MURIC CONDEMNS INSECURITY ON ROADS TO ABUJA

9^th April, 2019

PRESS RELEASE:

MURIC CONDEMNS INSECURITY ON ROADS TO ABUJA  

Latest reports in the media indicate that insecurity on roads leading to Abuja has worsened in the last three months. Travelers are attacked at will by armed robbers and kidnappers while the families of victims pay humongous sums of money as ransom.         

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned this ugly development. The human rights organization called on the authorities to rise to the occasion. This was contained in a statement signed by the Founder and Director of the group, Professor Ishaq Akintola. MURIC also frowned at what it described as ‘selected vigilance’, a situation in which the police concentrate on protecting only the rich and powerful while the masses are made to cater for themselves.

“Nigerians will remember that there was massive deployment of police personnel on Abuja-Kaduna road about two years ago, when Abuja Airport was receiving a facelift and senators and lawmakers had to travel by road from Kaduna to Abuja because aircrafts could not land at the Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

“Police patrol vehicles were stationed at every one kilometer from Kaduna airport onto the city of Abuja. There was no single robbery or kidnapping incident on that road as a result of this palpable presence of security agents. The interesting thing to note is that the road had been notorious before lawmakers and other important government officials were forced to ply it. But the government saw the need for vigilance on that road only when its key officials and lawmakers started using it.

“Yet the sad aspect is the fact that the massive police buildup on that axis melted like ice cream in hot sun the moment Abuja airport started functioning again and those bourgeoisie politicians stopped using Abuja-Kaduna road. Worse still, those armed robbers and kidnappers resumed their deadly operations immediately the police withdrew from the road.

“MURIC complained at the time. That was in April 2017. In our press statement dated 11^th April 2017, we lamented that the ad hoc security arrangement was mere window dressing and we prognosticated that it might not last for long (http://theeagleonline.com.ng/abuja-kaduna-expressway-security-arrangement-only-for-the-rich-and-powerful-muric/).  

“MURIC appreciates the challenges facing the Nigerian Police and other security agencies. Whereas the United Nations recommends at least one policeman for every 448 citizens, Nigeria is yet to meet up with this global best practice.

“We had just 310,177 policemen around 2008.  Ex-president Jonathan failed to recruit a single policeman throughout his six years in office in spite of worsening security situation around the country. But President Buhari has recruited about 20,000 during his first tenure. So we may have a total figure of 330,177 policemen as at today. But with a population of 200 million people, this still falls short of global best practices.

“The way forward, therefore, is to recruit more policemen. The usual practice of attaching several policemen to public officers may also have to be discontinued. The Nigerian Police needs sophisticated weapons, state of the art communication gadgets, large number of patrol vehicles and welfare facilities to enhance its performance. We must not focus on increasing the number of policemen alone. Meanwhile the limited police population should be judiciously deployed particularly to those dangerous roads.

“In summary, MURIC calls on the Inspector General of Police to step up security measures on Abuja-Kaduna road in particular, as well as other porous roads around the country. Nigerians do not need a police regiment which protects only the rich and influential. What we need is a people’s police force that will secure the lives and properties of both the weak and the powerful”.  

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

ONNOGHENGATE: MURIC HAILS NJC

5^th April, 2019

PRESS RELEASE:

ONNOGEHNGATE: MURIC HAILS NJC    

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has hailed the Nigerian Judicial Council (NJC) over its latest recommendation to President Muhammadu Buhari on the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen.    

It will be recalled that the NJC yesterday recommended that the suspended CJN be compulsorily retired while the Acting CJN was absolved of all allegations by the council.

MURIC said the recommendations met the expectations of a large majority of Nigerians.

“We hail NJC for this decision. It is a most welcome recommendation. NJC has openly displayed its readiness to uphold the golden principle of equality before the law. By this decision, the highest legal body in the land has saved the judiciary from a monumental conundrum.

“The poor man in the street can now expect justice. This recommendation sends a signal to the Nigerian judicial community on the need to sit up. It is not going to be business as usual from now on. NJC has removed the myth of the sacred cow in the Nigerian judiciary.

