#ENDSARS: MURIC APPEALS FOR CALM

 

22^nd October, 2020

                             

PRESS RELEASE:

#ENDSARS: MURIC APPEALS FOR CALM

        

Nigeria’s #EndSARS crisis which escalated in the last 48 hours has led to the loss of lives and properties particularly in Lagos. Soldiers and mobile policemen were also drafted to hot spots. Meanwhile many well-meaning individuals and organisations have appealed to the protesters to allow peace to reign. Among the organisations which have issued appeals is the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).  

 

 

In a statement issued on Thursday, 22^nd October, 2020, the Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, appealed for calm. MURIC hailed young Nigerians for demanding an end to harassment and intimidation in the hands of men of the Special Armed Robbery Squad (SARS). However, the Islamic human rights group reminded the young protesters that they should step back after making their points to allow the government to actualize their demands.

 

 

“Nigerian youths have demonstrated the ability to articulate their grievances”, MURIC said. “They showed ingenuity in the coordination of the welfare of fellow protesters thereby lending credence to the ‘not too young to rule’ mantra.

 

 

“However, we are saddened by the carnage which attended the protests in the last 48 hours. The level of destruction and its geographical locations convince us that it was not the handiwork of the youths who started the demonstrations. There are also strong indications that the attacks on prisons where hardened criminals were set free was not carried out by our young ones. Neither was it part of their plan.

 

 

“Fifth columnists have infiltrated the rank and file of the protesters. The Lagos scenario is another cup of tea entirely. We are inclined to believe that the only logical explanation for the carnage in Lagos is the involvement of non-indigenes. This is because the targets chosen for attack depicted an inordinate desire for a pound of flesh, especially the attack on the hallowed palace of the Oba of Lagos while that of TVC, the Nation newspaper office and the house of the mother of Lagos Governor may have been a combination of deliberate misquotation and political motivation. We condemn this wanton destruction.

 

 

“We appeal for calm on all sides. We call on the security agencies to spare our young ones. Nigeria cannot afford to exterminate its young generation which constitutes about 60% of its population. They have shown the potentials for leadership. It is the criminals who infiltrated the demonstrators who must be identified. The security agencies must separate the wheat from the chaff. We also suggest the use of non-lethal tools like water cannons and teargas instead of bullets to disperse demonstrators.

 

 

“We appeal to protesters to respect the curfew imposed on nine Nigerian states:  Lagos, Osun, Rivers, Abia, Edo, Plateau, Ondo, Ekiti and Imo. Dare to struggle, dare to win. Our young ones have struggled and won. This is the time to fall back to be able to assess the level of success. No general will keep advancing ad infinitum. He must stop to fortify his rear and also for reconnaissance exercise. Reconnaissance on the part of current protesters will involve sending feelers to know the thinking of government and what they have done so far in terms of promise of reform. Every war stops at the negotiation table.

 

 

“It will be naïve to expect a change of government through demonstrations. This is a democratically elected government and we must wait for the next election which is just around the corner. Those who attempt violent change always throw society into anarchy. The guns are still booming in Libya. Iraq is bleeding. Let us learn from the mistakes of others.”

 

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola,
Director, 
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

#ENDSARS: MURIC CONDEMNS ATTACK ON GOV OYETOLA

 

20^th October, 2020

                             

PRESS RELEASE:

#ENDSARS: MURIC CONDEMNS ATTACK ON GOV OYETOLA

        

The Nigerian Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has condemned the assassination attempt on the governor of Osun State, Alhaji Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola. The sad incident occurred on Saturday, 17^th October, 2020 around Olaiya junction.

 

 

MURIC’s condemnation came through its Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Tuesday, 20^th October, 2020.

 

 

“Governor Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola was viciously attacked in Oshogbo on Saturday 17^th October, 2020. It was a clear assassination attempt. The attackers used guns, axes and cutlasses. An axe thrown at his car got stuck in the door. His aides and others in his convoy were also targeted. The screens of many vehicles in his convoy got smashed.

 

 

“MURIC strongly condemns this attack. It was more than a protest. Things have gotten out of hands. #EndSARS protest has been hijacked by merchants of death, hoodlums and disgruntled politicians. What are people doing with guns, axes, cutlasses and stones in a protest ostensibly planned and labelled to be peaceful.

 

 

“To add salt to injury, the governor’s enemies started spreading the rumour that his convoy killed two people during the attack. That is a lie from the pit of Jahannam. The two deaths which occurred that day did not happen anywhere near the governor’s convoy. The timings confirm that. One occurred around 12.30 pm. The governor’s convoy was nowhere near the protesters at that time. The other by 4.30 pm. The governor was already back in the Government House by 4.05 pm. One was due to a motor cycle accident while the other was shot about 4.8 kilometers away from where the governor was. So how can any sane person accuse the governor of killing either of the two?

