REVOKE PRO-CHRISTIAN HEALTH PACT WITH US OR EVOLVE PARALLEL PROJECT FOR MUSLIM HEALTH – MURIC

 

MUSLIM RIGHTS CONCERN (MURIC)

‎هيئة حقوق المسلمين

‎Motto: Dialogue, Not Violence

‎23^rd December, 2025

‎‎PRESS RELEASE:

REVOKE PRO-CHRISTIAN HEALTH PACT WITH US OR EVOLVE PARALLEL PROJECT FOR MUSLIM HEALTH – MURIC

‎The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has demanded the revocation of Nigeria’s recent health pact with the United States. It described the health agreement as pro-Christian, parochial, divisive, discriminatory and therefore unacceptable. The group offered the alternative of evolving a similar project for Nigerian Muslims to start at the same time and to grow side by side.

The group made its view known in a statement circulated to the media on Tuesday, 23^rd December, 2025 by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

The statement reads:

“The Federal Government (FG) under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed a $2.1billion agreement with the United States (US). The deal is expected to promote Christian healthcare delivery in the country (https://tribuneonlineng.com/us-earmarks-2-1bn-for-nigerias-christian-healthcare-facilities/).

“We denounce this pact in the strongest terms. It is parochial, egregious, divisive, discriminatory and therefore unacceptable. It is a serious misstep. It subjects Muslims to apartheid treatment in their own country.

“As in Animal Farm, FG has demarcated Nigerians into first class and second class citizens contrary to section 42 of the Constitution. FG has placed Muslims in the second windowless compartment.

“Strangely enough, the US will not provide the whole fund, neither will it bring the highest. Nigeria will provide a higher $3.0 billion which is 58.82% of the total fund of $5.1 billion. This is atrocious.

“FG has signed off our common patrimony for only one faith group, the Christian group. This is the commonwealth that we all sweated for. This is the Nigerian tax payers’ money and it is going to be expended on one group only.

“The last time we checked, there was no separate Christian tax system. There was no separate Muslim tax system. All monies go into one vault. There is also no Christian Central bank, no Muslim central bank. What then is the wisdom in this deal with America that seeks to make the Nigerian government spend from our collective wealth for the Christian group only?

“If we keep silent and allow this deal to go through, in the twinkling of an eye, we will soon have Christian roads, Christian railway system, Christian this and Christian that. Our hearts bleed. Who did this to Nigeria? It is neither statesmanship nor good governance.

“If it is America, we must seek other friends, other allies. Whoever dictated this Christian health scheme to us desires only one thing, namely, to break our country. If we are the architects of our own tragedy, we must find ways of pacifying the Muslims. Anything short of that is deliberate provocation of the oppressed Nigerian Muslims.

“Now, how can FG placate the Muslims? The way out is to evolve an alternative like a similar project of equal standard in all ramifications for Nigerian Muslims, to start and finish at the same time and to grow pari passu. The snag there is that FG will have to source for funds for the Muslim health scheme.

“Afterall FG has always provided joint health care for all faiths. As the father of all, FG must provide parity for the Muslims since it has allowed itself to be boxed into a corner by vendors of Christian genocide, a fallacy, a charade, a sham.

“However, FG is advised not to start the pro-Christian, anti-Muslim and anti-wisdom US health scheme without providing an alternative for Muslims unless it is ready to face a plethora of legal, political and parliamentary challenges over it. The best advice, however, is that FG should revoke the health pact. It is satanic.

“Nigeria has already been heavily and lopsidedly structured for Christian ways of life since the colonial days: our education system, the economy, politics, social life, the weekend system, the holidays, name it.

“On the contrary, everything the Muslims have demanded in the past have always been opposed by the Christians. Talk of Islamic banking, shari’ah, sukuk, etc. The launching of halal investment was recently put off after a half-hearted FG faced vehement opposition from an over-fed, over-pampered and entitlement-brandishing CAN.

“It is apparent that FG has succumbed to the US and CAN’s blackmail. Evidence abounds for this claim: from the North Central Christians who are now the new bride and the apple of FG’s eyes in contrast with the Muslim North which has been abandoned to its fate.

“FG keeps removing Northern Muslims, replacing them with Christians from North Central. Two universities were hastily located in the Christian dominated area of Southern Kaduna with no placating move in Muslim Northern Kaduna. The Christians are singing Halleluyah. The Muslims are licking their wounds.

