KUDOS TO REPS FOR STOPPING OYEDEPO'S AIRSTRIP LICENCE - MURIC

 

1^st November, 2024

PRESS RELEASE:

KUDOS TO REPS FOR STOPPING OYEDEPO'S AIRSTRIP LICENCE - MURIC

 

The House of Representatives has demanded the revocation of the licence for an airstrip recently given to the Living Faith Church. Meanwhile an Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has commended the House for taking such a bold step. The group also joined the House in asking the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, to hearken to the demand of the lawmakers.

 

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday, 1st November, 2024 by the Founder and Executive Director of the organization, Professor Ishaq Akintola. 

 

The full statement reads:

 

"Sequel to the adoption of an urgent motion titled 'Need to stop issuance of airstrip licence to private individuals and organizations in the country', the House of Representatives has demanded the revocation of the approval of an airstrip licence recently given to Bishop David Oyedepo's Living Faith Church.

 

"Citing the need to safeguard national security, the House also ordered the withdrawal of other airstrip licences already approved for private individuals and organizations apart from the one granted to the Living Faith Church. The motion was sponsored by Honourable Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi on Wednesday, 30th October, 2024 (https://theeagleonline.com.ng/reps-ask-keyamo-to-revoke-oyedepos-living-faith-church-airstrip-licence/). 

 

“It will be recalled that MURIC kicked against the airstrip licence so freely granted Bishop Oyedepo (https://newsdiaryonline.com/withdraw-oyedepo-airstrip-licence-muric/;https://theshieldonlineng.com/airstrip-license-granted-oyedepos-church-will-expose-muslims-to-danger-muric/). That was on 11^th October 2024. We are now vindicated as the House of Representatives now sees the same danger that we saw.

 

“We hereby reiterate that the cassu belli for our opposition is strictly based on national security. We have nothing personal against the bishop, his Living Faith Church or the members.

 

"MURIC commends the honourable members of the House for the effective use of its oversight function in this matter. We commend the House for taking such a bold step. It is needless to say we are on the same page with the House. We are therefore asking the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, to hearken to the demand of the lawmakers. We charge the House to pursue the issue of issuance of an airstrip licence to Bishop Oyedepo's Living Faith Church to a logical conclusion. 

 

"It is most unwise for a country like Nigeria whose security challenges are so gargantuan to place sensitive infrastructure like airstrips in the hands of private individuals and organizations, least of all a religious group for that matter. 

 

“Was Festus Keyamo on sabbatical when Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, the president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) was caught in South Africa with a humongous amount of $9.3 million which he claimed was for the purchase of arms? Have we forgotten so soon? (https://saharareporters.com/2014/09/15/arms-smuggling-jet-caught-10million-south-africa-linked-can-president-ayo-oritsejafor; https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/168224-can-president-oritsejafor-admits-ownership-of-cash-stacked-jet-seized-in-south-africa.html?tztc=1)

 

“Keyamo must act fast on the needful if he is not in connivance with anyone on the issuance of airstrip licence to Bishop Oyedepo's Living Faith Church. No minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has the mandate to hand over the destiny of this country to his own religious group. Favouritism should be limited to stomach infrastructure. Extending it to a volatile area which threatens national security and the safety of people of another religious group is treading the path of gymnastic religiousity.

 

"We frown at a policy that makes life unbearable for the poor masses but spoon-feeds the rich in society. An airstrip that can facilitate the landing of hundreds of Israel's Mossad agents and other Christian terrorists is not what Nigeria needs at this moment. As an Islamic human rights organization committed to the projection, promotion and protection of Allah-given fundamental human rights, MURIC has a duty to speak up when the lives of Muslims and national security are threatened.

 

"We therefore urge the House to pursue this matter to a logical conclusion. Oyedepo's airstrip licence must be revoked. No Retreat, No Surrender."

 

#PrivateAirstripsKudosReps

#StopOyedepoAirstrip

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola, 

Founder/Executive Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC

 

EMIR JOKOLO’S CASE: KEEP POLITICS AT BAY

 

Date :  Thursday, 31^st October, 2024

PRESS RELEASE FROM KEBBI MURIC:

EMIR JOKOLO’S CASE: KEEP POLITICS AT BAY

 

On Monday, October 28, 2024 the Court of Appeal, Sokoto Division, reaffirmed its earlier judgment on the illegal dethronement of the 19th Emir of Gwandu, Al-Mustapha Jokolo.