 

 

“Besides, Oyetola is an easy-going governor. He is not given to recklessness or executive impunity. He cannot hurt a fly. This is a governor who tried all he could to identify with young Nigerians who are protesting. Apart from releasing a strong statement in support of the protesters, he has attended the protest grounds about three times since the beginning of #EndSARS.

 

 

“In fact, the assassination attempt occurred during one of his solidarity marches with the protesters. He was actually there in their midst. He deliberately came out of his car in Alekuwodo and trekked with the protesters to Olaiya Junction. That was where the hoodlums started shooting at him. He got into his car, drove towards Abere and back to Government House. They intensified the attack as his convoy drove away. An axe stuck to his car door, bullet holes littered the vehicles in his convoy and screens were shattered. It was a close shave.

 

 

“We of the Muslim Rights Concern strongly condemns the assassination attempt on Governor Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola. The attempt has all the hallmarks of premeditation. They knew the governor had been attending the rallies and that he would soon arrive. So a bloody reception was planned for him.

 

 

“The attempt on Oyetola’s life amplifies our position that the protest has been hijacked. This is no longer #EndSARS. The young Nigerians who started it may have meant well but they are no longer in the driving seat. They are not even the conductors or motorboys mobilizing passengers. Hoodlums and politicians have taken over.

 

 

“We appeal to the Federal Government to take actions capable of protecting government officials and innocent citizens.”

 

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola,
Director, 
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

 

 

 

#ENDSARS: MURIC REVEALS MORE FACTS

 

19^th October, 2020

                             

PRESS RELEASE:

#ENDSARS: MURIC REVEALS MORE FACTS

        

Participants in the #EndSARS protests have been reminded that some SARS operatives have contributed immensely to the war against criminality over the years. Closer attention should also be paid to other police departments if the excesses of the police is going to be curbed. However, the good ones among the police should consider the ongoing protests with its attendant travails as a trial from Allah and a confirmation of His divine warning.

 

 

This was the submission of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) in a press statement signed by its Director and Founder, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Monday, 19^th October, 2020.

 

 

The statement reads:

 

“We remind #EndSARS protesting youth that not all SARS operatives are callous and vicious. Among them also are officers who have principle and who devote their whole life to the pursuance of criminals and the protection of innocent Nigerians at the risk of their own lives. They stay awake all night so that Nigerians can sleep in peace. No sane Nigerian can deny this.

 

 

“Among such SARS officers is Abba Kyari, the renowned super cop who has cracked several hard cases and in whose hands many hardened criminals have met their Waterloo. It is our considered opinion that generalisation will not be fair to such officers who have served Nigeria well. The reform of the Nigerian Police which is being contemplated should take note of such gallant officers.

 

 

“To all serving policemen and women, especially those who have consistently exhibited uncommon gallantry, chivalry, sacrifice and courtesy we rise above the angry crowd to appreciate you today. Do not be sad or despondent. Do not say ‘Why are my people doing this to me despite all my sacrifices?’ Accept what is going on as the will of Allah.

 

 

“Almighty Allah predicted it in the Glorious Qur’an, ‘Fear a tumult that will not only affect the culprits among you but it will affect the innocent as well…’ (Qur’an 8:25). The sin of a few is being visited on all. But you must accept it solemnly with faith. Allah is still coming to vindicate you at the end of the day.

 

 

“MURIC calls the attention of the Inspector General of Police to the need to permanently remove all roadblocks and to stop policemen from checking vehicle particulars henceforth. Instructions to this effect have been issued a hundred times by the police leadership but they were never adhered to. We note with special interest that there has been no single roadblock or police checks of vehicle particulars since the commencement of #EndSARS protests particularly in zones affected by the protests.

 

 

“The roadblocks and checkpoints have not been used to serve the original purpose. More often than not, innocent motorists are tormented there. It is not commercial vehicles or young Nigerians alone but also responsible and elderly people. Almost every vehicle that passes is stopped. Or how do you explain a situation whereby about six or more vehicles are parked at police checkpoints with the owners begging desperately?

 

 

“‘Where are your particulars’ have come to mean ‘Where are your party kolas?’ It happened to all of us. The police have created the impression of a Gestapo disposition. This must stop. Roadblocks and checkpoints must not come back again. If they do, the people must rise against it. It is the worst form of police oppression anyone can think of.

 

 

“What MURIC will not support is the extension of #EndSARS to other grievances. #EndSARS must not be politicised. It is tantamount to hijacking a cause and diverting the people’s sentiment to a narrow and selfish objective. Napoleon was indeed right when he said, ‘Men are led by toys’.

 

 

“In Cairo, no police checkpoints are mounted to stop and check vehicles. But every street has a policeman patrolling it with a walkie-talkie. Every road has a patrol car with two policemen watching. Only suspects are flagged down in the United States. Policemen only sit in their patrol vehicles by the roadside on highways.