“South West Muslims roam about in the dark, orphaned and marooned. The First Lady, the Mother of the Nation, concentrates her attention and generous gifts mainly to Christian groups and Christian areas in an open manner. This is confrontation. Muslims are being dared. But there is a better way our mother could have done it. Once again, our hearts bleed.

“To add salt to injury, FG wants to bring a discriminatory health care system specially for Christians. The question for the FG is: Are Christians the only ones who voted President Tinubu into power in 2023? Has somebody forgotten something? Are the Christians the only ones who will vote him into power in 2027? Votes apart, are Muslims less homo sapiens who deserve no health care?

“Notwithstanding this provocative treatment, MURIC appeals to Muslims all over the country to hold their peace. We have heard your complaints and we have spoken out loud and clear. We may have said less but we added nothing more. Your cause is just. We will not abandon you.

“Nonetheless, we call for civility and decorum, not rash behaviour. We are ambassadors of Islam, the religion with the culture of good behaviour. We may be at the receiving end today but we assure you that it will not last forever. Nothing does. Our patience, fortitude and peaceful conduct will sell our case, not only today but in coming years and decades. Posterity will bear us witness.”

‎‎‎#NigeriaUSChristianHealthPact

#RevokeChristianHealthPact

#OnRevocationWeStand

‎

‎Professor Ishaq Akintola,

‎Founder/Executive Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC). 

 

MURIC DEMANDS IMMEDIATE RESCISSION OF FIRS–FRENCH COMPANY MoU, SUSPENSION OF CONTROVERSIAL TAX LAW, AND PROBE INTO ALLEGED LEGISLATIVE FRAUD

 

MUSLIM RIGHTS CONCERN (MURIC)

‎هيئة حقوق المسلمين

‎Motto: Dialogue, Not Violence

‎21^st December, 2025

‎‎PRESS RELEASE:

MURIC DEMANDS IMMEDIATE RESCISSION OF FIRS–FRENCH COMPANY MoU, SUSPENSION OF CONTROVERSIAL TAX LAW, AND PROBE INTO ALLEGED LEGISLATIVE FRAUD

We at Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) have observed with grave concern the reported Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) entered into between the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and a French company in respect of tax collection and administration in Nigeria. 

MURIC strongly condemns this arrangement, which we consider a clear manifestation of neo-colonial intrusion into Nigeria’s sovereign fiscal affairs. Tax collection is a core attribute of sovereignty, and any agreement that hands over such a sensitive national function to foreign interests is unacceptable, ill-advised, and inimical to Nigeria’s independence.

Even more disturbing are allegations that the newly enacted tax laws contain insertions and alterations that were never passed by the National Assembly. If true, this constitutes an unprecedented assault on democracy, legislative integrity, and the rule of law. The alteration of duly passed legislation after parliamentary approval amounts to legislative fraud and represents a national embarrassment that must not be swept under the carpet.

In view of the foregoing, MURIC hereby makes the following demands:

(i) an immediate rescission of the MoU between the Federal Government, FIRS, and the French company on grounds of sovereignty, national interest, and rejection of neo-colonial economic control; 

(ii) immediate suspension of the application and enforcement of the controversial tax laws pending a full clarification of its authenticity and legislative validity and

(iii) constitution of an independent investigative committee comprising credible retired justices, civil society actors, and relevant stakeholders to thoroughly investigate the alleged alteration of the tax legislation in order to identify, expose all individuals or institutions found culpable in this alleged manipulation of the legislative process for prosecution in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

MURIC emphasizes that the sanctity of democracy depends on strict adherence to due process, transparency, and respect for the will of the legislature. Any attempt to undermine the authority of the National Assembly or to smuggle overreaching provisions into the law is a direct attack on Nigeria’s constitutional order. We therefore call on the Federal Government to act decisively and patriotically to protect Nigeria’s democracy, sovereignty, and legislative integrity.

Silence or inaction in the face of this scandal will only deepen public distrust and further expose the _nation_ to ridicule in the comity of nations.

MURIC remains committed to the defense of justice, accountability, and national dignity.

Signed:

Dr. Muhammad Mansur Aliyu Esq.,

Chairman,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC),

Sokoto Chapter.