 

Jokolo was dethroned as Emir of Gwandu by the Kebbi State Government under the leadership of the then Governor Muhammadu Adamu Aliero in June 2005. In the Appeal Court judgement delivered on Monday, Justice Tobi expressed satisfaction with the earlier judgment passed by Justice Abbas Ahman of the Kebbi State High Court, stating that the deposition of the 19th Emir was contrary to the law and did not follow due process. Meanwhile the lead counsel to the defendants has indicated the intention of the state government to appeal the case. 

 

The case at hand highlights the importance of traditional institutions who have direct link with the community members and reiterates the need for their inclusion regarding their role in social cohesion and prosperity. From time immemorial, they have long served as conflict-resolution platforms within communities. Such regards and roles should not be eroded with political caprices and manipulative tendencies.

 

MURIC has observed with keen interest over time  how the law courts have been adjudicating this case for years and despite the natural instincts, neither the plaintiff nor the defendant has thrown caution to the winds. They have maintained decorum. 

 

Neither of them has taken the case to the court of public opinion. This has helped the state and country at large by preserving the unity, security and cooperation of the people and has insulated the royal family from abuse by naysayers. 

 

The Muslim Rights Concern hereby calls on all the stakeholders involved (Kebbi State Government, Emir of Gwandu, the deposed Emir of Gwandu, families and friends) to desist from actions and utterances that may jeopardise the cohesion of the Abdullahi Bin Fodio family and the relative peace Kebbi state is known for. 

 

Both the dethroned Emir and the current Emir are brothers sharing the same blood and lineage. Thus, family dispute should not be created. It is needless and unwelcome.This call becomes imperative because of the recent happenings on a revered Emirship stool in one of the revered Northern states which is unbecoming of the royal family linked to the revered Sheikh Usman Bin Fodio. 

 

All traditional institutions in Northern Nigeria (erstwhile Sokoto Caliphate) are legacies of the revered reformer. All over the world, traditional institutions are respected and Nigeria cannot be an exception. In Northern Nigeria, they represent not just royal families, but Islamic monuments. 

 

Such institutions and legacies should remain sacred and should not be toyed with by anyone under any guise. Desecration of those institutions will not be condoned by the Muslim Ummah. In Nigeria today, political abuse of traditional institutions is a significant issue, with some politicians frequently co-opting these institutions to advance their agendas, manipulate public opinion, and reinforce their power. 

 

Traditional institutions, once respected for their cultural authority and community cohesion, are often undermined by political interventions, leaving them vulnerable to losing their independence and influence. We should remember that erosion of traditional institutions in Nigeria due to political interference threatens cultural preservation, social harmony, and community welfare.

 

Muslims and Nigeria at large, are currently facing a lot of challenges in various dimensions, we should allow the courts to decide the fate of all cases and not allow our whims and caprices to create more dark days for the Ummah in particular and the country at large.

 

Dr. Abdullahi Bello Umar,

Chairman,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

Kebbi State Chapter

 

MURIC TO IG: INVESTIGATE FALSE DEATH REPORT ON SULTAN

 

30^th October, 2024

PRESS RELEASE:

MURIC TO IG: INVESTIGATE FALSE DEATH REPORT ON SULTAN

 

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate the source of the false rumour of the death of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar. The group also called on the police to prosecute those behind the diabolical mission.

 

The call was made in a statement issued on Wednesday, 30^th October, 2024 by the Founder and Executive Director of the organization, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

 

The statement reads:

 

"Our attention has been drawn to a false rumour of the death of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, which broke out yesterday, Tuesday, 29th October, 2024. 

 

"The rumour spread like wild fire, creating tension, fear and suspicion in the hearts of millions of Muslims in the country as well as those of the Sultan's friends and well-wishers. 

 

"We strongly condemn this development. It is saddistic, diabolical, malicious and luciferous. The enormity of the false rumour is better realized when viewed against the backdrop of the twin status of the Sultan and his revered position in the society. 

