OfficialMURIC:
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has declared a vote of confidence for President Muhammadu Buhari and his administration. This is coming in the face of the call for a revolution against the Nigerian government. MURIC argued that the proponents of #Revolutionnow have lost touch with reality.

The group’s position vis a vis #Revolutionnow was made known in a statement issued by its Director and Founder, Professor Ishaq Akintola on Wednesday, 7th August, 2019.

“While it is on record that we have called for the release or arraignment of Omoyele Sowore, we affirm that the #Revolutionnow camp has lost touch with reality. How do you judge an administration which is yet to take off in its second term? What are the criteria the #Revolutionnow group has used to arrive at its hardline position?

“This is an administration that was ambushed, strangulated and sarakitised from the first day of its inauguration in May 2015. Are they blind to history? Today was born from the wombs of yesterday. Why can’t they take a glance at where this administration is coming from? Have they forgotten how the 8th National Assembly (NASS) held the Buhari administration by the jugular for four good years?

“So what has changed since then? How much time has Buhari spent in his second term? He has not even taken off. Wednesday 21st August has just been fixed for the swearing-in of ministers. Why won’t they allow this government to settle down? Who is afraid of Buhari? Whose cupboard is full of skeletons? Why are they in so much haste?

“Does it mean that both the leaders and supporters of #Revolutionnow were pleased with the sarakitisation of Buhari’s first term? Where really do they stand in the war against corruption? Where were they when the 8th Senate delayed budget for seven whole months?

“We put it to #Revolutionnow that it has misplaced its priorities and failed to identify the true enemies of Nigeria. #Revolutionnow should have organized its uprising against the 8th NASS. By the way, where were they during the general elections that brought Buhari to power? How did they fare? Is it proper to change by force what the ballots refused to grant? It was Allah who joined Buhari and Nigerians together in the general elections. Let no #Revolutionnow seek to put asunder what Allah has joined together.

“Nigerians are witnesses to the tremendous progress made by the Buhari administration despite a hostile NASS. All contractual debts have been paid up. Treasury leakages were plugged. Internal revenue generation drive has increased while the tax regime has been made more effective. All pension arrears have been paid up including money owed Biafran war veterans.

“Not only that. Recession was overcome within one year and foreign reserve keeps growing despite low oil price. All Federal roads are being reconstructed across the country while fast and modern rails are emerging. The Second Niger Bridge is a living testimony and 13 modular refineries are currently being built in the Niger Delta.

“Nigeria’s economy is being restructured from oil-based to agriculture, solid mineral and manufacturing. Electricity generating capacity has moved from a lowly 3,000 megawatts to 7,000 megawatts. From a high profile renegade group which occupied 17 local governments under Jonathan, Boko Haram has been drastically humbled to a guerilla group that can only hit and run.

“You said Buhari has not achieved anything but who paid the arrears of former staffers of NITEL, NEPA, Nigerian Airways, Nigerian Railway, etc? What is the basis of your revolution against PMB? Where are Buhari’s billions? Where are his hilltop palaces? Can you compare PMB to other ex-presidents and heads of states in terms of wealth?

“You are rising against a man who refuses to steal. It just doesn’t add up. Ungrateful people, rebellious subjects, enemies of peace. Why are you behaving like the nine lepers who could not appreciate Jesus’ healing? ‘Were ten not healed? Where are the nine?’ (Luke 17:17).

“If it is the issue of killings and kidnappings, is it a new phenomenon? Was Buhari in charge when Odi massacre occurred? What of Zaki Biam? Who killed the 47 Biafrans whose corpses were dumped in Ozu River in 2013? Are we so naïve that we fail to realize that all the Oyenusis and the Evans now disguise as herdsmen and Fulanis just to cause confusion? Anarchists are trying to deceive us. #Revolutionnow is a fall guy, a guinea pig. Scientists will call him a ‘lab rat’.

