FANI KAYODE : WE ARE VINDICATED – MURIC

 

19^th September, 2021

PRESS RELEASE:

FANI-KAYODE : WE ARE VINDICATED - MURIC   

 

Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, a chieftain of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and a bitter critic of President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB), recently switched his loyalty to the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and poured encomiums on the Nigerian president. Meanwhile an Islamic human rights organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has declared that the development vindicates its stand.

 

 

MURIC’s declaration came in a press statement issued on Sunday, 19^th September, 2021 by the group’s director and founder, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

 

 

The statement reads:

 

“Chief Femi Fani-Kayode (FFK), a chieftain of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and a bitter critic of President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB), recently decamped to the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and poured encomiums on PMB.

 

 

“Although a tornado of criticism has greeted FFK’s action, we will not join those who looked at the issue from one angle only. Rather we will reflect deep and far to enable us see the precious treasure hidden behind the hard stones. The rose is a very beautiful flower if you care to ignore its stem which is full of thorns.

 

 

“This is a man who has brazenly supported secessionists, irredentists and separatists. Nigeria drifted to the precipice of war and destruction as a result of the agitations of the groups supported by him. But today, FFK in his new camp is most likely to promote a united Nigeria. Perhaps he can persuade some of his former co-travellers to do a rethink. In short, Nigeria stands to gain more from FFK’s volte-face.

 

 

“In retrospect, we appreciate today what FFK’s father, Chief Remi Ade Fani Kayode did in the 70s and 80s. He jettisoned ethnic politics by extending a hand of fellowship to the North in order to demonstrate his desire for a strong and united Nigeria.

 

 

“His son, Chief Femi Fani Kayode, has today replicated the same handshake across the Niger. FFK’s change of heart should be seen from a positive angle, particularly by those who mean well for Nigeria. We must forget that he has abused virtually everybody (including MURIC and its founder) who did not see things the way he did. But he must be saluted for his sportsmanship.

 

 

“Just as courtesy demands that we appreciate PMB for his patience and fatherly dispensation towards his critics, chivalry demands that we stand up for FFK today and we call on all Nigerians to do same, to forgive, to forbear, to show understanding.

 

 

“Perhaps this new development will enable all of us to see that claims of Islamisation and Fulanisation exist only in the figment of imagination of its authors. Afterall the man who started it all eventually came to Aso Rock and he was neither Islamised nor Fulanised.  

 

 

“We assert clearly, unequivocally and unambiguously that MURIC is vindicated. Fani Kayode has seen in PMB what MURIC saw eight years ago when we started supporting his campaign for the presidency. He has seen PMB’s style of nursing malice for no one and having charity for all, including his enemies. It won him over. He saw PMB’s achievements, his transparency.

 

 

“FFK saw how a political party spent $16 billion providing darkness for Nigerians. He saw how $2.1 billion arms money was diveted to private pockets. In sharp contrast, he is now a living witness to the kind of development that can occur in a country when its leader is not a kleptomaniac.

 

 

“He has seen the second Niger bridge which is nearing completion, the fully airconditioned trains which make mincemeat of London trains, macadamized roads in the South East (the same South East which some claim that PMB hates), South West and South South and the North, etc. He knows this is what happens when the leader does not steal. All these humbled him. It is to the credit of FFK that he was able to see virtues in PMB which other critics failed or refused to see.

 

 

“All these made FFK to conclude, in his own words, that PMB is the ‘Father of modern Nigeria’. Note that MURIC used exactly the same epithet for PMB in its newyear message of 1^st January, 2020 entitled ‘MURIC Thanks Buhari For Reviving Nigeria’. To quote MURIC verbatim, we said inter alia, ‘MURIC celebrates Muhammadu Buhari. A father of Modern Nigeria has emerged. Buhari is the gem among other African leaders’. FFK has used the same words ‘Father of modern Nigeria’ to describe PMB. We are vindicated.

 

 

“Our own detractors fought tooth and nail to turn MURIC against PMB but they can now see what they failed to see before. We reiterate what we have said more than a dozen times. We were not attracted to PMB by his faith or his political party. We are neither religious bigots nor politicians.

 

 

“What attracted us to PMB is his Spartan way of life, his transparency, honesty and accountability. We will do the same for any future Nigerian leader who possesses these sterling qualities whether he is a Christian or a Muslim. Following the same principled stand, we will distance ourself from any leader who lacks those noble traits. The concern of the Muslim Rights Concern is the welfare of Nigerians. Our ultimate goal is the greatness of Nigeria.

 

 

“We call on all separatists and irredentist elements to do a rethink. Let us take a deep breath and objectively consider what PMB has achieved in the past 12 months. We will never have a president who has no fault at all unless we expect the Supreme Maker Himself to come and govern us physically. But that is impossible. We call on other sworn adversaries to borrow a leaf from FFK.

 

 

“Nigerians have one or two lessons to learn from this incident. The most important one is that there are no permanent enemies in politics, neither is there an eternal friend. Carpet crossing is not alien to Nigerian politics. It is the magnitude of the FFK phenomenon that shocked Nigerians. Yet it will not end there. Leave Fani-Kayode alone. His flip-flop is not the first and it will not be the last.

