| 16th September, 2012 PRESS RELEASE: PARALYMPIC HEROES MUST BE CELEBRATED Nigeria's hopes were dashed by the poor performance of its Olympic team which came back home recently with no single medal. But light came at the end of the tunnel through the heroic performance of our physically challenged athletes. They came home with six gold medals and a lot more! The lesson in this must not be lost on Nigerians. It is a reminder that Nigerians must not lose hope in their country. We will survive as a nation. Our industries will come alive again. The education, health and all other sectors will bounce back with full force though with a proviso: we must revive that political will which brought our past heroes together to build a nation where no man is oppressed. The success of the Paralympic team amplifies the existence of great talents and skills in our young ones. Nigeria can still regain its lost glory if we can share the dream of this team that was determined to win in spite of challenges in its way. We can take Nigeria to the next level if we can resolve as a people to stop and shun corruption, materialism, tribalism and religious bigotry henceforth. In the meantime the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) strongly recommends that the Federal Government should reward the Paralympic heroes and heroines. We suggest, among other things, that the juicy portion of land in Abuja over which the former First Lady and the current one are at logger heads be given to the best female Paralympic athlete. Secondly, that the $15 million involved in the Ibori bribery rigmarole should be shared among the athletes without any delay. Thirdly, that all Paralympic athletes who won medals for Nigeria should be given national awards. This will go a long way to prove that the Jonathan administration is not there to spoil political challatans, boot-lickers and court-jesters in Aso Rock, but determined to reward those who toil truthfully for this country. Professor Is-haq Akintola, Lagos State University, P.O. Box 10211, LASU Post Office, HO 102 101, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria. Tel. 234-803-346-4974 234-818-211-9714 Website: www.ishaqakintola.com Blog: drishaqakintola.blogspot.com Twitter: ishaqakintola Facebook: facebook.com/ishaqakintola Twitter: ishaqakintola I remain oppressed the sick healed and the homeless sheltered |
This is the official blog of the Nigeria-based Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), a human rights organization which promotes, protects and projects the rights of Muslims. This group condemns terrorism and all acts of violence. Its motto is 'Dialogue, Not Violence'
Saturday, September 15, 2012
CELEBRATE PARALYMPIC HEROES
Monday, August 27, 2012
MURIC LAUDS FG-BOKO HARAM TALKS
PRESS RELEASE:
MURIC LAUDS FG BOKO HARAM DIALOGUE
The recent confirmation by the Federal Government that it is currently holding talks with the dreaded Boko Haram group is welcome news. The group, otherwise known as the Jamaat as-Sunnah Lil-Da'wah wal-Jihad has engaged in fierce guerilla warfare with government troops and the Nigerian Police for about two years. The most deadly attacks launched by the group include the bombing of the United Nations building in Abuja on August 26, 2011 and the Christmas day bombing of a church in Suleja.
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) welcomes the bold move by the Federal Government to engage the sect in talks. This is a step in the right direction as it is most likely to stop the carnage which has engulfed the nation for several months with no solution in sight.
We however note the government's hesitation and precautionary measure as it describes the talks as 'indirect'. We regard this as a small step forward for the administration. We urge the Federal Government to take the giant step forward for the country in its search for durable peace by boldly transforming the 'indirect' talks to direct bilateral talks capable of leading to a general amnesty, disarmament in the volatile region and an economic empowerment programme that will take the gullible and jobless Northern youths off the streets.
The Federal Government must learn from events in other countries. America is currently having problems in Afghanistan because it chose to engage the Taliban in indirect talks via Qatar instead of direct, frank and open discussions with the second party. It is our considered opinion that the Federal Government should take the bull by the horns by holding direct bilateral talks with Boko Haram.
This is possible because we have precedents. Britain dialogued directly with the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Italy held frank talks with the Red Brigade. Spain sat down in roundtable discussions with the Basque Separatist Movement. Britain, Italy and Spain are today reaping the fruits of their sincerity and respect for their erstwhile enemies.
