ADDRESS READ BY PROFESSOR ISHAQ AKINTOLA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE MUSLIM RIGHTS CONCERN (MURIC) AT THE PEACEFUL RALLY IN SOLIDARITY WITH DANGOTE REFINERY HELD AT ALAUSA, IKEJA ON TUESDAY 11TH NOVEMBER, 2025

 

MUSLIM RIGHTS CONCERN (MURIC)

MOTTO: Dialogue, Not Violence

Address: No. 5, Oba Ayoka Street, Iba, Lagos State. Tel. 08033464974

Website: muricnigeria.com           Email: muslimrights@gmail.com

 

 11^th November, 2025

 

ADDRESS READ BY PROFESSOR ISHAQ AKINTOLA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE MUSLIM RIGHTS CONCERN (MURIC) AT THE PEACEFUL RALLY IN SOLIDARITY WITH DANGOTE REFINERY HELD AT ALAUSA, IKEJA ON TUESDAY 11^TH NOVEMBER, 2025

 

There is no scintilla of doubt that Dangote Refinery has been a recurring decimal in our national dialogue in recent time. Though seen by many as a saving grace, the 1.4 barrels per day economic hub became endangered recently when lions in the oil unions roared. 

 

As a human rights group conscious of its corporate social responsibility, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) deems it necessary to stand up and be counted among those entities that is ready to stand by the new refinery in the interest of Nigeria. That is why we are here today, Tuesday, 11^th November, 2025 to exhibit our solidarity with Dangote Refinery. Our rally is peaceful and our members are law-abiding and peace-loving Muslims.

 

Nigerians have suffered undue economic hardship for decades. Our first bad experience in petrol-induced crises began in the post-June 12 military era and it continued for about 40 or more years. This period of pain and gnashing of teeth was characterized by fuel shortages leading to long queues and its attendant black-marketing, high prices and lots of uncertainties.

 

Meanwhile our three refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna continuously suffered from kwashiokor, epilepsy and Sleeping Beauty Syndrome. Nigerians who are not suffering from collective amnesia will recount our sufferings over the years from fuel-related yet self-inflicted injuries.

 

The tragedy staring us in the face is that of a country which Allah has blessed with all necessary facilities, manpower, mineral deposits and an expansive arable land. Our oil reserve capacity remains a proven 38 billion barrels and natural gas reserves of 210 Tscf. Though the leading oil producing country in Africa churning out 1.549 million barrels per day as at November 2025, Nigeria’s oil industry is often interrupted by industrial idiosyncrasies.

 

Topmost among the interruptions and distractions are the oil unions, particularly PENGASSAN and NUPENG. Although relief in scarcity of fuel, long queues and fuel price hike did not come until the Dangote Refinery came on board, the new refinery’s pedigree and great benefits to Nigeria as a country and to Nigerians as a people did not discourage the unions from causing mayhem. They insisted on being in control of unionism in the refinery until they brought operations to a complete halt by declaring a strike.

 

The strike cut Nigeria’s oil output by 600,000 barrels (https://www.africanews.com/2025/10/07/dangote-refinery-strike-cuts-nigeria-oil-output-by-600000-barrels//). The price of gas which is currently between N1,500 and N1,200 and the increase began when the unions went on strike over their clash with Dangote Refinery. In essence, we can infer here that PENGASSAN and other oil unions are hurting Nigerians. They are inflicting pain on Nigerians. We therefore charge the Federal Government (FG) to rescue poor Nigerians.

 

Nigeria cannot afford to waste a $20 billion investment that is already performing such wonders. Dangote Refinery is a money spinner. It is Nigeria’s goose that is laying the golden egg. Yet this is the same refinery that the unions wish to strangulate. Nigerians must not be caught napping.

 

We must not allow any union or group of persons to destabilize Dangote Refinery. In particular, we should not allow the subsidy cabal to replicate what they did to Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries in Dangote Refinery.

 

At this juncture, we must appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for removing subsidy and for introducing a 15% tariff on imported goods. But subsidy locusts and subsidy cabals may be fighting back. We therefore call on FG to protect Dangote Refinery like its own baby. Foreign and private investors will be scared if FG fails to protect it. We must also --understand that any attack on Dangote Refinery is an attack on the Nigerian economy.

 

There is a strong allegation of sabotage of the refinery by people suspected to be loyal to the unions. The unions may have contributed in no small measure to the collapse and unworkability of the country’s three refineries, namely Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna.

 

The interest of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) is for a greater Nigeria. Crisis in the oil sector will always affect the hoi polloi as prices of fuel, transportation, foodstuff and those of all goods will go up once there is crisis in the oil sector. This will make life unbearable for the masses.