“In the same vein, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) must now see the need to be painstakingly meticulous and to desist from rushing to judgement concerning the nature of homo sapien and his inherent weaknesses. NJC’s findings also constitute a wakeup call for the legal body to re-orientate its membership on the need to always uphold the ethics of the legal profession.   

“We doff our hats for the NJC over this decision. The council deserves accolades particularly for the maturity exhibited in withholding all information until its recommendations reach the president. We urge President Muhammadu Buhari to bend the steel while the iron is hot by immediately embarking on the long overdue judicial reform programme.

“Nonetheless, we object to NJC’s alleged recommendation which may allow the suspended CJN to sit in Council of State meetings with his predecessors and partake in decisions of crucial national importance. Onnoghen does not deserve any a la noblesse oblige treatment any longer. It can set a bad precedent and still encourage extra-judicial excesses among his peers.

“As we draw the curtain, we laud NJC for its forthright recommendations. We charge the NBA to look inwards with a view to revisiting some of its perceptions of the polity. We urge President Buhari to institute judicial reform without delay. We appeal to Nigerians to continue to have faith in the country’s judicial machinery”.

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

WAEC/JAMB CLASHES: MURIC CALLS FOR REVIEW

4^th April, 2019

PRESS RELEASE:

WAEC/JAMB CLASHES: MURIC CALLS FOR REVIEW  

Candidates preparing to take the examinations of the country’s twin examination giants, namely, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the Joint Admissions Matriculations Board (JAMB) have complained bitterly about clashes noticed in the recently released timetables of the two examination bodies.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) made this known in a press release signed by its Founder and Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola on Thursday, 4^th April, 2019.

Akintola said, “We call on both WAEC and JAMB to quickly synergise. Some WAEC subjects will be taken on a day that a crucial JAMB paper will also be examined. For instance, WAEC students who are expected to write Animal Husbandry next week by 9 am on Thursday, 11^th April, 2019 are also being expected to sit for their JAMB paper on the same day and at the same time. This is impossible unless the candidates are miracle workers.

“The future of our young ones is very important to us regardless of their religious background. Any candidate who misses a JAMB paper will have to wait for a whole year before having another opportunity. With what is happening in the society nowadays, it is not advisable to allow these youths to remain idle for twelve good months. An idle hand is the devil’s workshop.

“We are certain that all these occurred inadvertently. Both JAMB and WAEC are reliable examination bodies and we do not doubt them. JAMB in particular has witnessed unparalleled reengineering under its quintessential and indefatigable registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede. Our appeal is that both examination bodies should go back to the drawing board and work it out together in the interest of these young and innocent candidates and their parents. There is no time to lose”.

“Finally, MURIC commends the transparency and professionalism of the two examination bodies. We salute their staff for the sacrifices made annually. Our plea is for a review of the imminent clash in the crucial examinations before they are due next week”.   

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

FAYEMI’S LIST: A THREAT TO PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY

4^th April, 2019

PRESS RELEASE:

FAYEMI’S LIST: A THREAT TO PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY  

The governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, sent his list of commissioners to the State assembly on Tuesday, 2^nd April, 2019. The list contained fourteen (14) names. The governor also added another five (5) names for the nomination of the chairman and members of the Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission (EKSLGSC).   

Meanwhile the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has described the list as most disappointing. The Islamic human rights organization reacted in a press statement signed by its Founder and Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Thursday, 4^th April, 2019.

“This list is heavily lopsided. Fayemi is ill-advised. He has grossly shortchanged Muslims. How can he give us only one commissioner out of fourteen? What parameter did he use? This is most disappointing. Fayemi has blindfolded Muslims in Ekiti state. Muslims are not part of his government. Ekiti State executive is not truly representative. It is undemocratic. It is a sham. The disappointment is even more painful because Governor Fayemi had been touted as a very liberal Christian. But see what he has done to us.

“Even in Ondo state where the percentage of Muslims is lower, they were given four commissioners. That is what Governor Akeredolu did for Muslims in Ondo. He gave them four out of fourteen and that is why the Muslims are not making any noise there. Justice is the soul of peace.