 

"Sultan Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar is not only the Sultan of Sokoto, he is also the President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) which is the umbrella organization for all Islamic associations in Nigeria. Whatever is said about him does not affect Sokoto State alone. It affects all Muslims in Nigeria.

 

"That is why those who spread news about people like him should weigh the gravity of their information and exercise caution. It is crystal clear, however, that those behind this satanic rumour have thrown caution to the winds. It is reckless, thoughtless and absolutely irresponsible. 

 

"We therefore call on the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate the source of the false rumour of the death of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar. Those found culpable should be made to face the law.

 

“This is necessary in the interest of law, order and good governance. Innocent Nigerians will continue to fall victims of cyber stalking until the security agencies start holding culprits accountable for their criminal activities."

 

#StopSpreadingFalseInfo

#LongLiveTheSultan

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola, 

Founder/Executive Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC

 

ACT ON SPEAKER’S ALARM ON VP SHETTIMA’S LIFE – MURIC

 

29^th October, 2024

PRESS RELEASE:

ACT ON SPEAKER’S ALARM ON VP SHETTIMA’S LIFE – MURIC

 

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the presidency and the National Assembly (NASS) to take immediate action on the alarm raised by the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan concerning the danger posed by the faulty plane being used by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

MURIC joined the Speaker of Borno Assembly on the issue on Tuesday, 29^th October, 2024. In a statement issued by the Founder and Executive Director of the Islamic human rights organization, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the group said Nigeria should not be penny wise, pound foolish.

 

He also added:

 

“Media reports at the weekend have revealed the alarm raised by Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan, the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly concerning the danger posed by the faulty plane being used by Vice President Kashim Shettima (https://spectacle.com.ng/2024/10/27/speaker-sounds-alarm-vp-shettimas-life-in-danger-due-to-faulty-aircraft/).

 

“A nation that plays with the lives of its leaders cannot be taken seriously. A rickety old plane should not be the best we can offer our vice president if we are serious as a nation and if we value the lives of our leaders.

 

“It is also an infringement on Allah-given fundamental human rights of anyone who is our president or vice president if he has to live in constant fear of danger to his life. Our leaders also have the right to the safety of their lives. Anyone who is serving his country, particularly at that high level, should not be subjected to fear for his own safety.

 

“Those who fly by air regularly know how traumatic it is to sit for hours in an aeroplane that gives signs of faults. It is callous, petty and mean to insist that your leaders should continue to use rickety old planes that pose danger to their lives. We may have economic challenges at present but Nigeria should not be penny wise, pound foolish.

 

“Of serious concern are the constant technical issues the Vice President’s plane continues to have. The recent abortion of his crucial trip to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit in Samoa is a special case in point. The VP’s plane was reportedly hit by a strange object which damaged the cockpit windscreen.

 

“We therefore call on the presidency and the National Assembly to prioritise the procurement of a new plane for the vice president’s office.”

 

#SaveTheVicePresident

#NewPlaneForVP

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola, 

Founder/Executive Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC

 

 

OGUN 2027: THE TIME FOR A MUSLIM GOVERNOR HAS COME

 

Date :  Saturday,26th October, 2024

PRESS RELEASE FROM OGUN MURIC:

OGUN 2027: THE TIME FOR A MUSLIM GOVERNOR HAS COME

 

As the 2027 gubernatorial election approaches in Ogun State, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) Ogun State is advocating for fair representation and an end to the marginalization of Muslims in the state's politics.

 

In a multi-religious society like Ogun, balance and inclusivity should guide the selection of leaders.

 

This was contained in a statement issued by the State Secretary of MURIC in Ogun state, Alhaji Olaleye Rasheed Damilare, and signed by Alhaji Tajudeen Jimoh Alao, the State Chairman of MURIC in Ogun state.

 

It reads;

 

 Since the establishment of democracy, four out of five civilian governors - Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, Olusegun Osoba, Justus Olugbenga Daniel, and Dapo Abiodun - have been Christians, governing cumulatively for 26 years. In contrast, the Muslim community has only been represented for 8 years by Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

 

 

Agitation is not the motto of MURIC. Rather, dialogue and creating awareness in matters of injustice in all ramifications, especially in Ogun State, reflects Nigeria's diversity, with various cultures, tribes, and religions. The principles of equity and justice demand respect for this diversity in action, not just words. Continuous dominance by one religion fosters exclusion, marginalization, and inequality.