It is also on record that this country once sat down in direct talks with the Niger Delta militants. We cannot afford to underestimate any foe. Nigeria needs a peaceful atmosphere to develop its economy. The Federal Government can stoop to conquer. The time for direct talks is now. We must make hay while the sun shines.
Professor Is-haq Akintola,
Director,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)
234-818-211-9714
234-803-346-4974
PRESS RELEASE: MURIC LAUDS FG-BOKO HARAM TALKS
28th August, 2012 PRESS RELEASE: MURIC LAUDS FG BOKO HARAM DIALOGUE The recent confirmation by the Federal Government that it is currently holding talks with the dreaded Boko Haram group is welcome news. The group, otherwise known as the Jamaat as-Sunnah Lil-Da'wah wal-Jihad has engaged in fierce guerilla warfare with government troops and the Nigerian Police for about two years. The most deadly attacks launched by the group include the bombing of the United Nations building in Abuja on August 26, 2011 and the Christmas day bombing of a church in Suleja. The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) welcomes the bold move by the Federal Government to engage the sect in talks. This is a step in the right direction as it is most likely to stop the carnage which has engulfed the nation for several months with no solution in sight. We however note the government's hesitation and precautionary measure as it describes the talks as 'indirect'. We regard this as a small step forward for the administration. We urge the Federal Government to take the giant step forward for the country in its search for durable peace by boldly transforming the 'indirect' talks to direct bilateral talks capable of leading to a general amnesty, disarmament in the volatile region and an economic empowerment programme that will take the gullible and jobless Northern youths off the streets. The Federal Government must learn from events in other countries. America is currently having problems in Afghanistan because it chose to engage the Taliban in indirect talks via Qatar instead of direct, frank and open discussions with the second party. It is our considered opinion that the Federal Government should take the bull by the horns by holding direct bilateral talks with Boko Haram. This is possible because we have precedents. Britain dialogued directly with the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Italy held frank talks with the Red Brigade. Spain sat down in roundtable discussions with the Basque Separatist Movement. Britain, Italy and Spain are today reaping the fruits of their sincerity and respect for their erstwhile enemies. It is also on record that this country once sat down in direct talks with the Niger Delta militants. We cannot afford to underestimate any foe. Nigeria needs a peaceful atmosphere to develop its economy. The Federal Government can stoop to conquer. The time for direct talks is now. We must make hay while the sun shines. Professor Is-haq Akintola, Director, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) 234-818-211-9714 234-803-346-4974 Professor Is-haq Akintola, Lagos State University, P.O. Box 10211, LASU Post Office, HO 102 101, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria. Tel. 234-803-346-4974 234-818-211-9714 Website: www.ishaqakintola.com Blog: drishaqakintola.blogspot.com Twitter: ishaqakintola Facebook: facebook.com/ishaqakintola Twitter: ishaqakintola I remain oppressed the sick healed and the homeless sheltered |
Saturday, August 18, 2012
ID AL-FITR MESSAGE