 

It is logical to assume that oil union leaders benefit from all these since their check off dues must continue ad infinitum. But they must leave Dangote Refinery alone because it is a private refinery.

 

This is why we have decided to organize a peaceful rally in solidarity with the $20 billion refinery. Our presence here today is to sensitize Nigerians and to sound a note of warning to the oil unions. Dangote Refinery is a private company. No union should be allowed to control it. We all know what most Nigerians do with government properties.

 

We appeal to the National Assembly (NASS) to review labour laws. We strongly believe that any law that enables unions to dictate to private investors is a draconian law, particularly in the oil sector where any little instability is bound to have ripple effects on the socio-economic life of Nigerians.

 

BENEFITS OF DANGOTE REFINERY:

Exportation of Refined Oil: Within a period of one year, the capacity of the refinery has risen to 1.4 million barrels per day. Dangote Refinery has started exporting refined oil to the United States, Spain, France, South Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Cameroon and Angola (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/08/dangote-refinery-usa-spain-france-south-korea-singapore-others-make-top-10-importers/; https://businessday.ng/business-economy/article/these-4-african-countries-buy-petrol-from-dangote-refineries/).

Earning of Foreign Currency: One of the problems of Nigeria is consumerism. We produce scarcely nothing. We are consumers and our country has become a dumping ground for finished products. But as a result of Dangote Refinery’s exports of oil, Nigeria has started earning foreign currency.

Rise in the Value of the Naira: This also explains why the naira has started climbing up. The hard currency flowing into the country is propping up our naira.

Drop in Inflation: Our inflation rate which stood at 33.88 as at October 2024 (https://www.stears.co/article/macro-data-bulletin-nigerias-inflation-rate-climbs-to-3388-in-october-2024/) fell back to 18.02% in September 2025 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/10/breaking-nigerias-inflation-rate-drops-to-18-02-in-september/). This can be attributed to the oil-export-induced performance of the naira.

 

OUR DEMANDS:

1.  100% crude allocation to Dangote Refinery;

2.  Total stoppage of oil importation into the country;

3.  Supply of crude oil in naira to Dangote Refinery;

4.  The National Assembly must review labour laws and enact new investor-friendly ones;

5.  PENGASSAN and NUPENG should be banned from operating in private oil refineries;

6.  The Federal Government must protect Dangote Refinery.

7.  Implementation of the 15% tariff on imported products must start immediately and

8.  The dumping of imported products on Nigerian soil should stop.

Thank you for listening.

 

Long Live Dangote Refinery!

Long Live MURIC!

Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Great Muricians! Allah is the Greatest!

Great Nigerian People! Allah is the Greatest!!!

 

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola, 

Executive Director, 

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

 

MURIC CONDEMNS DEMONIZATION OF HALAL ECONOMY, DEMANDS REVISIT

 

31^st October, 2025

PRESS RELEASE:

MURIC CONDEMNS DEMONIZATION OF HALAL ECONOMY, DEMANDS REVISIT

 

An Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the postponement of the $1 trillion National Halal Presentation Ceremony which was originally scheduled for Monday, 27th October, 2025. 

 

The group accused the Federal Government (FG) of spoon-feeding Christian leaders and succumbing to their blackmail. It also demanded a revisit of the exercise after proper consultation. 

 

In a statement issued on Friday, 31st October, 2025 by the group's Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC l also alleged that Christian opposition to the scheme was driven by Islamophobia, parochialism and primordial sentiment.

 

Full details of the statement:

 

"The launch of the $1 trillion National Halal Presentation Ceremony which was originally scheduled for Monday, 27th October, 2025 was abruptly postponed 24 hours to the event. It is believed that the postponement was due to the objections raised by some Christian leaders. 

 

"We strongly condemn this sudden postponement. More importantly, we denounce  the demonization of the halal system of economy. We also deplore the way and manner the postponement came about.

 

"It portrays the Federal Government (FG) as an administration keen on spoon-feeding Christian leaders and succumbing to their blackmail.We aver that  Christian opposition to the scheme was driven by Islamophobia, parochialism and primordial sentiment.

 

"Christian leaders exhibited the same base sentiments when the idea of Islamic banking was muted around the year 2010. They called at an attempt to islamize Nigeria. They threatened hell and brimstone. But the government of the day stayed focused. Islamic banking was eventually approved and today we have about four Islamic banks offering non-interest services. 

 

"The question we need to ask these Christian leaders who are afraid of their own shadows is 'Has Nigeria been islamised since the introduction of Islamic banking? Has a  single Christian converted to Islam on account of coming in contact with an Islamic bank?