 

 

MURIC CONDEMNS DISCRIMINATORY PASSPORT BIOMETRIC POLICY TARGETING MUSLIM WOMEN

 

 

MUSLIM RIGHTS CONCERN (MURIC)*

‎هيئة حقوق المسلمين

‎Motto: Dialogue, Not Violence

‎

‎20th December, 2025

‎

‎PRESS RELEASE:

 

*MURIC CONDEMNS DISCRIMINATORY PASSPORT BIOMETRIC POLICY TARGETING MUSLIM WOMEN*

 

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has received and reviewed a formal petition from Mrs Hajiah Madinah Adigun-Oladotun, a Nigerian entrepreneur and media practitioner, detailing a troubling experience during her passport renewal biometric capturing at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) office in Abuja.

 

According to the petition, officials of the NIS insisted that she must expose her ears before biometric capture could proceed.

 

Despite her clear explanation that her hijab is a religious obligation and not a fashion choice. She was reportedly informed that this requirement was a “new policy” allegedly issued under the authority of the current Honourable Minister of Interior. 

 

The Muslim woman's story is already in the news (https://newsconnectonline.com/businesswoman-calls-out-nigeria-immigration-service-over-discrimination-in-biometric-capturing/) 

 

*MURIC finds this development deeply disturbing, discriminatory, and constitutionally questionable.*

 

This policy infringes on Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The section guarantees freedom of religion, including the right to manifest such religion in practice and observance. Section 42 further prohibits discrimination based on religion in access to public services.

 

A policy that compels Muslim women to alter their religious appearance as a precondition for accessing passport services amounts to institutional discrimination and religious intolerance, particularly where no compelling security justification has been publicly demonstrated.

 

*MURIC notes with serious concern that, 

Nigerian passport data capturing historically accommodated Muslim women wearing hijab.

 

The petitioner herself had previously completed biometric capturing without such a demand, including in the United States, permitting passport photographs with religious head coverings without showing the ears.

This sudden and unexplained shift demanding the pull back of hijab to expose the ears of Muslim women represents a dangerous regression in Nigeria’s pluralistic and multi-faith administrative tradition.

 

Aside from the constitutional breach, forcing Muslim women to expose their ears creates identity distortion. The petitioner reports possible harassment and questioning wherever she presents such a, distorted document, banks, agencies, international borders, etc because her passport photograph does not reflect her normal religious appearance. This exposes Nigerian citizens to embarrassment and profiling at home and abroad, entirely avoidable with inclusive policies.

 

MURIC is constrained to observe that the policy was attributed to the office of the current Minister of the Interior. While MURIC does not assert motive, it is legitimate and unavoidable for concerned Muslim citizens to question whether a policy that disproportionately burdens Muslim women would have emerged under previous administrations.

 

Is this policy the product of insufficient religious sensitivity, or a failure to appreciate Nigeria’s constitutional diversity?

 

If the policy truly emanates from the Minister’s office, then the Honourable Minister owes Nigerians, especially Muslim women, a clear legal explanation. Policies affecting fundamental rights cannot be imposed by administrative fiat, nor can they be insulated from constitutional scrutiny.

 

MURIC hereby calls for the following immediate actions:

 

1. Public clarification from the Ministry of Interior and the NIS on the legal basis of this so-called “new policy”;

2. immediate suspension of any biometric requirement compelling Muslim women to expose parts of their bodies contrary to their religious obligations;

3. Adoption of a faith-sensitive biometric framework consistent with constitutional guarantees and international best practices and

3. Training and re-orientation of NIS officers on religious rights, professionalism, and respectful engagement with citizens.

 

Nigeria is a multi religious state. It is neither secular nor anti-religious. Any policy, therefore, that forces citizens to choose between their faith and access to public services has no place in a constitutional democracy. 

 

MURIC will not hesitate to pursue all lawful avenues, including engagement with oversight bodies and strategic litigation, should this discriminatory practice persist.

 

 

Signed:

Barrister Taofeeq Jaji, 

Chairman, 

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

Kwara State Chapter, Nigeria.

