the1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which stipulates that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.

“In essence, the governors have committed impeachable offences. We therefore call on the state legislators to do the needful. We do not want governors who do not care about human life. The choice before the governors is this: apologise publicly or resign and pack out of government house, otherwise your impeachment is just around the corner.”

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

SALAH PRAYER FURORE: GOVERNORS MUST SUBMIT TO NSCIA AUTHORITY

23^rd May, 2020

               

PRESS RELEASE:

SALAH PRAYER FURORE:

GOVERNORS MUST SUBMIT TO NSCIA AUTHORITY

Some Northern governors have allegedly lifted the lockdown in their states and asked the Muslims to hold Id prayers and durbars without bars. This is contrary to the advisory issued by both the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in which they told Muslims to observe their Salah prayers at home.      

Meanwhile, an Islamic human rights association, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the actions of the northern governors. The group described it as gross indiscipline and executive recklessness. MURIC spoke via its Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola on Saturday, 23^rd May, 2020.

“We are deeply worried that despite advisories issued by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in which they told Muslims to observe their Salah prayers at home (https://dailypost.ng/2020/05/20/eld-fitri-pray-in-your-homes-sultan-tells-muslims/, https://newswirengr.com/2020/05/21/sultan-of-sokoto-disagrees-with-northern-governors-over-eid-el-fitr-prayers/) and the directive of the Federal Government (FG) against assemblies, some northern governors have insisted that they were going to allow large assemblies in Salah and durbar grounds.

“This is unacceptable. It is ungodly trespass. It is a manifestation of gross indiscipline and executive recklessness. These governors want to expose Muslims to serious danger just because they want to dance to the gallery. We warn that this action is a clear violation of the provisions of the Constitution. Article 14 Section 2(b) of the1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria states inter alia ‘the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government’. Therefore any governor who permits large assemblies in Salah prayer has committed an impeachable offence by exhibiting nonchalance in a matter of security of lives.

“While we commend governors North and South who have restricted gatherings for Salah prayer, we remind recalcitrant governors that the days of l’etat cest moi are over. Every leader must know his limits. A state governor is a political leader. He must not usurp Allah-given rights of religious leaders or those of Islamic organisations. The issue of Id prayer is essentially a religious matter and governors must allow NSCIA to decide that area. Any attempt to defy their fatwah (religious ruling) is rebellion against constituted authority and there must be consequences. If religious leaders give what is Ceasar’s to Ceasar, Ceasar himself must be ready to give to God what belongs to Him.

“We urge those governors to learn from the Nigerian example where military incursion into politics led to disastrous consequences for the nation and lackadaisical attitude of Northern leaders led to the neglect of almajiri children which, in turn, provided Boko Haram with foot soldiers.

“Nigerian Muslims will hold rebellious governors responsible and we are asking the FG to do same. For instance, since asking Muslims to assemble for Salah prayers is a direct disobedience of the directive of FG against crowding, President Buhari should use such acts of indiscipline as a parameter for approving certain funds and allocations for such states because it must be assumed that governors who manifest executive recklessness on the issue of COVID-19 where there are clear directives and advisories are most likely to misbehave with the people’s funds which are solely in their hands.

“MURIC calls on northern governors who have hitherto permitted Muslims to hold large Salah gatherings and durbar to immediately withdraw such approval in the interest of peace and security. There must be no public Id prayers anywhere in Nigeria tomorrow. We are talking about human lives in their thousands for crying out loud. COVID-19 is no joke and it is not too late for the concerned governors to change their minds.”

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

MURIC THANKS LASG FOR PALLIATIVES

22^nd May, 2020

               

PRESS RELEASE:

MURIC THANKS LASG FOR PALLIATIVES

The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwoolu, yesterday, Thursday 21^st May, 2020, shared palliatives to some groups in Lagos State. One of the groups that benefited from the distribution, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has expressed gratitude for the kind gesture.         

In a statement issued on Friday, 22^nd May, 2020, MURIC’s Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, thanked the First Lady and prayed for the government of Lagos State.

The statement reads:

“Our organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), had the singular honour of receiving palliatives from the office of the First Lady of Lagos State, Her Excellency Dr. Ibijoke Sanwoolu, yesterday, Thursday 21^st May, 2020.

“The items included five (5) 25 kilo bags of rice, five (5) cartons of spaghetti and four (4) cartons of tinned tomatoes. These are precious items in these trying days and they are going to be greatly helpful in cushioning the effect of the lockdown on our members and other poor people in the state. The palliatives came at the right time as we approach the Id Al-Fitr festival. They will definitely put some shine on the faces of some Lagosians.

“MURIC hereby expresses deep appreciation to the First Lady, her husband the governor and the entire members of the executive of Lagos State. We pray for a very successful tenure for Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, peace and progress in Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.

“We appeal to other states to follow the footsteps of Lagos State by giving relief materials to their state branches of MURIC for onward distribution to the poor and needy at grassroots level. Although MURIC on its own has distributed up to N3,396,000 cash (three million, three hundred and ninety six thousand naira) as at Thursday, 21^st May, 2020 (apart from foodstuffs) as palliatives to various states of the federation including Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Abuja, Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna, Jigawa, Akwa Ibom, etc, we need the support of state governments to be able to reach more vulnerable Nigerians.”