“With Dr. Wahab Adegbenro in the Ministry of Health, Rashid Badmus in Natural Resources, Alhaji Imam Olurimisi in Culture and Tourism and Taofiq Abdul Salaam in Works, Ondo Muslims look at the Muslim commissioners and say, ‘We are well-represented’.

“But see what Fayemi has done to us. Only Alhaji Ayodele Jinadu is a Muslim out of his fourteen commissioners. We reject this in Allah’s Mighty Name. It could have been different if the Muslims had not said anything earlier but they did. They asked for proportionate representation but this is what Fayemi gave them: an empty pot of porridge. Ekiti Muslims do not deserve this humiliation. It is a betrayal in view of the undiluted support they gave Fayemi during the elections.  

“If this is a snub, there is always another day. If it is an act of impunity, we all know that power is transient and even the high and mighty will need the poor and weak somewhere along the line. We are used to powerless conscience subjugating conscienceless power. What we are not used to is powerless conscience getting away with it. We will remember this if Fayemi seeks higher office in future. Our message is not for Ekiti alone. Nor is it for the South West. Only the deep can call to the deep. It is a wakeup call to Muslims to restrategize and they will do just that.

“Alhaja Maryam Ogunlade is the only Muslim member on the list of EKSLGSC. Alhaja Ogunlade was once the Ameerah (chairperson) of the Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) in Ekiti State. She deserves the position.

“But while we may not object to the EKSLGSC list, we keenly await the list of members and chairmen of other boards and agencies. We are interested in knowing how many of them will be chaired by Muslims. There should be no pretensions about it. Muslims have been marginalized in the appointments made so far by Fayemi. They therefore deserve lofty positions in remaining appointments.  

“Fayemi is a Christian, he picked a Christian as deputy governor, a Christian as Chief of Staff, a Christian as Secretary to the State Government, 13 Christians out of 14 commisioners have now been nominated. The body language is very clear. Muslims do not matter to him. Fayemi has wittingly excommunicated participatory democracy from Ekiti State.

“MURIC charges Muslims in Ekiti State to tighten their seat belts. The struggle ahead is not only political but intellectual. They must go into politics in large number and with diversification. Enough is enough. Their continuous marginalization already speaks volumes.

“On a last note, we express the deep disappointment felt by Muslims, not only in Ekiti State but also in the South West and in Nigeria as a whole over Fayemi’s lopsided list. A thick air of betrayal has enveloped Islamdom. We urge Muslims in the state to restrategize. As for Governor Fayemi, we caution him against marring his hitherto good records in Christian-Muslim relations. His latest lopsided list is a potent threat to participatory democracy. He may still have a slim chance to redress the injustice”.      

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

DEMAND FOR CHRISTIANS AS LEADERS IN NASS: CAN LAYING BAD PRECEDENT

2^nd April, 2019

PRESS RELEASE:

DEMAND FOR CHRISTIANS AS LEADERS IN NASS:

CAN LAYING BAD PRECEDENT

The president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev (Dr.) Samson Ayokunle has written the National Assembly (NASS) demanding the position of senate president or speaker of the House of Representatives. The request was contained in a letter signed on the CAN president’s behalf by his special assistant, Pastor Adebayo Oladeji.

However, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused CAN of setting a bad precedent. The human rights organization stated this in a press statement signed by its Founder and Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola on Tuesday, 2^nd April, 2019.

According to MURIC, “CAN is setting a very bad precedent. CAN is simply manifesting symptoms of acrobatic religiousity. Nigeria will not move forward until merit becomes the determining perimeter. Sensitive positions in the NASS should be given to those who deserve it based on experience, competence, antecedence and loyalty to the party.

“These are not posts of commissioners or chairmen of government agencies. The posts of senate president and speaker of the House are too important to be determined on the pulpit or mimbar. We should not be looking at religion here. Our focus and interest should be Nigeria.