 

FROM YORUBALAND TO EBIRALAND: MASQUERADES ARE BECOMING A NUISANCE — MURIC

 

MUSLIM RIGHTS CONCERN (MURIC)

‎هيئة حقوق المسلمين

‎Motto: Dialogue, Not Violence

‎18th December, 2025

‎‎PRESS RELEASE:

FROM YORUBALAND TO EBIRALAND: MASQUERADES ARE BECOMING A NUISANCE — MURIC

— Urges authorities to curb the excesses of the traditionalists

An Islamic human rights organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has once again condemned the recurrent violence  occasioned by the activities of Masquerades. The call became necessary as an Obangede masquerade, in Kogi Central, was reported to have physically harrassed, assaulted and humiliated a Muslim sister for wearing a Niqab (full Islamic body cover for women).

The condemnation was contained in a statement released on Thursday, 18th December, 2025, by the Kano State Chapter Chairman of the rights advocacy group, Malam Hassan Sani Indabawa.

The statement further added:

"Our Kano State office recently received a complaint of an assault, physical harassment and humiliation of a Muslim sister by a Masquerade while conducting her lawful activities, for wearing a Niqab. This incident occurred on the afternoon of November 25th, 2025, at Obangede, Kogi Central, Kogi State. We view this as an extension of notorious rights abuses by the traditionalists.

"MURIC, it would be recalled, has been consistent in its public condemnation of masquerades who assault Muslims, invade mosques, and violate religious rights in Southwest Nigeria and now it has happened in Kogi State in Northcentral.

*"The tradionalists are known to be highly intolerant, combative and violent while hiding behind a cultural tradition. Recent reports, for instance, have highlighted specific clashes that have drawn strong condemnation from MURIC and other well meaning Nigerians.*

"Tragic incidents involving masquerades in the Ebiraland region of Kogi State are a recurring issue, often stemming from violent clashes between youth groups, community unrest, and disregard for local regulations.

"In January 2025, a violent clash occurred between youths from the Obangede and Okaito-Usungwe communities in the Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State during a Masquerade festival. The incident resulted in the death of a lady and several injuries.

*"On November 25th, 2025, an innocent student, Bello Ize Halimat, was physically assaulted, verbally abused and spiritually traumatised by a Masquerade just for dressing as a Muslim.*

"We at MURIC view this primitive act as utterly disgusting, morally rephensible, socially inchoate and profoundly unjustifiable. The condemnable acts of the traditionalists are becoming more alarming and worrying.

"Masquerades are notoriously known for wilful disregard for the rule of law. Incidents have occurred where masquerades and their supporters flouted explicit directives and laws restricting their activities, leading to confrontations with security operatives and community leaders. In one case, a masquerade's costume was publicly burned by community leaders in Eika Adagu-Okehi LGA to enforce a 'no masquerade' law. The incident occurred in late August, 2024.

"Due to the persistent issues of violence, extortion, and public disturbance, there are ongoing calls from residents, local leaders, and rights groups for stricter regulations or the complete prohibition of masquerading in Ebiraland, and other parts of Nigeria to restore peace and order.

"We therefore demand a thorough investigation from the Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Police on the recent incident involving Miss Bello Ize Halimat and to consequently prosecute the culprits and their custodians.

"We equally call on the Kogi State government to confine activities of the Masquerades to compel masquerades and their followers to ensure peaceful conduct and social decorum. to ensure." 

Hassan Sani Indabawa,

Chairman,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC),

Kano State Chapter.

 

FAROUK'S RESIGNATION: DANGOTE IS VINDICATED – MURIC

 

MUSLIM RIGHTS CONCERN (MURIC)

‎هيئة حقوق المسلمين

‎Motto: Dialogue, Not Violence

‎17^th December, 2025

‎‎PRESS RELEASE:

FAROUK'S RESIGNATION: DANGOTE IS VINDICATED – MURIC

‎The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has described the resignation of Mr. Farouk Ahmed as vindication for Alhaji Aliko Dangote who recently accused him of sharp practices. 

‎‎In a statement issued by its Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola on Wednesday evening, 17^th December, 2025, MURIC criticised the alleged issuance of fresh licences by Farouk Ahmed for the importation of fuel when Dangote Refinery has more than enough for the country's consumption.

The statement reads:

‎‎Mr. Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), resigned today alongside his counterpart, Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, the CEO of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). https://punchng.com/breaking-nmdpra-nuprc-chiefs-resign-as-tinubu-names-new-oil-regulators/.