 

"Of all the infrastructural windows in Nigeria today, the Sukuk remains the most effective. Yet the hullabaloo that erupted over sukuk was enough to bring the sky down at the time. Christian leaders swore it would happen over their dead bodies. But today sukuk is performing wonders and those Christian leaders are still alive. 

 

"Westo-Christian economy which is based on arbitrary interest rates is retarding Nigeria's economic growth. Nigerian banks with their Shylock mentality are asking for 30% interest while halal economy is based on interest-free business transactions. The difference is clear. FG should boldly assert its position and protect Nigerian businesses from neo-imperialist hawks. 

 

"We are miffed that a government that boldly confronted the subsidy cabal suddenly developed cold feet at the launch of an economic policy capable of taking the country to El dorado just because two Muslim-haters cried wolf where there is none. 

 

 "We have a situation here: FG just caught pneumonia because two Christian clergies coughed. This is not good enough. It is clear that Nigerian Muslims have become scapegoats in the present Muslim-Muslim ticket.  

 

"It is very obvious that we are experiencing a clash of civilizations but the unfortunate thing is that FG is pampering one over the other. This is going to compel Nigerian Muslims to go back to the drawing board and restrategize. From all indications, it is clear that this interfaith thing is not yielding any positive result.  

 

"All this talk about religious tolerance is not working because it is tilted towards a Christian domination agenda. Whereas the colonialists bequeathed a Christian-oriented administrative system which should have been adjusted for balance after independence, Christian leaders always see Islamisation whenever an attempt is made towards inclusion. This is at the core of the controversy. 

 

"Muslims will continue to demand the reflection of both cultures in every aspect of Nigerian life, be it political, economic, educational or otherwise. With the constant Islamophobia manifested by Christian leaders, even the blind can see the monopolistic propensity of our neighbours. 

 

"Nonetheless, FG must not abdicate its fatherly role. It is the duty of a father to ensure equity in his treatment of all his children. This must be done in such a way that no child feels marginalized or abandoned. 

 

"To this end, we call on FG to revisit the postponed halal policy. More robust enlightenment and consultation sessions will clear the fog."

 

#HalalEconomy

#RevisitPostponedLaunch

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Executive Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).

TRUMP REDESIGNATION OF NIGERIA: TINUBU DOES NOT DESERVE THIS - MURIC TELLS CAN

 

1st November, 2025

 

PRESS RELEASE:

TRUMP REDESIGNATION OF NIGERIA: TINUBU DOES NOT DESERVE THIS - MURIC TELLS CAN

 

President Donald Trump of the United States of America yesterday redesignated Nigeria as a country of particular concern. This came over allegations of Christian genocide in the country, a charge the Nigerian government has vehemently denied. 

 

Meanwhile a faith-based human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has told the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not deserve what Nigerian Christians have done to him. 

 

The full statement reads: 

 

"Despite vehement denial of Christian genocide by the Nigerian government, US President Donald Trump yesterday redesignated Nigeria as a country of particular concern. 

 

"This redesignation is blurred, misplaced and distorted. It is a complete misrepresentation of the true picture on ground in Nigeria.

 

"But instead of dissipating energy on debating the rationality or otherwise for the redesignation, we will rather turn our attention to the fifth columnists in our midst.

 

"There can be no smoke without fire and the cockroach will not find its way into the house if the walls have no openings. The Americans may have their own agenda but some Nigerians gave them the green light in this matter. 

 

"It will be recalled that certain Christian leaders had written frivolous petitions to the US Congress claiming that Christians were the only ones being killed by terrorists in Nigeria. Instead of debunking this false and misleading narrative,  the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) simply amplified it. 

 

"We are nonplussed by the actions of these Christian leaders, most especially that of CAN which is expected to know better.  

 

"CAN's action is a stab in the back in view of President Tinubu's preference of Christians in appointments, favours and privileges over and above his Muslim brethren.

 

"The president himself confirmed that 62% of all appointments went to the Christians. The First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu was even more generous to them than Father Christmas. In spite of all that was done for Nigerian Christians by this administration, they still deemed it fit to take Nigeria to the enabler of Gaza genocide. 

 

"President Tinubu does not deserve this. It is the Mother of all Betrayals and we denounce those behind the report in the strongest terms."

 

#RedesignationOfNigeria

#CAN

#MotherOfAllBetrayals

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Founder/Executive Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

TRUMP'S THREAT TO ATTACK NIGERIA: MURIC CALLS FOR CALM

 

MUSLIM RIGHTS CONCERN (MURIC)

هيئة حقوق المسلمين

MOTTO: DIALOGUE, NOT VIOLENCE

 

2^nd November, 2025

PRESS RELEASE:

TRUMP'S THREAT TO ATTACK NIGERIA: MURIC CALLS FOR CALM

 

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, yesterday threatened to attack Nigeria over the Christian genocide narrative. However, an Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has called for calm. 