18th August, 2012 LEADERS MUST STOP SHARING THE PEOPLE'S WEALTH AMONG THEMSELVES The 2012 (1433 AH) Ramadan fasting exercise comes to an end today Saturday 18th August, 2012. Muslims worldwide will mark the end of the fasting season tomorrow with 'Id al-Fitr, supplications, exchange of visits and gifts as well as intellectual efforts like seminars and symposia. However, Nigerians must not allow merry-making during the festival to becloud the significance of fasting for such a long period. The essence of Ramadan lies in the readiness of millions of faithfuls to stint themselves of food, water and other worldly benefits while eschewing obscenities, frivolities and corruption. True believers had also avoided bitterness, conflicts and violence during the season. It was a season of selflessness, forgiveness and love. The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) urges Nigerian leaders to borrow a leaf from the lessons of Ramadan. In particular, altruism must be the watchword of all holders of public office. We are particularly disturbed by the report of a tussle over a juicy plot of land between the current and immediate past First Ladies which broke out during Ramadan. The land conflict between the First Ladies exposes the greed of our leaders. Nigerian rulers have the propensity to ignore the hunger of millions of unemployed youths, the wailing of thousands who sleep under the bridge and the lamentations of hundreds who wear rags. How could the so-called Messiahs look the other way as thousands of poor Nigerians lose their landed properties to heartless government demolition squads while the leaders' wives are busy sharing our land? Yet for every one ugly deal that is exposed, hundreds of such must have escaped public glare. It is this injustice to the poor that is at the root of the present insecurity in the land. Islam teaches socio-economic justice. Qur'an 33:67-68 threatens double punishment for leaders who cheat the citizenry. Islamic liberation theology affirms the right of the poor to have their appropriate shares in the wealth of the land. This is why Qur'an 17:26-27 commands that the jamaheer (masses) must be given their right. MURIC therefore charges rulers to be Allah-conscious. Leaders must not appropriate to themselves more than they morally deserve. Finally, we call on Muslims to spend the Id holidays in fervent prayers. We must pray for the return of peace to all troubled parts of the country. Let us pray that Allah endows our rulers with the wisdom to solve the challenges facing us as a nation. Let us pray for love, tolerance and better understanding between Christians, Muslims and adherents of African Religion. Professor Is-haq Akintola, Director, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) 234-818-211-9714 234-803-346-4974 Professor Is-haq Akintola, Lagos State University, P.O. Box 10211, LASU Post Office, HO 102 101, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria. Tel. 234-803-346-4974 234-818-211-9714 Website: www.ishaqakintola.com Blog: drishaqakintola.blogspot.com Twitter: ishaqakintola Facebook: facebook.com/ishaqakintola Twitter: ishaqakintola I remain oppressed the sick healed and the homeless sheltered |
Friday, August 17, 2012
SUPREME COUNCIL: LOOK OUT FOR THE CRESCENT
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH THE MOST BENEFICENT THE MOST MERCIFUL NIGERIAN SUPREME COUNCIL FOR ISLAMIC AFFAIRS (NSCIA), NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA NATIONAL MOSQUE OFFICE COMPLEX, ABUJA, FCT ¾ 08036231533 / 08079365658 28th Ramadan, 1433 (16th July, 2012) PRESS RELEASE TERMINATION OF THE RAMADAN FAST OF 1433 AH Prophet Muhammad (SAW) instructed the Muslims, saying: "Do not fast unless you see the Crescent (of the month of Ramadan) and do not give up fasting till you see the Crescent (of the month of Shawwal). But if the sky is overcast, count thirty (30) days of Sha'aban or of Ramadan as the case may be" (Narrated by Abdullahi Bin Umar) Therefore in accordance with this Prophetic Tradition, Friday August 17, being the 29th day of Ramadan 1433AH, Members of the National and State Moon-Sighting Committees as well as other Nigerian Muslims should look for the new Crescent of Shawwal month. If the moon is sighted on that day, the under-listed Leaders should be communicated immediately: HRH the Shehu of Borno Borno 08037855555, 08023549558 Dr. Abdullateef Adegbite Abeokuta 08034020350 HRH the Emir of Gwandu Kebbi 08036154369 HRH the Emir of Kano Kano 064-631114, 633769 HRH the Emir of Bauchi Bauchi 077-542801, 543036 HRH the Lamido of Adamawa Adamawa 075-634449, 634822 HRH the Olukare of Ikare Ondo 08058014860 HRM Timi of Ede Osun 08037740390 HRH the Emir of