“Why is CAN agitating now? Where was CAN when Christians took all the principal offices in the NASS not too long ago? Where was CAN when David Mark was senate president, Patricia Ette was speaker of the House and Aloysius Katsina Alu was the Chief Justice of Nigeria parri pasu? Was it so long ago such that we could become overwhelmed by collective amnesia?

“No, sir. We have not forgotten even if CAN decides to twist the facts of history. Neither was it too long ago. It all happened during the tenure of ex-president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. So what are we saying? That precedent alone is enough to debunk CAN’s latest demand.

“If there was a time all those offices were occupied by Christians, then CAN has no moral basis to complain today if Muslims should emerge as the new occupants. The only ground on which CAN can complain now is if the Muslims complained at that time. So we should ask CAN to tell us and to provide evidence that the Muslims complained.

“We call on the All Progressive Congress (APC) to ignore CAN’s latest demand. It is an unworthy distraction. It is unworthy because it was the same CAN that campaigned vigorously in the churches against the emergence of the APC as winner in the 2019 general elections. Therefore, CAN does not deserve APC’s attention.

“This is the moment of truth and we must not shy away from the truth no matter how bitter. The Bible says, ‘You will know the truth and the truth will set you free’ (John 8:32). Who told Nigerians not to vote for a Muslim as president? Who told us not to vote for a Fulani man? CAN should answer those questions. CAN drove itself into a political conundrum by starting an anti-Muslim and anti-Fulani campaign in the churches. It should have known that it shot itself in the foot when the leading opposition candidate turned out to be a Muslim and a Fulani as well.

“We were told that Buhari had Islamised Nigeria. There is no need denying because there is no Nigerian using android phone who does not have the video clips where those vexatious hate speeches were spilled out right inside churches. So why is CAN now interested in having its members in high positions in an ‘Islamic government’ under a Fulani man if indeed APC government is an ‘Islamic government’? Many of the new APC governors-elect are Christians yet CAN calls APC an Islamic party.

“The bulk of the votes that gave President Muhammadu Buhari his second tenure came from the North and Muslims. Figures do not lie. How can CAN start an agitation for parity so soon? Is it because nobody demanded an apology for the campaign of calumny and hate speeches? Is it fair to reap where you did not sow?

“Or to put it more clearly, is it fair to demand equal share from the same APC whom you sought to destroy? What will be left for those who were loyal to them if you get what you want? Can CAN eat its cake and still have it? No, CAN cannot. CAN did not vote for APC. The North, majority of Nigerian Muslims and a few Christians who refused to listen to CAN did. These were the people who stood with integrity when the chips were down. These were the people who weathered the storm.

“It was the deep-seated resentment which CAN leaders have for this government that led to the delay in congratulating Buhari after the latter won the 2019 presidential election clearly and convincingly. They later claimed that they were under pressure to congratulate him. Come to think of it! Can CAN tell Nigerians who put it under pressure to congratulate Mr. President? CAN hid behind the alibi that there is a case in court. Is that not ludicrous? CAN should reveal the names of those who pressurized it to congratulate Buhari.

“The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), several professional groups in the country, Nigerian traditional rulers, National Association of Nigerian Students, the United Kingdom, United States, European Union, African leaders, etc have all congratulated the winner. Is CAN telling us that all these groups are unaware that there is a court case? Has CAN been charged for contempt of court since its belated congratulatory visit to Aso Rock a few days ago?

“Our consolation is that not all Christians share the same thinking with CAN leaders. There are many objective Christians who wish Nigeria well. We therefore appeal to CAN leaders to join hands with those objective Christians and Muslim leaders in the quest for peaceful coexistence and better living conditions for the Nigerian people.

“Our strong suspicion is that attempts at installing Christians in political posts are more often than not driven by the hope of returns, particularly in form of fatter tithes. It is hardly ever driven by the quest for raising the standard of living of the ordinary Nigerian and good governance.  

