Prof Ishaq Akintola, Executive director of MURIC accuses the Governor of Lagos State of religious intolerance

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has called on Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to explain the recent appointment of nine permanent secretaries, which the group described as an “all-Christian list.”

According to a statement issued on Thursday, by the Executive Director of MURIC, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, MURIC accused the governor of religious intolerance, exclusion of Muslims, and disregard for constitutional provisions.

According to the group, the new appointments, announced on Tuesday, in a circular by the Head of Service, Bode Agoro, have caused discontent among Muslims in the state and beyond.

“The new appointments are a reflection of religious intolerance, administrative exclusivity and disregard for constitutional provisions.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu continues to breach the Constitution, particularly with his political appointments. He marginalises Muslims at will,” Akintola said.

MURIC recalled that the governor had previously been criticised for appointing only 14 Muslims as commissioners, compared to 43 Christians. It argued that the trend goes against Section 14 (4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which requires government appointments to reflect diversity and promote inclusivity.

The Muslim rights advocacy group also questioned the decision to appoint Christians to all six education districts in Lagos, saying: “Are Muslims not major stakeholders in the affairs of Lagos State, or are we just ordinary dots in Lagos social statistics?”

MURIC therefore, urges Sanwo-Olu to meet with Muslim leaders in the state for clarification, warning that failure to address the concerns could push Lagos Muslims to “seek an alternative political ally.”

Source: The Guardian