RAMADAN MESSAGE

7^th July, 2013

PRESS RELEASE:

RAMADAN MESSAGE: TIME TO PUT AN END TO SUFFERING

 

Muslims all over the world will commence fasting either on Tuesday or Wednesday depending on the day the moon is sighted. In Nigeria, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has issued a statement to this effect. Muslims observe fasting from dawn to dusk throughout the month of Ramadan. The rigorous exercise lasts 30 or 29 days.

 

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) reminds Nigerians of the main purpose of Ramadan fast, namely, to refill man's cup of piety. To this end, we call attention to signposts of piety and the effect it can have on the Nigerian body polity.

 

Whereas the founders of the Nigerian nation neither amassed wealth nor did they misappropriate public funds, the leaders of today sleep on beds of gold with public funds starched inside their pillow-cases. Whereas Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief Obafemi Awolowo are not known to have stolen one kobo, Nigerian politicians of today have the noun 'thief' and the verb 'to steal'.

 

Today the Nigerian proletariat is overworked, underpaid and overtaxed. Workers' take-home pays cannot take them home. The price of food items have skyrocketed. Hundreds now sleep under the bridge. Most Nigerian hospitals are sheer public mortuaries. The education sector is in crisis. Power supply remains epileptic.

 

MURIC appeals to Nigerian leaders to seize the opportunity of the Ramadan period to change their ways. Ramadan offers the opportunity for sober reflections. This is the time for leaders to adopt altruism. Nigeria's proverbial milk and honey belongs to the working class and to those who have toiled for this nation, namely, the retirees. It is also the period for the citizenry to look inwards and show remorse. Nigerians must change their mindset. We must rise again to promote those values that are capable of turning our country around: honesty, transparency, accountability, diligence, tolerance, forgiveness and love.

 

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC),
234-818-211-9714

 

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

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Twitter: ishaqakintola

 

I remain oppressed untill the hungry are fed, the naked clothed,

the sick healed and the homeless sheltered