Katsina Katsina HRH the Emir of Zazzau Kaduna 069-332002 HRH the Etsu Nupe Niger 08039668707 HRH the Emir of Ilorin Kwara 031-2213218 HRH the Oba of Lagos Lagos 01-7767802 HRH the Oba of Agbede Edo 052-250153 HRH the Emir of Wase Plateau 08037042555 Chief Imam of Ibadan Ibadan 08062609601 Chief Imam of Osogbo Osun 08035740333 Chief Imam of Egba Abeokuta 08035028763 HRH the Emir of Kazaure Jigawa 08098121000, 08026806971 HRH the Emir of Suleija Suleija 08037006034 HRH the Emir of Anka Zamfara 063-36458 HRH the Emir of Damaturu Yobe 08088870415 HRH the Emir of Gombe Gombe HRH the Emir of Lafia Nasarawa 08036140098 HRH the Emir of Nasarawa Nasarawa 08065115151 Sheikh Haroun Ajah Ebonyi 08033397491, 08053152722 Sheikh Adam Abdullahi Idoko Enugu 08036759892 Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Bauchi 08033058201 Chief Imam of Owo Ondo 08063104919 Chief Imam of Ipokia Ogun 08033827971 Alhaji Dauda W. Onyegocha Owerri 08063828218 Alhaji Mukail Asoquo C/River 08037122258 NSCIA Secretariat Abuja 08036231533 / 0803540120 Dr. Khalid Abubakar (Sec-Gen., JNI) Kaduna 08034531742 Chairmen of States Moon-sighting Committees: v Alhaji Musa Otto Rivers 08037710930 v Sheikh Sheriff Sale Al-Hussein Borno 08022195159, 08033140822 v Alhaji Mikail Etim Asuquo Cross River 08037122258 v Alhaji Garba Baba Benue 08037862666, 07082234021 v Sheikh Ahmad Onilewura Osun 08052101331, 07062653336 v Alhaji Engr. Ibrahim Adike Anambra 08037840873, 048482086 v Alhaji Badamasi Dodo Kaura Zamfara 07066665225, 08024333774 v Alhaji Yusuf Chinedozi Nwoha Imo 08036306922 v Sheikh Haroun O. Ajah Ebonyi 08033397491, 08053152722 v Sheikh Adam Idoko Enugu 08036759892, 07083523590 v Sheikh Abdul-Aziz Yusuf Plateau 08035835562 v Dr. Kamildeen K. Oloso Oyo 08037168442, 08059229059 v Alhaji ibrahim Chima Abia 08032037478 v Mallam AbdulFattah Enabulele Edo 08058767058, 08034519626 v Ustaz Abusufyan Uche Bayelsa 08032516763 v HRH Emir of Damaturu Yobe 08088870415 v Kadi Ibrahim Babbawa Adamawa 08057160043 v Mallam Abdullahi Shuaib Lagos 08023037478 v Alhaji Tijanni Ughellivero Delta 08033547452 v Ustaz Musa Muhammad FCT 08033335254 v Prof. Aliyu M. Bunza Kebbi 08034316508 v Dr. Salihu S. Abubakar Kaduna 08037037898 v Hon. Kadi Salihu O. Muhammad Kwara 08035036591 v Musa Ibn Ibrahim Gombe 08054449928 v Mohammad Usman Taraba 08033159190 v Mohammed Gidado Jigawa 08036646410 v Yakubu Musa. H Katsina 08033217246, 08025502421 v Sheikh Mayaleeke A.R.F Ogun 08035050804 v Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Lemu Niger 08036005570 Where the authorities are satisfied that the new Moon has been sighted in accordance with the prescribed procedure, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, should be informed at once, for a formal announcement of the termination of the Ramadan Fast and the observance of Eid-el-Fitr Prayer the following day, that is Saturday August 18th, 2012. In the event of the moon not being sighted on Friday 17th August, 2012, the fasting would continue on Saturday while the Eid-el-Fitr Prayer shall be observed on Sunday 19th of August, 2012. Radio and Television Stations throughout the Federation are kindly requested to cooperate fully and broadcast any announcement made by His Eminence, the Sultan to the Muslims. Dr. Abdul Lateef Adegbite, CON Seriki and Baba Adinni of Egbaland Secretary-General, NSCIA Professor Is-haq Akintola, Lagos State University, P.O. Box 10211, LASU Post Office, HO 102 101, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria. Tel. 234-803-346-4974 234-818-211-9714 Website: www.ishaqakintola.com Blog: drishaqakintola.blogspot.com Twitter: ishaqakintola Facebook: facebook.com/ishaqakintola Twitter: ishaqakintola I remain oppressed the sick healed and the homeless sheltered |
Sunday, August 5, 2012
PRESS RELEASE:
GIVE LAGOS TRAFFIC LAWS A CHANCE
The Lagos State Governor recently signed the traffic bill into law. Highlights of the law include the ban on driving against traffic, using the phone, eating or smoking while driving. Penalties range from fines to imprisonment. A tornado of criticisms have since greeted the newly introduced laws.