 

 

“Our final message to Nigerians is this, ‘Seek not to crucify FFK, rather salute his courage to see the truth and to embrace that truth’. We thank Allah that Nigeria has not gone up in flames before this realization dawned on FFK. We must pray for more closing of ranks between those in the one Nigeria camp and those clamouring for a divided Nigeria before we all start biting our fingers and lamenting, ‘Oh God! What have we done?’”

 

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director, 

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

 

MURIC HAILS REMAND OF OSUN MURDER SUSPECTS

 

15^th September, 2021

PRESS RELEASE:

MURIC HAILS REMAND OF OSUN MURDER SUSPECTS    

 

The custodian of the Esuleke masquerade, Chief Kayode Esuleke, his son, Ifashola and two other persons, Kola Adeosun and Hakeem Idowu, were remanded by an Osun High Court in Osogbo yesterday, Tuesday, 14^th September, 2021. The suspects are accused of involvement in the murder of Alhaji Moshood Salawudeen.

 

 

Meanwhile, an Islamic human rights advocacy group, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has hailed the decision of Justice Ayo Oyebiyi of the High Court of Osogbo to remand the suspects till 21^st September 2021 for hearing of their application for bail.

 

 

In a statement issued on Wednesday, 15^th September, 2021, the group’s director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, described the judge’s decision as consistent with the principles of justice, the rule of law and equality before the law.

 

 

The statement reads :

 

“We are pleased with the decision of the High Court of Oshogbo which remanded the custodian of the Esuleke masquerade, Chief Kayode Esuleke, his son, Ifashola and two other persons, Kola Adeosun and Hakeem Idowu. It was a decision in the right direction. It is the dawn of a new beginning in justice, fairness and equity.

 

 

“An innocent man, Alhaji Moshood Salawudeen, was shot dead by traditionalists. Many other Muslims, including minors, sustained various degrees of injuries in the attack. The Muslims were holding a programme in front of their mosque at the Qomarul Islam Society of Nigeria Central Mosque at Oluode Aranyin, Osogbo on Sunday, 27^th June, 2021 when the traditionalists attacked them. The attackers also vandalised the mosque.

 

 

“Chief Kayode Esuleke who is the custodian of the Esuleke masquerade has since been walking the streets freely from June to September 2021 to the chagrin of Muslims in the town. Such temerity has infuriated Muslims in Osun State but Muslim leaders prevailed on their followers to remain calm and law abiding. We have no scintilla of doubt that the judge’s decision to remand the suspects will douse tension.

 

 

“MURIC appeals to Muslims in the state and elsewhere around the country to continue to display maturity, patience and respect for constituted authority and the rule of law. On no occasion must they allow themselves to be goaded to anger or violent action. They must allow the law to take its full course.

 

 

“In the meantime we assure the Muslim community of Osun State that MURIC will not relent in its efforts to ensure that justice prevails in this case. We will continue to monitor developments until justice is not only done but is seen to have been done. Murder is not a bailable offence and Esuleke and his fellow travellers are not above the law. We urge Muslims to remain vigilant. Vigilance is the price of freedom” #Onjusticewestand

 

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director, 

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

 

TRAVEL ADVISORY AROUND JOS AXIS - MURIC

 

13^th September, 2021

PRESS RELEASE:

TRAVEL ADVISORY AROUND JOS AXIS - MURIC  

 

An Islamic human rights organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has advised Nigerians travelling from the North to the South or vice versa to be security conscious and to avoid going through the city of Jos. The group laments the loss of innocent lives as a result of roadblocks set up by the local militia.

 

 

In a statement made available to journalists on Monday, 13^th September, 2021, the group’s director and founder, Professor Ishaq Akintola, advised travelers to use the Saminaka bypass straight to Bauchi when going up North and vice versa when coming down South.  

 

The statement reads in full :

 

“We of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), conscious of the sacredness of life among other Allah-given fundamental human rights of every human being, decry the constant waste of life arising from the brutal killing of travellers by wild local militiamen. These militiamen often block the road at the slightest opportunity to waylay travellers. Hundreds of travellers, particularly Muslims, have been mercilessly slaughtered in Jos zone of death.

 

 

“Although we have advised the Federal Government (FG) to create a new bypass that will enable travellers to avoid going inside Jos, it is our belief that this carnage can still be avoided before FG takes action on our advice.

 

 

“We find it mandatory to issue a travel advisory to all and sundry. The Saminaka bypass can be used as a short term measure. There is a bypass through Saminaka town straight to Bauchi.

 

 

“For example, the safest route for those travelling from the South to the North is, from Kaduna, head towards Pambegua and go through Saminaka to Gumau. From Gumau, one can take the road leading to Bauchi and Gombe. From Gombe, go straight to Yola or Maiduguri.

