29th
July, 2023
PRESS RELEASE:
MURIC DENOUNCES
LAGOS LIST OF COMMISSIONERS FOR FAILING INCLUSIVITY TEST
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday,
Friday, 28th July, 2023 unveiled the list of commissioners for the
state. The list contained 39 names. But an Islamic human rights organization,
the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has rejected the list for failing to pass
inclusivity and integrity tests.
This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday, 29th July,
2023 by the Executive Director of the organization, Professor Ishaq
Akintola.
He said:
"The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday
unveiled the list of commissioners for the state. The list contained 39 names.
"But to our surprise, only 8 of the nominees are verifiable Muslims.
We find it difficult to understand why cabinet composition should be weaponised
by the Lagos State Government (LASG) against Muslims. Ratio 31:8 fails
inclusivity test. It also fails integrity test. What percentage is 8 out
of 39? What is the rationale for coming out with this atrocious ratio?
"This is exactly what we have been saying about the political
marginalisation of Muslims in the South West. It is a disease of the eyes, not
of the nose. It needs no smelling. We can all see and read the list. It is all
over the internet. Muslims groups all over the South West are expressing
dissatisfaction with the development.
"We strongly denounce this deliberate and illegal attempt to
deprive Muslims of opportunities to partake in the governance of their
environment.
“It is illegal because Section 14(4) of the 1999
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria stipulates that ‘The
composition of the Government of the Federation, a State, a local government
council, or any of the agencies of such Government or council, and the conduct
of the affairs of the Government or council or such agencies shall be carried
out in such manner as to recognise the diversity of the people within its area
of authority and the need to promote a sense of belonging and loyalty among all
the people of the Federation.’
“Sanwo-Olu’s proposed cabinet is therefore illegal, illegitimate,
unlawful and unconstitutional to the extent that it failed to be fair to the
teeming Muslim population in the state. It will remain so until he reviews it
and makes the list inclusive. Lagos Muslims have been rubbished by this list.
It is a dirty slap in the face. This list is disgusting, repulsive and
therefore unacceptable.
“It is a betrayal of trust because Lagos Muslims voted en masse for
Sanwo-Olu. MURIC in particular came out openly to support his second term and
we persuaded fellow Muslims to drop their opposition to the governor. But
imagine this!
"We are sending a note of warning to all political parties in
the state. 2027 will not be business as usual. Don't come to lobby us for votes
if your candidate is not a Muslim. It is the turn of Muslims in 2027 and we
will vote massively for any party that picks a Muslim as it's gubernatorial
flagbearer.
“MURIC has no political tabula rasa. We are open to all
parties. The welfare of Nigerian Muslims is our major interest. We will not
hide that. Neither do we owe anyone any apology for it.”
#RejectAntiMuslimList
Professor Ishaq Akintola,
Executive Director,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).
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