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) calls the attention of Lagosians to the chaotic state of traffic in the state, particularly on Lagos Island and its suburbs like Ikeja, Agege, Ogba, Orile, Mile 2 and Okokomaiko. Those who experience it daily know that the experience is traumatic.
Its effect on the people's psyche and health is damaging both on the short and long runs. The man-hour loss digs a deep hole in the state's economy. Prospective investors are also known to have shunned Lagos for fear of its traffic bottle-neck. Heavy traffic also aids criminality as rogues are known to have attacked stranded motorists and commuters.
It is in the light of the above that MURIC lauds the vision behind the newly introduced laws. No responsible government will ignore the sufferings of its citizens or the lawlessness of a few unscrupulous elements in society. The hallmark of good governance lies in the timely response of those in power to the yearnings of law-abiding citizens.
The fear of possible abuse of the new laws has been expressed in certain quarters. Nonetheless, it is illogical that we will allow such fears to interfere with the law-making process. Such fears should not stop the authorities from making laws. There is a dogma that Nigerians in general (except a few) break the law at will. Patriotic and concerned citizens have suggested at one forum or another that we need a disciplinarian to straighten things out. We strongly believe that Lagos has found the solution. We must not kill the egg that lays the golden egg.
We charge all citizens to be conscious of their Allah-given and fundamental human rights. The few bad eggs among the law enforcement agencies must not be allowed to abuse the process or exploit innocent and law-abiding citizens. We call on Lagosians to expose overzealous officials by promptly reporting them to the authorities. MURIC wishes to warn those who are expected to implement the law to realize that Lagosians are more civilized this time around. Any attempt to be highhanded or to turn the laws into instruments of extortion will be resisted with every legitimate means at the people's disposal.
Finally, we appeal to Lagosians to cooperate with the authorities in sanitizing the traffic system in the state. We must not allow political shenanigans to exploit the situation. This is not about politics. It is about the people's welfare.
Professor Is-haq Akintola,
Director,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)
234-818-211-9714
234-803-346-4974
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
SUPREME COUNCIL PREPARES MUSLIMS FOR RAMADAN
| IN THE NAME OF ALLAH THE MOST BENEFICIENT THE MOST MERCIFUL NIGERIAN SUPREME COUNCIL FOR ISLAMIC AFFAIRS (NSCIA) NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA NATIONAL MOSQUE COMPLEX ABUJA, FCT ¾ 08036231533 / 08079365658 28th Sha'aban, 1433 18th July, 2012 PRESS RELEASE COMMENCEMENT OF THE RAMADAN FAST OF 1433 AH Prophet Muhammad (SAW) instructed the Muslims, saying: "Do not fast unless you see the Crescent (of the month of Ramadan) and do not give up fasting till you see the Crescent (of the month of Shawwal). But if the sky is overcast, count thirty (30) days of Sha'aban or of Ramadan as the case may be" (Narrated by Abdullahi Bin Umar) Therefore in accordance with this Prophetic Tradition, Thursday July 19, being the 29th day of Sha'aban 1433AH, Members of the National and State Moon-Sighting Committees as well as other Nigerian Muslims should look for the new Crescent of Ramadan month. If the moon is sighted on that day, the under-listed Leaders should be communicated immediately: His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto 08036470422 HRH the Shehu of Borno Borno 08037855555, 08023549558 Dr. Abdullateef Adegbite Abeokuta 08034020350 HRH the Emir of Gwandu Kebbi 08036154369 HRH the Emir of Kano Kano 064-631114, 633769 HRH the Emir of Bauchi Bauchi 077-542801, 543036 HRH the Lamido of Adamawa Adamawa 075-634449, 634822 HRH the Olukare of Ikare Ondo 08058014860 HRM Timi of Ede Osun 08037740390 HRH the Emir of Katsina Katsina HRH the Emir of Zazzau Kaduna 069-332002 HRH the Etsu Nupe Niger 08039668707 HRH the Emir of Ilorin Kwara 031-2213218 HRH the Oba of Lagos Lagos 01-7767802 HRH the Oba of Agbede Edo 052-250153 HRH the Emir of Wase Plateau 08037042555 Chief Imam of Ibadan Ibadan 08062609601 Chief Imam of Osogbo Osun 08035740333 Chief Imam of Egba Abeokuta 08035028763 HRH the Emir of Kazaure Jigawa 08098121000, 08026806971 HRH the Emir of Suleija Suleija 08037006034 HRH the Emir of Anka Zamfara 063-36458 HRH the Emir of Damaturu Yobe 08088870415 HRH the Emir of Gombe Gombe HRH the Emir of Lafia Nasarawa 08036140098 HRH the Emir of Nasarawa Nasarawa 08065115151 Sheikh Haroun Ajah Ebonyi 08033397491, 08053152722 Sheikh Adam Abdullahi Idoko Enugu 08036759892 Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Bauchi 08033058201 Chief Imam of Owo Ondo 08063104919 Chief Imam of Ipokia Ogun 08033827971 Alhaji Dauda W. Onyegocha Owerri 08063828218 Alhaji Mukail Asoquo C/River 08037122258 NSCIA Secretariat Abuja 08036231533 / 0803540120 Dr. Khalid Abubakar (Sec-Gen., JNI) Kaduna 08034531742 Chairmen of States Moon-sighting Committees: v Alhaji Musa Otto Rivers 08037710930 v Alh M.B.Ahmad (Imam) Bauchi 08036080799 v Sheikh Sheriff Sale Al-Hussein Borno 08022195159, 08033140822 v Alhaji Mikail Etim Asuquo Cross River 08037122258 v Alhaji Garba Baba Benue 08037862666, 07082234021 v Sheikh Ahmad Onilewura Osun 08052101331, 07062653336 v Alhaji Engr. Ibrahim Adike Anambra 08037840873, 048482086 v Alhaji Badamasi Dodo Kaura Zamfara 07066665225, 08024333774 v Alhaji Yusuf Chinedozi Nwoha Imo 08036306922 v Sheikh Haroun O. Ajah Ebonyi 08033397491, 08053152722 v Sheikh Adam Idoko Enugu 08036759892, 07083523590 v Sheikh Abdul-Aziz Yusuf Plateau 08035835562 v Dr. Kamaldeen K. Oloso Oyo 08037168442, 08059229059 v Alhaji ibrahim Chima Abia 08032037478 v Mallam AbdulFattah Enabulele Edo 08058767058, 08034519626 v Ustaz Abusufyan Uche Bayelsa 08032516763 v HRH Emir of Damaturu Yobe 08088870415 v Kadi Ibrahim Babbawa Adamawa 08057160043 v Mallam Abdullahi Shuaib Lagos 08023037478 v Alhaji Tijanni Ughellivero Delta 080335474052 v Ustaz Musa Muhammad FCT 08033335254 v Prof. Aliyu M. Bunza Kebbi 08034316508 v Dr. Salihu S. Abubakar Kaduna 08037037898 v Hon. Kadi Salihu O. Muhammad Kwara 08035036591 v Musa Ibn Ibrahim Gombe 08054449928 v Mohammad Usman Taraba 08033159190 v Mohammed Gidado Jigawa 08036646410 v Yakubu Musa. H Katsina 08033217246, 08025502421 v Sheikh Mayaleeke A.R.F Ogun 08035050804 v Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Lemu Niger 08036005570 Where the authorities are satisfied that the new Moon has been sighted in accordance with the prescribed procedure, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, should be informed at once, for a formal announcement of the commencement of the Fast. Wishing you all, a blessed Ramadan. Professor Is-haq Akintola, Lagos State University, P.O. Box 10211, LASU Post Office, HO 102 101, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria. Tel. 234-803-346-4974 234-818-211-9714 Website: www.ishaqakintola.com Blog: drishaqakintola.blogspot.com Twitter: ishaqakintola Facebook: facebook.com/ishaqakintola Twitter: ishaqakintola I remain oppressed the sick healed and the homeless sheltered |