 

A lot of people have raised a series of questions about whether Muslims are ready to contest or not, but as the 2027 election approaches, MURIC urges stakeholders - party leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and the electorate - to support a credible Muslim candidate. 

 

Ogun State needs a leader who understands its diversity and serves all citizens, not just a select group.

 

To the Muslim community, this is a great opportunity to correct past imbalances and move towards inclusivity.

 

Muslims seek fairness, not privilege or special treatment. With capable, experienced, and trustworthy individuals ready to serve, let us elect leaders representing all Ogun citizens, promoting unity, development, and prosperity for everyone.

 

 

#FreeOgunMuslims 

#StopMarginalizingMuslims

#2027ForMuslimGovernor

 

Alhaji Tajudeen Jimoh Alao

State Chairman, MURIC Ogun State.

 

Alhaji Olaleye Rasheed Damilare

Secretary, MURIC Ogun State

 

WE MOURN TURKEY’S NUSRET LEADER FATHULLAH GULEN – MURIC

 

22^nd October, 2024

PRESS RELEASE:

WE MOURN TURKEY’S NUSRET LEADER FATHULLAH GULEN – MURIC

 

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has expressed sadness over the death of the head of the Turkey based organization, NUSRET and the country’s spiritual leader, Shaykh Fathullah Gulen.

 

MURIC sent condolences to NUSRET, all Turkish citizens resident in Nigeria, all true democrats and lovers of free speech and liberty around the globe. The message, which was issued on Tuesday, 22^nd October, 2024 was signed by the Founder and Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

 

It reads:

“The head of the Turkey based organization, NUSRET/Hizmet and the country’s spiritual leader, Shaykh Fathullah Gulen, died on Sunday, 20^th October, 2024. His death occurred while still in exile in Saylorsburg, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, United States.

 

“We are badly shaken and saddened by news of his death. However, we submit to the decree of Allah as He said, ‘Every soul shall taste of death’ (Glorious Qur’an 3:185). We continue to look forward to the global Hizmet movement which he inspired with his exemplary character and great leadership traits.

 

“Our heartfelt condolences go to NUSRET, his global movement, Hizmet, all Turkish citizens resident in Nigeria, all true democrats and lovers of free speech and liberty around the globe. In particular, we urge his followers worldwide to be hopeful. Shakh Fathullah Gulen is gone, but his spirit and his great works live on.

 

“We therefore leave all his followers, particularly those who are in exile in Nigeria, with the reassuring exhortation of Allah, ‘Do not feel dispirited or fall into despair, for you will always have the upper hand as long as you strongly adhere to your faith’ (Glorious Qur’an 3:139).

 

“To this same group we say, ‘You are not alone. We share your deep sadness at this moment. Our solidarity with you remains unbroken. We do not forget our friends. Neither do we abandon our brethren in faith. Be strong, you are surrounded by friends. Fear not the tribulations of living in strange lands, nor entertain the fear of dying in faraway lands, for the whole earth belongs to Allah (4:131)’

 

“We urge the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) to step up the protection of all Turkish citizens in Nigeria, particularly followers of Shaykh Fathullah Gulen who are in exile in the country.

 

“We advise the government of Turkey to work towards a détente with its opposition and relax immigration rules in the country. This is the time to allow all exiled citizens to return home. There is no true democracy in exclusivity.”

 

#Turkey

#FathullahGulen

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola, 

Founder/Executive Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).

 

MAKINDE’S PRESIDENTIAL AMBITION: DEAD ON ARRIVAL – MURIC

 

21^st October, 2024

PRESS RELEASE:

MAKINDE’S PRESIDENTIAL AMBITION: DEAD ON ARRIVAL – MURIC

 

As tongues begin to wag about the 2027 presidential ambition of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has foreclosed the idea. The human rights organization said the governor should bury the thought because of his egregious interfaith record.