 

In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Sunday, 2^nd November, 2025, the group said US strikes will make sense if they are directed at terrorist groups like Boko Haram, ISIS and ISWAP but such strikes will be considered aggression and a resumption of the Christian crusade if innocent Muslims and mosques are targeted. 

 

The full statement reads:

 

"President Donald Trump of the United States yesterday threatened to attack Nigeria over the Christian genocide narrative (https://www-vanguardngr-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.vanguardngr.com/2025/11/breaking-trump-threatens-military-action-in-nigeria-over-killing-of-christians/).

 

"Taken contextually, Trump's threat should be seen as directed at terrorist groups. If that is so, our response to the threat is simple and straightforward.

 

 "Terrorists are not part of us. Their methods stand in contradistinction to the tenets of Islam. We condemn terrorism and we will not associate with those who kill and maim. We reject ideologies of kidnapping and extortion. They are alien to Islam. 

 

"Regarding President Trump's threat, Nigerians should remain calm. There is no cause for alarm particularly for peace-loving and law-abiding Muslims and other Nigerians.

 

"US strikes will make sense if they are directed at terrorist groups like Boko Haram, ISIS and ISWAP who have been killing both Muslims and Christians. Bandits who have been kidnapping both Muslims and Christians should also be on Trump's hit list. Trump and the US will be hailed if this is the objective. 

 

"The truth is that the Nigerian government has been fighting these criminals. Our gallant soldiers have been in the trenches all along against these enemies of humanity. Both our government and the good people of Nigeria will be glad if America will confront them. We need such help and it will be good riddance to bad rubbish if every Boko Haram, ISIS and ISWAP element in this country can be eliminated.

 

"But such strikes will be considered aggression and a resumption of the Christian crusade of the 19th century if innocent Muslims and mosques are targeted or if Muslim leaders are attacked or become victims of rendition and the attendant waterboarding.

 

"We therefore put the global community on notice regarding Trump's threat. We urge law-abiding Muslims and other Nigerians to eschew thoughts of anti-Trump or anti-American actions over this threat. Nigerians should go about their lawful duties without entertaining any fear. The world is watching.

 

"In particular, we warn against the formation of any militant group by any Islamic organization in response to Trump's threat. Such groups are most likely to end up harassing innocent Nigerians, including Muslims.

 

"Muslim youths North and South of the country are advised to avoid public protests over Trump's threat. We should allow the Nigerian government to handle the matter through diplomatic channels. 

 

"To the Nigerian government, we advice persuasion and robust diplomacy. Threats should not be met with counter-threats. 

 

"We of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) will not betray our avowed motto, namely 'Dialogue, Not Violence' and we implore fellow Nigerians, particularly Muslim youths, to imbibe this principle of nonviolence.

 

"As we draw the curtain, we appeal to Muslims to continue the spirit of forgiveness, tolerance and love. We must not allow any feeling of hatred, vengeance or transferred aggression towards our Christian neighbours.

 

"Ditto for foreigners in our midst. We must not forget that hospitality is a core principle in Islam. We have no hard feelings towards American citizens because we are aware that there is a huge difference between American citizens and their governments. The average American is warm, humane and hospitable."

 

#Trump

#TrumpThreat

#NoCauseForAlarm

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Executive Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

MURIC SLAMS US COMMENTS ON SHARI'AH AND NORTHERN GOVERNORS

 

MUSLIM RIGHTS CONCERN (MURIC)
هيئة حقوق المسلمين
MOTTO: DIALOGUE, NOT VIOLENCE

6th November, 2025

PRESS RELEASE

MURIC SLAMS US COMMENTS ON SHARI'AH AND NORTHERN GOVERNORS

As tension grows between Nigeria and the United States, some US legislators have demanded the abrogation of Shari'ah law in Nigeria. 12 northern governors have also been threatened with sanctions.

Meanwhile a prominent faith-based rights advocacy group has slammed comments on the Shari'ah coming from the US as unguarded, undemocratic and demagogic.

The full details:

"In the heat of tension between Nigeria and the United States, some US legislators have demanded the abrogation of Shari'ah law in Nigeria (https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/832250-u-s-senator-ted-cruz-pushes-bill-against-sharia-blasphemy-laws-in-nigeria.html).

"In addition, 12 northern governors have been threatened with sanctions (https://politicsnigeria.com/just-in-u-s-moves-to-sanction-12-northern-governors-judges-traditional-rulers/).