 

 

“The world is moving fast and Nigeria must not be caught napping. Instead of wasting police manpower and the citizens’ manhour at roadblocks and checkpoints, it is high time we digitalised all registered vehicles. Those whose particulars expire will be notified by email and text messages. It is only those who fail to comply that will be penalised. The Nigeria Police must up its game. Ditto for the licencing authorities. We cannot afford to remain pedestrian in a jet age.

 

 

“A look at our major points before we round off: we doff our hats to SARS heroes like Abba Kyari; we appeal to righteous policemen to accept the ongoing tribulation with philosophical equanimity; we call on police reform panels to note the gallant ones among the police for adequate compensation; police roadblocks and checkpoints must not come back again and, finally, we call for the digitalization of vehicle particulars in conformity with global standards.”

 

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola,
Director, 
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

 

END SARS PROTEST: MURIC COMMENDS PROTESTERS, WARNS HOODLUMS, POLITICIANS AGAINST HIJACK

 

14^th October, 2020

                             

PRESS RELEASE:

END SARS PROTEST: MURIC COMMENDS PROTESTERS, WARNS HOODLUMS, POLITICIANS AGAINST HIJACK

        

The Nigerian Islamic human rights body, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has justified the action of Nigerian youths who participated in the #EndSARS protest which began two days ago. But MURIC maintained that protesters should now disperse since the Federal Government has listened to them by disbanding the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) which the youth accused of highhandedness.

 

 

However, the Muslim rights advocacy group cautioned hoodlums and politicians against hijacking the protest for their selfish and parochial agenda. This was revealed in a statement circulated to the media by the Director of the organization, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Wednesday, 14^th October, 2020.

 

 

The statement reads:

 

“We of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) strongly condemn the reported excesses of men of the Special Armed Robbery Squad (SARS). We frown at the brutal killing of young Nigerians in the hands of the police and consider these as crimes against humanity. The harassment, intimidation and coercion of Nigerian youths by men of SARS constitute outright infringements on Allah-given fundamental rights of the victims. These actions by SARS are a gross violation of freedom of movement and association which are fundamental human rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 which the police swore to protect.

 

 

“MURIC therefore finds justification for Nigerian youths who participated in the #EndSARSprotests. Nonetheless, we condemn the action of a few protesters who employed violence. The attack on the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso and the looting and destruction of parts of the palace are absolutely unjustifiable. We also appreciate the prompt action of the Federal Government and that of the Inspector General of Police who deemed it fit to disband SARS.

 

 

“We therefore appeal to protesters to disperse and go home. The organizers of the protest must take responsibility. There is no reason why #endSARS protest should metamorphose into any other demand or movement. Nigeria needs a completely peaceful atmosphere to recover from the bruises of COVID-19. This is why a large scale protest must be avoided at all cost. We note with grave concern the likely fallout of such a development as there could be a total breakdown of law and order leading to looting of properties and general chaos. Any attempt to prolong the protest after the disbandment of SARS is a clear invitation to anarchy.

 

 

“We call on the Nigerian Police to protect innocent Nigerians and to ensure that the protest is not hijacked by hoodlums. The police should equally employ minimum force in the process in order to avoid any loss of life.

 

 

“In particular, we warn politicians against hijacking the protest for selfish and parochial ends. Already, there are signs that politicians have warmed their way into the hearts of the protesters as there are reports of thousands of bottled water and snacks being bought and distributed to protesters. The uncertainty of the source of these offers make them suspicious.

 

 

“MURIC affirms that protests are legitimate tools of expressing dissent. But such protests must be peaceful and orderly. MURIC frowns at protests featuring marching through the streets and blocking traffic. Such protests cause more harm than good. For instance, a sick woman being conveyed to the hospital in Lekki, Lagos, reportedly died yesterday after the vehicle conveying her to the hospital was trapped in the traffic gridlock caused by the protest for three hours. We therefore advise the organisers of #EndSARS protests to call their followers off the streets in the interest of innocent and law-abiding people.

 

 

“We can call for reform but it will be irresponsible to block the roads until reform is carried out. Reform is a gradual process. It requires time. What the police authorities have to do is to change the modalities of training and retraining with special focus on civility, respect for human rights and zero tolerance for corruption. Protesters must however forget about prolonging this protest and turning it into a demand for any controversial political issue like restructuring, for example. It should be noted that there is no tabula rasa for restructuring and any form of good governance is restructuring.

 

 

“In our concluding remarks, we assert our reservations for the scrapping of SARS. Nature hates vacuum and FG must not allow this to happen. It is just paradoxical that the same Nigerians who complain about insecurity and insufficiency of police personnel in terms of numerical strength are the same people who rose against SARS. FG must tactically satisfy the yearning of protesters and simultaneously leave no security vacuum. It is a delicate act of balancing.”  

 

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola,
Director, 
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)