Muslim-Muslim Ticket: MURIC Urges Christian Governors to Emulate Tinubu on Political Appointments
An Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has called on Christian governors in Nigeria to emulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by giving Muslims political appointments in their states the same way Tinubu gave Christians appointments at the federal level.
The call was made on Wednesday, 8th November, 2023 by the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola.
The full statement reads:
“It is no longer news that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has exhibited the magnanimity for which Muslims are known by giving federal appointments mostly to Christians since he was sworn in. His generousity has also been acknowledged by Christian leaders. It has also led to the dowsing of tension across the country over the Muslim-Muslim ticket imbroglio.
“We are of the opinion that this is a positive development in Muslim-Christian relationship. We also believe that this should be allowed to cascade down to the states particularly in places like the South-West, South-South, South-East and the Middle Belt (Taraba, Benue, Plateau) where the governors are all Christians.
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“Muslims in these states complain regularly of political marginalisation, economic deprivation, persecution and stigmatisation. The appointment of Muslims into political positions the same way President Tinubu appointed Christians at the federal level will go a long way in integrating Muslims into the socio-economic and political architecture in those states thereby engendering peace and progress.
“We therefore call on the governors of the South-East and South-South in particular where no single Muslim has ever been given political appointment to start changing the status quo. South-West governors should also allow the majority status of the Muslim population to reflect in their appointments in states like Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Osun. Proportionate reflection should also be allowed in Ekiti and Ondo states where the number of Muslims appointed into cabinets has never exceeded one only.
“The extent to which this change is allowed will signpost the readiness of Christians to allow genuine integration and religious tolerance both of which will pave way for peace and progress in the country as a whole. President Tinubu has set the ball rolling. He has also set an unprecedented record. Christian governors owe it a duty to reciprocate his magnanimity. We are waiting to see which governor will bell the cat.”
Professor Ishaq Akintola,
Executive Director,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).