 

This was stated in a press statement issued on Monday, 21^st October, 2024 by the Founder and Executive Director of the organization, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

 

The group said:

 

“Tongues have started wagging about the 2027 presidential ambition of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State. (https://www.naijanews.com/2024/10/19/makinde-not-a-coward-wont-join-presidential-race-through-the-backdoor-oduyoye/?utm_source=beloud.com&utm_medium=beloud.com).

 

“Although the governor himself has not made any definite declaration, we are conversant enough with the antics of politicians to know that those wagging tongues are being used to test the political waters in the country. Whether true or false, we advise Governor Makinde to bury the thought. It is dead on arrival.

 

“Is this not the same governor who has been excluding Muslims in his state from governance? So what does he want in Aso Rock? Exclusivism is the high watermark of Makinde’s 6-year-old administration and it is targeted at Muslims in the state. His presidential ambition, if it is true, is an attempt at territorial expansionism for his anti-Muslim agenda. Makinde wants to graduate from a state oppressor of Muslims to a national terror for the adherents of Islam.  

 

“He runs a ratio 14:6 Christian to Muslim cabinet in a Muslim majority state. Out of six chairmen of agencies, only one is a Muslim and that one heads the Muslim Pilgrims Board! Our hearts bleed. We complained severally but Makinde will not listen (https://oyoinsight.com/makinde-has-a-christianization-agenda-muric-tackles-oyo-governor-over-appointments/).

 

“For microscopic clarity, MURIC is not saying Christians should not rule Nigeria. What we are laying emphasis on is that any Christian who aspires to rule Nigeria must have a good interfaith record. There is no vacancy in Aso Rock for Muslim-haters. We are not against Christians ruling Nigeria but we will stop Christian fanatics and anti-Muslim practitioners from becoming national terrors.

 

“There are many good Christian candidates with whom Nigerian Muslims can be comfortable. Makinde is not one of them and he is advised to move closer to Chief Femi Fani Kayode to learn how to de-escalate interfaith tension. FFK is about the best Christian candidate Nigerian Muslims will support when the chips are down, when the come comes to become.

 

“Makinde is a potential executive bully if he enters Aso Rock. For complaining that Muslim students were forced to enter a church to sing Christmas carol, this governor sent security agents after MURIC’s Executive Director, thinking that we would cringe. Governor Makinde has the noun ‘terror’ and the verb ‘to terrorise’ (https://thedefenderngr.com/makinde-is-muslim-rights-activism-a-crime-muric-abuja-chapter-asks-oyo-dss/).

 

“Going by William Shakespeare’s musing in Measure For Measure, ‘But man, proud man, dress'd in a little brief authority, most ignorant of what he's most assur'd, his glassy essence, like an angry ape, plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven as makes the angels weep; who, with our spleens,
would all themselves laugh mortal,’ Makinde will out-Herod Herod if given the key to Aso Rock.

 

“Besides, Makinde is not transparent enough to rule Nigeria. He has the capacity to make false claims and the propensity to arrogate the glory of others to himself alone. His handling of the reconstruction of Adogba Central Mosque, Ibadan, readily comes to mind.

 

“Makinde ignored all pleas to spare the mosque from demolition in 2020. After demolishing it, the Oyo State Government rebuilt another in its place in 2023. But Makinde fraudulently engraved his name on the mosque as if he was the sole financier.

 

“He was forced to remove his name from the main gate after MURIC complained but he still retained his name on the wall of the mosque till this day. Arrogance, impunity and arbitrary use of executive power are all in Seyi Makinde’s DNA. He should produce evidence of rebuilding the mosque from his personal purse if he wants to prove any moral right to have his name on the walls of the mosque (https://independent.ng/remove-your-name-from-our-mosque-muric-tells-makinde/).

 

“Engr. Seyi Makinde is engineering political marginalization, economic deprivation and social ostracisation for Oyo State Muslims. He will definitely plunge Nigerian Muslims into abject penury if he ever becomes president of this country. Governor Makinde should bury the thought due to his egregious interfaith record. We reject this champion of religious apartheid. It had better not be.”

 

#GovernorMakinde

#NoToMakinde2027

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola, 

Founder/Executive Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).