    

“For the purpose of clarity, MURIC is not interested in whether a Muslim or a Christian is senate president or speaker of the House. What we care about is good governance. We came out openly to support President Muhammadu Buhari in the last election not because we care for his political party or because he is a Muslim, but because he is the personification of integrity, discipline and honesty. We have also seen good governance under him. Any candidate who is an embodiment of these qualities will be supported by us in future no matter his creed or ethnicity. All we care for is Nigeria.

“To conclude this advocacy, we urge APC to ignore CAN’s demand for Christians as leaders of the NASS. We urge CAN leaders to think first of Nigeria, to eschew half-truth, hate speech, arm-twisting, blackmail, intrigue and subterfuge. We can all live in peace in this country. All we need is to be prepared to drop the desire to dominate and to take all. We must love and share. We must be prepared to give and take, to live and let live”.

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

MURIC MOURNS ALHAJI H.A.B. FASHINRO

1^st April, 2019

PRESS RELEASE:

MURIC MOURNS ALHAJI H.A.B. FASHINRO

The death has been announced in Lagos of Senator Hassan Fashinro. Pa Fashinro passed away on Sunday evening of 31^st March, 2019.

The nonagarian who was a distinguished senator in the First Republic, the first clerk of Lagos City Council and one of the great founding fathers of Lagos.

Meanwhile the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has described Alhaji Hassan Fashinro as a devoted Muslim who dedicated the greater part of his life to the service of Islam and humanity in general. Pa Fashinro was for a long time the chairman of Lagos Muslim Community.

MURIC disclosed this in a press statement issued on Monday 1^st April, 2019 and signed by its Founder and Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

According to the statement, “Alhaji Fashinro was a great icon of Islam, a humanist, a strategist and an exemplary leader. He loved Muslim youths and encouraged them. Generous to a fault, truthful and transparent, Alhaji Hassan Fashinro had foresight, Solomonic wisdom and the heart of a lion. The Muslim community of Lagos State and beyond will miss him.

“Our hearts are heavy with grief as we remember our great moments with him. But we console ourselves with the reality of the ephemeral nature of this world. For the great Prophet Muhammad son of Abdullahi (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) would have been alive today if death had been a joke. But alas Muhammad (PBUH) is gone and so must every mortal, including Alhaji Pa Senator Hassan Adisa Babatunde Fashinro.

“We pray that Almighty Allah forgives him and reposes his tender soul in Al-Jannah Firdaus. We also pray that Allah gives members of his family the fortitude to bear the loss.   

“Finally, MURIC counsels politicians of today to take public office as a challenge and a liability for which they will render account in Al-Akhirah (Hereafter) because life in this world is temporary and all worldly properties will be left behind. Only life in Al-Akhirah is permanent. Politicians are therefore advised to concentrate more on service to humanity and to desist from accumulating wealth”.   

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

MURIC COMMENDS LASG ON RESETTLEMENT OF VICTIMS OF COLLAPSED BUILDING

1^st April, 2019

PRESS RELEASE:

MURIC COMMENDS LASG

ON RESETTLEMENT OF VICTIMS OF COLLAPSED BUILDING

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has commended the government of Lagos State for resettling victims of the building which collapsed at Ita Faaji, Lagos Island about two weeks ago.

It will be recalled that about twenty people died when the building collapsed on Wednesday, 13th March, 2019, including children. It was reported last week that the victims of the collapsed building as well as residents of other buildings which were demolished by the state government have been resettled in a decent government facility situated at Igando, Lagos State.

MURIC, an Islamic human rights organization praised the state government for its quick intervention and for saving the victims from the trauma of homelessness.

"We are particularly impressed by the speed with which LASG responded to both the rescue and resettlement of the victims. It proves beyond any scintilla of doubt that there is a culture of delivery, probity and accountability in Lagos State and that both indigenes and non-indigenes have equal access to the dividends of democracy.

We therefore call on all citizens in the state to cooperate with the state government by being law-abiding, by paying their taxes and by performing all other civic responsibilities.

"As we round off, MURIC reminds members of civil society to be constructive in their criticisms of government's activities at both state and federal levels and to boldly and objectively commend government's good efforts and achievements. We must avoid becoming pathological cynics who never see anything good in government". 

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)