 

 

“Another alternative is to head towards Keffi from Abuja. From Keffi, go towards Gitata and link Saminaka from there. From Saminaka, repeat the same route to Gumau, Bauchi, Gombe, Yola and Maiduguri.

 

 

“Those travelling to Lagos or Port Harcourt from Maiduguri, Yola or Damaturu are advised to veer off to Gumau town after Bauchi. Gumau is forty (40) kilometres from Jos. From Gumau, go to Saminaka, then straight to Gitata, Keffi and to Abuja. From Abuja, continue to Lokoja after which you go towards Owo by the right or to Auchi/Benin by the left or even to Enugu and Port Harcourt by the same left.

 

 

“The safety of lives and properties is MURIC’s priority. It is rather unfortunate that despite the efforts being made by the security agencies, the Muslim-hating militia groups in the Middle Belt, particularly in the Plateau region, have decided to turn the area to a death zone and a killing ground.

 

 

“Whereas right to life is guaranteed by Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Plateau militiamen kill travelers with impunity. Also, despite the fact that Section 41 of the same Constitution which is the font et origo of all laws in this country, guarantees freedom of movement. Yet Jos militiamen block the roads with reckless abandon and infringe on travellers’ right to move freely within the country.

 

 

“We have issued this travel advisory out of our deep concern for life and the freedom of every homo sapien compos mentis. Every Nigerian, nay, every homo sapien within our boarders must be allowed to move freely without let or hinderance. The faith of the traveler does not matter to us. Our concern is humanity. Every man or woman, Christian or Muslim, has the right to live and to move around the country.

 

 

“To conclude this advisory, we call on FG to provide adequate security around the Saminaka bypass which we have advised travelers to start using. On the long run, FG should set the machinery in motion for the construction of a major bypass in Jos zone as well as expedite action on the construction of a standard rail gauge around the country.”

 

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director, 

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

 

MURIC JOINS FALANA IN SEEKING PARDON FOR 54 SOLDIERS

 

9^th September, 2021

PRESS RELEASE:

MURIC JOINS FALANA IN SEEKING PARDON FOR 54 SOLDIERS 

 

Sequel to a letter written by human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), to President Muhammadu Buhari, seeking presidential pardon for soldiers jailed for refusing to fight Boko Haram, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has added its voice to the call for pardon for the soldiers.      

 

 

MURIC’s call was made on Thursday, 9^th September, 2021 through its director and founder, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

 

 

MURIC said, “We endorse every sentence in the letter written by foremost human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), asking President Muhammadu Buhari to pardon soldiers jailed for refusing to fight Boko Haram with poor weapons. This case has unassailable merit and Mr. Falana’s letter has addressed all the necessary issues.

 

 

“We strongly believe that the punishment meted out to the soldiers were a miscarriage of justice. We also frown at the way the soldiers were discharged from prison after serving their term without any concern for their welfare. It is an invitation to anarchy. These are soldiers trained as members of the special forces. They were not ordinary soldiers. Releasing them into the society was therefore a most dangerous move. They may fall into wrong hands.

 

 

“However, we appeal to the released men to continue to be of good conduct, to remain law abiding and to always remember that Allah has a reason for everything. While they were in jail, many soldiers died fighting the insurgents. Some lost their limbs. But Allah has preserved them. It is also worthy of gratitude to Allah that none of them died in jail.

 

 

“Therefore our message to the 54 soldiers is this, ‘Have faith and thank God. It is possible that the Supreme Creator, in His divine wisdom, decided to keep you in jail in order to keep you alive or to keep you away from a worse fate.’ Afterall Prophet Yusuf (Joseph, peace be upon him) was imprisoned for no just cause and he came out victorious (Glorious Qur’an 12:35; Genesis 39:20).

 

 

“The Muslims among them should remember what Allah said in the Hadith Qudsy, ‘Whoever is not pleased with what I have decided, let him get out from under my sky. Let him look for another sky other than mine. Whoever is not pleased with what I impose on him, let him leave my earth. Let him seek another earth other than mine.’

 

 

“But is there any other sky apart from the one above our heads? Is there any other earth where homo sapiens can live other than the one created by Allah? Where can we go if we decide that we will no longer live under Allah’s sky or on His earth? Has any of the super powers succeeded in producing its own sky or its separate earth? Nay, there is no other sky and no other earth apart from what the Supreme Creator has made. This is why we should always accept our fate.

 

 

“Christians among the jailed soldiers should reflect on the words of Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians, ‘Let us thank God in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you’ (1 Thessalonians 5:16 – 18).

 

 

“We therefore beseech these men to accept the fate that the Supreme Creator allowed to befall them. They should not seek vengeance from society by hurting innocent people. They should not use their special training negatively. Vengeance is a square peg. Justice is a round hole. What you seek to get is not what you obtain in the long run.

 

 

“MURIC commends leading human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, for his role in the struggle to get justice for the jailed soldiers. He has consistently defended the oppressed, sometimes pro bono. Once again, Falana has put humanity on the driving seat in the practice of his profession. We have no scinttila of doubt that posterity will write his name in letters of gold.”

 

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director, 

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)