‎‎It will be recalled that the President of Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, at a press conference held on Monday, 15^th December, 2025, alleged that Farouk Ahmed was involved in corruption and economic sabotage (https://businessday-ng.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/businessday.ng/news/article/dangote-accuses-nmdpra-of-economic-sabotage/).

‎‎"It is only logical to affirm that Dangote is now vindicated. How can anyone explain a situation whereby Nigeria continues to import fuel after attaining self-sufficiency in fuel supply? The continued issuance of licenses for fuel importation into a country that already has more than enough beats logic.

‎‎"Nigeria's total daily fuel consumption is between 48 and 50 million litres as at 2024 and 2025. Meanwhile the output from Dangote Refinery recently rose from 650,000 barrels to 1.4 million barrels per day. 

"As we speak Dangote Refinery is already exporting its products to Europe, the United States, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, etc (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/08/dangote-refinery-usa-spain-france-south-korea-singapore-others-make-top-10-importers/).

‎‎"African countries like Ghana, Angola, South Africa, Cameroon, Namibia, Niger Republic, Chad, and the Central African Republic are also importing Dangote's fuel

‎(https://businessday.ng/business-economy/article/these-4-african-countries-buy-petrol-from-dangote-refineries/).

 

‎‎"It therefore amounts to taking coal to Newcastle for a government agency to continue importing fuel into Nigeria. This is where Dangote's allegation of economic sabotage gains weight and deserves attention."

‎‎‎‎#FaroukResigns

‎#DangoteVindicated

 

‎Professor Ishaq Akintola,

‎Founder/Executive Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC). 

 

EMULATE DANGOTE: MURIC TELLS WEALTHY NIGERIANS

 

MUSLIM RIGHTS CONCERN (MURIC)

‎هيئة حقوق المسلمين

‎Motto: Dialogue, Not Violence

‎17^th December, 2025

‎‎PRESS RELEASE:

EMULATE DANGOTE: MURIC TELLS WEALTHY NIGERIANS

‎Sequel to the announcement of N1 trillion worth of a scholarship programme which will benefit 1.2 million youths by Dangote Foundation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on other wealthy Nigerians to emulate Alhaji Aliko Dangote, particularly his compassion for the poor and his generousity.

‎‎The appeal was contained in a press release circulated to the media on Wednesday, 17th December, 2025 by the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

‎‎The press release reads:

‎‎"Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman, Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) and President of Dangote Group, yesterday announced a N1 trillion scholarship programme. The scheme will benefit 1.3 million Nigerian students (https://www.thisdaylive.com/2025/12/12/dangote-launches-n1trn-scholarship-scheme-for-1-3m-nigerian-students/).

‎‎"The gargantuan project will use a merit-based, fully digital system for selection and disbursement. Indubitable credibility has been added to the project by the fact that it will not be handled by Dangote Foundation alone. It was revealed that it would be implemented in partnership with NELFUND, JAMB, NIMC, NUC, NBTE, WAEC, and NECO.

‎‎"This is amazing. We are overwhelmed with a huge sense of gratitude. It is an unprecedented, record-breaking and monumental exercise in charitable deeds that challenges the Guinness World Records. This scheme has proved beyond any doubt that Alhaji Aliko Dangote has the milk and blood of humanity as well as the unmistakable Adamic chromosome flowing in his veins.

‎‎"Nay, the offer has convincingly proved that Dangote is a numero uno patriot, a friend of the masses primus inter pareil and a champion of charity cum education nulli secundus. With this performance, we have no iota of doubt that chroniclers will engrave Dangote's name in letters of gold on Zuma Rock.

‎‎"By making the scheme touch 1.3 million students in all the 774 local government areas of Nigeria, Dangote has earned a valid certificate of the most detribalised Nigerian ever known in the history of this country.  This scheme is breath-taking, massive. 

‎‎"We celebrate Alhaji Aliko Dangote. Based on the popular axiom, 'To whom much is given, much is expected', we remind Nigerians that Dangote deserves the love and admiration of Nigerians. These should be extended beyond him to his family, businesses and interests. Most importantly, those who are in the habit of hating the rich should realise by now that not every wealthy person is an enemy of the poor. Aliko Dangote is an exception. 