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

LOCKDOWN: GIVE CLERICS SPECIAL PALLIATIVES

20^th May, 2020

               

PRESS RELEASE:

LOCKDOWN: GIVE CLERICS SPECIAL PALLIATIVES

A rights advocacy group has advised state governments throughout the country to consider giving special palliatives to Imams and pastors in order to cushion the effect of the lockdown occasioned by COVID-19. The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) argued that such relief will stem the tide of agitations for early reopening of churches and mosques for normal worship sessions.

The advice was given in a public statement issued by the Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Wednesday, 20^th May, 2020.

The statement continues:

“Like many countries of the world, Nigeria has been under government-imposed lockdown for nearly two months. The citizenry is restless. People are hungry. The open demand by certain religious leaders for their places of worship to be reopened lends credence to the pressure clerics are going through. Even the recent decision by some state governments to reopen religious centres is not unconnected with subterranean agitations from clerics in the states. Deserted for weeks, the house of God longs for warmth.

“The Friday and Sunday assemblies provide regular and veritable sources of moral, spiritual and material supply. The occasional gatherings for marriage, naming and house-warming ceremonies come with sumptuous gifts in cash and material. But the ban on assemblies of more than twenty has put an effective stop on these occasions. Worse still, the cheerful givers now go about with frowns on their faces courtesy of the general economic downturn. The tap from which naira flows into the house of God is dry.

“The impact of the economic nosedive on Imams and pastors cannot be overemphasized particularly for a country whose proletariat is overworked, underpaid and overtaxed. The grim realities of the Nigerian economy call for government’s attention particularly as they affect keepers of the house of God.

“A country like Nigeria whose per capita income is less than $300; a country where the average citizen relies on less than $1 per day; where only 1% of the population has arrogated more than 85% of the common patrimony to itself, leaving 99% overwhelming majority to fight over a paltry 15% of the country’s wealth cannot afford to ignore its clerics. A country which is ranked as the 26^th poorest and 20^th hungriest in the world even before COVID-19 should pay attention to its clerics in a prolonged lockdown. This class not only has access to millions of their members, they are the opinion moulders.  

“MURIC therefore advises the various state governments to speedily devise means of getting special palliatives to the clerics in the churches and mosques. They deserve attention at this crucial moment because they have nowhere to go. They should not be turned to beggars. They have served the government at various times. They should not be abandoned in their hour of need. Besides, members of their families deserve decent lives as Section 33 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria stipulates the right to life for every citizen while Section 34 confers the right to the dignity of the human person.

“We have a word or two for wealthy Nigerians and those who have the wherewithal. You should remember your Imam and pastor at these trying moments. Your Imam or pastor was there for you when you needed prayers. He was there for your children’s wedding and naming ceremonies. He brought succour when you were troubled. He also buried your dead relations. To whom much is given, much is also expected. Your pastor must not suffer. Your Imam must not beg for food. Remember your Imam and pastor today.”

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

COVID-19: MURIC ADVISES MOSQUES AGAINST RE-OPENING

18^th May, 2020

               

PRESS RELEASE:

COVID-19: MURIC ADVISES MOSQUES AGAINST RE-OPENING

An Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has cautioned mosque authorities in Nigeria against the reopening of mosques. This is coming against the backdrop of the reopening of mosques on the orders of the state governments in Borno, Gombe and Zamfara.      

The advice was contained in a statement issued by the director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Monday, 18^th May, 2020.

MURIC said:

“There are reports that some state governments have given the green light for the opening of mosques. This may not be wise enough. We must be on the side of caution regarding this dangerous virus whose cure has not been found. Muslims should not rush to their graves. We suggest that mosques should remain closed until the Federal Government (FG) declares the country safe from the pandemic.

“We know that lockdown hurts. But so does it hurt everywhere else. We urge Muslims to exercise patience. Those who die can never be seen again. Neither can they be part of a safer and better Nigerian society when the lockdown is finally lifted. We must join hands with the rest of humanity to defeat COVID-19. No single community, group or country can fight the battle alone.

“Reopening mosques at this time can be interpreted as withdrawing from the battlefield and leaving the rest of the country to face the fight alone. It may also be interpreted as disobedience to FG’s restriction on crowding.

“MURIC reminds the governments and people of Borno, Gombe and Zamfara states whose population is predominantly Muslim of Allah-given fundamental right to life. This right should not be violated through any hasty yet wrongful policy decision.

“The pattern of congregating in mosques may even be more prone to infections than some other places. Unlike others who assemble for worship once in a week or once in a year, Muslims congregate five times daily for the five daily prayers, once weekly for jumu’ah prayer and twice annually for the festivals. It is noteworthy that the last three draw mammoth crowds.

“Though kaleidoscopic and symptomatic of our unity and strength, the manner of our worship in congregation where we stand shoulder to shoulder and feet to feet in rows that allow no gap whatsoever also renders Muslim worshippers most prone to the spread of infectious diseases particularly during a pandemic like this. Our prostration where all heads touch the ground simultaneously and rise together gives cause for concern about the likelihood of one worshipper breathing almost directly into another’s nostrils. A pragmatic and realistic approach is therefore necessary on the issue of reopening of mosques. It is bad enough that there is fire on the mountain. But it may be worse if we use our hands to draw the fire to our rooftops.

“It is therefore our considered opinion that the authorities in the three states (Borno, Gombe and Zamfara) should reconsider their decisions particularly before the Id al-fitr festival prayer which is fast approaching. We remind the three states that the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) had advised Muslims against congregations until further notice. We therefore suggest that the leadership of the Nigerian Muslim community, namely, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the NSCIA should be consulted before the decision to reopen mosques can be implemented.”

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)