"We reject attempts by US legislators to impose American value system on Muslims around the world, including Nigerian Muslims. The negative comments about the Islamic legal system coming from the US are, at best,
unguarded, undemocratic and demagogic.

"Our position is based on the core principles of democracy which the US claims to be championing, viz, majority rule, participatory citizenry and the rule of law but which US current behavior and pronouncements on Nigeria feverishly castigate.

"In the first place, the states practicing Shari'ah in Nigeria followed due process before introducing it. Shari'ah is being used in those states as Islam is the religion of the overwhelming majority. 

"Secondly, that overwhelming majority is actively participating in the application of Shari'ah in the states and there has never been any complaint from them.

"Thirdly, as a bastion of the rule of law, democracy accepts any set of rules agreed upon by the majority of their representatives. Incidentally, Shari'ah was introduced via the Houses of Assembly following global standards of legislative proceedings in all the states where it was passed into law.

"At that point, Shari'ah became the rule of law in those states. Any attempt, therefore, by a foreign legislature to abrogate it through extra-judicial and alien interpretation will be regarded as undue interference in the affairs of a sovereign country and a breach of international law. This will defeat the ideals of democracy, deface the values of the rule of law and bastardize the essence of free speech, liberty and humanity. In particular, this stand of the US constitutes a humongous threat to world peace.

"By the same token, MURIC denounces threats issued to the 12 northern governors. These governors were elected in free, fair and credible elections attested to by international election observers in line with global best practices. They are the legitimate rulers of their states. US threats directed at the governors constitute an unacceptable assault on the Nigerian electoral process and a desecration of the dignity of the culture of Northern Nigeria.

"We therefore call on US lawmakers to allow Nigerian democracy to thrive. Leave Northern lawmakers alone. Shari'ah is the free choice of Nigerian Muslims. There must be no obstruction of access to justice. We assert clearly, unequivocally and categorically that Shari'ah is the Muslim way of life. We strongly condemn US attempts to harass, coerce and intimidate Northern state actors over Shari'ah. "

#LeaveShariahAlone
#USStopharrassingNorthernGovernors
"LetNigeriaBreathe

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

 

DON’T ENCROACH ON THE RIGHTS OF MUSLIM TRADITIONAL RULERS – MURIC

 

27^th October, 2025

PRESS RELEASE:

DON’T ENCROACH ON THE RIGHTS OF MUSLIM TRADITIONAL RULERS – MURIC

 

A call has gone to people of the South West to desist from encroaching on the rights of Yoruba Muslim traditional rulers. The call was made by a faith-based human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), on the need to respect the rights of Muslim traditional rulers who wish to live, die and be buried as Muslims.  

 

Making the call on Monday, 27^th October, 2025 was the Executive Director of a civil liberties organization for Nigerian Muslims, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

 

The full message reads:

 

“Muslim traditional rulers have been condemned in recent times for exhibiting their preference for Islamic practices in their personal affairs like worship, death and burial. Their detractors argue that they had no right to demand any other treatment apart from traditional way of life since they are traditional rulers.

 

“We assert the right of Muslim traditional rulers to follow their chosen faith. It should be noted that a Muslim king is more often than not crowned as a Muslim because, ceteris paribus, he was a Muslim before becoming king and nothing has changed in his anatomy, physiology or lineage.

 

“This does not stop him from carrying out his duties as king over all: Muslims, Christians, traditionalists. He is expected to be fair to all regardless of religious leaning. Neither is he expected, even as a Muslim, to totally abandon any group. The worst case scenario is the delegation of duties but his presence must be felt in all groups no matter what form.

 

“But to insist that a Muslim king must live as a traditional worshipper or be buried as one is crossing the red line. It amounts to religious coercion. Yoruba traditional worshippers have failed to demonstrate the spirit of liberalism in matters of religion. It is sad that there have been so many cases of forceful conversion at the shrines where the children of deceased traditionalists are made to accept traditional religion willy-nilly. It must stop.

 

“This practice is contrary to the letter and spirit of Section 38(i)&(ii) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended 2011) which stipulates freedom of religion. Yorubaland is an integral part of Nigeria and this Constitution is supreme (Chapter 1, Part 1, Section 1).

 

“All forms of coercion, intimidation, bullying and threats aimed at forcing Yoruba kings to abandon their faith should therefore stop forthwith. Any king who wishes to follow traditionalists is free to do so but Muslim kings who expressly desire to live and die as Muslims should be left alone.”

 

#FreedomForMuslimKings

#RightToChooseBurialAsMuslims

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola, 

Founder/Executive Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).