‎‎"MURIC charges Nigerians to key into Dangote's vision. This vision is encapsulated in Dangote's words to Nigerian youths. He said, 'Your dreams matter. Your education matters. Your future matters. We believe in you. We are investing in you. And we are committed to ensuring that you do not walk this journey alone.'

‎‎"To affirm his commitment to the promotion of the ambitions of young people, he also said, 'No young person should have their future cut short because of financial hardship. We are stepping forward to ensure students stay in school and pursue their ambitions. This initiative is more than financial aid. It is an investment in human capital'. These are words on the marble. They are inspiring.

‎‎"The Dangote scholarship scheme should be emulated by other wealthy Nigerians, particularly his compassion for the poor and his generousity. Besides, through this scheme, our youth must see hope, not desperation. They must see beauty in Nigeria, not 'jagajaga'. They must see unity, not 'scatter scatter'."

‎‎‎#DangoteScholarship

‎#EmulateDangote

 

‎Professor Ishaq Akintola,

‎Founder/Executive Director,

‎Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC). 

 

 

‎ MURIC LAUDS EMERGENCE OF MUSLIM CANDIDATES IN OSUN APC, ADC

 

MUSLIM RIGHTS CONCERN (MURIC)

‎هيئة حقوق المسلمين

‎Motto: Dialogue, Not Violence

‎16^th December, 2025

‎‎PRESS RELEASE:

‎ MURIC LAUDS EMERGENCE OF MUSLIM CANDIDATES IN OSUN APC, ADC

‎The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has applauded both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of OSUN State for producing Muslim candidates for the 2026 gubernatorial election. The group called on other states in the South West like Lagos, Ogun and Oyo to take a cue from their counterparts in Osun.

‎‎This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday, 16th December, 2025 by the Executive Director of the human rights organization, Professor Ishaq Akintola. 

‎The statement reads:

‎‎"Both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of Osun State produced Muslim candidates for the 2026 gubernatorial election after their primaries held two days ago.

‎"MURIC applauds the leadership of the two political parties in Osun State for recognizing the need to give Muslims leadership role in governance in view of the majority status enjoyed by Muslims in the state's demographic pattern. 

‎‎"While we congratulate both candidates for their successful emergence at the primaries, we remind leaders of political parties in other states of the South West, particularly in states like Lagos, Ogun and Oyo whose election primaries are expected to come up in 2026 to take a cue from their counterparts in Osun if they wish to enjoy the full patronage of Muslims in their states. 

‎‎"We strongly deplore the poverty of attention, total neglect and unprecedented marginalization being experienced by Yoruba Muslims in the current political dispensation at both federal and state levels. In particular, we are demanding the right to have Muslim gubernatorial candidates in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo while Ondo and Ekiti states should give us deputy governorship candidates, at least.

‎‎"It is noteworthy that whereas Christians have always been accommodated in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Osun either as governors or deputies, Ondo and Ekiti states have neither shown elasticity nor liberalism since independence.

“It was only once that a Muslim became deputy governor there and it was Alhaji Adebayo Musa Ayeni who served as deputy governor of the old Ondo State (which included present-day Ekiti) from 1990 to 1992 when Nigeria was still under military rule. 

‎‎"We aver that Yoruba Muslims will not force themselves on any party or candidate. Rather, we will embrace only those who stretch out their hands towards us. We frown at the monopoly and concentration of power as well as its appurtenances in the hands of Christians in Yorubaland since 2023 as all the six states in the region now have Christian governors. 

‎‎"This scenario smirks of insensitivity, excessive greed and articulated selfishness on the part of our neighbours. It must change in 2027. 

‎Tolerance, forgiveness, love and tenderness have no place in an environment where one priviledged group takes all, leaving nothing for the other. This is why we see all references to religious tolerance, interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence in the South West as sheer rhetoric, mere talk shops and undisguised hocus-pocus.

‎‎"We assert that Yoruba Muslims are fellow countrymen, not slaves or second-class citizens in Yorubaland. The resources of the region are our common patrimony. The wealth and political power of the South West should not be made an exclusive preserve of Yoruba Christians alone to the exclusion of their Muslim neighbours. We demand equal rights, equity and justice."

‎‎#SouthWestCandidates

‎#GiveUsMuslimCandidates

 

‎Professor Ishaq Akintola,

‎Founder/Executive Director,

‎Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).