“#Revolutionnow group must be the greatest jokers of the century if they cannot see the above achievements. We therefore urge Nigerians to ignore them. They simply want to gain by the bends what they failed to get by the straight. But must it be by hook or crook?

“We submit that #Revolutionnow is fighting a proxy war for looters. It has allowed itself to become a willing tool in the hands of corrupt politicians and bad loosers. It is corruption fighting back. We feel the hands of Esau but we hear the voice of Jacob in #Revolutionnow. We therefore advise those behind it to retrace their steps. We warn distinguished Nigerians who have earned the respect of millions of their compatriots not to dance to the gallery. It is not mandatory to speak in support of every rascality. Real wise men are selective in times like this. It is unnecessary to find your finger in every pie.

“By the way, what alternative do the champions of #Revolutionnow have for Nigerians as they seek violent regime change? Whether they call their #Revolutionnow violent or nonviolent, is it time yet for another election? Have they forgotten Libya? Can’t they see what is happening in Syria and Iraq? Real activists respect democratic ideals but the reverse is the case with our friends. The open call for a revolution is a flagrant abuse of democratic principles. Who did this to #Revolutionnow?

“Sowore is a good material for future politicking but he has to redirect his energy towards reengineering Nigerian youth for service, patriotism and dignity, not towards removing a democratically elected government. A Fidel Castro, Thomas Sankara or Che Guevera profile is anachronistic, retarding and un-Nigerian. Even Nelson Mandela emerged through democratic process.

“As we conclude this advocacy, we appeal to distinguished and elderly activists to tell Sowore the truth. We advise #Revolutionnow to dismantle, dissolve into a political party and wait for 2023. Even a coup will not pay the group. Coups are no longer fashionable. The Buhari regime is not a product of violent change. It evolved via due democratic process. Any other process is therefore unlawful, illegal, illegitimate and unconstitutional. In view of Buhari’s sterling qualities and his numerous fait accompli in spite of all odds, we affirm clearly, unambiguously and categorically that Mr. President has our vote of confidence.”

Professor Ishaq Akintola,
Director,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

http://muslimrightsmuric..com/2019/08/revolutionnow-buhari-has-our-vote-of.html?m=1

OfficialMURIC:
Sixty-six Fulanis have been reportedly killed in Kajuru Local Government of Kaduna State. The incident occurred towards evening on Friday, 15th February, 2019.


In a swift reaction, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the killing. MURIC, an Islamic human rights organization, described the killings as barbaric, inhuman and provocative. In a press statement issued minutes after the report of the killings reached Nigerians, the rights group said it was certain that the killings were intended to truncate the general elections which are set to begin tomorrow, Saturday, 16th February, 2019. The statement was signed by the director and founder of the organization, Professor Ishaq Akintola.


“This killing is horrendous and cowardly act. It is calculated to truncate the general elections and also to provoke reactions. It is nothing but a terrorist act. No more, no less. The culprits must be apprehended. We strongly condemn the killings. Those who target vulnerable and innocent women and children for merciless killings deserve due punishment.


“These are rebellious subjects, enemies of peace. They see defeat staring at them squarely in the face in the 2019 elections. But they have decided to tow the path of violence instead of taking the expected outcome with equanimity.


“MURIC charges the Commissioner of Police in charge of Kaduna State to bring the culprits to book with immediate effect. Steps must be taken by both the government and security agencies to prevent the crisis from escalating. We appeal to Fulanis in the state to exercise restraint.


“The timing of the killings suggest that the culprits intend to cause mayhem capable of disrupting the general election not only in Kaduna State but in the whole country. That is why they launched their attack on the eve of the general elections. They have only used Kaduna State as a launching pad. We therefore call on the Nigerian security agencies to be on the tip-toes of alertness in order to ward off any crisis that rears its ugly head anywhere in the country particularly during the general elections.


Professor Ishaq Akintola,
Director,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

http://muslimrightsmuric..com/2019/02/muric-condemns-killing-of-66-fulanis-in.html?m=1

OfficialMURIC:
Ogun State Police Command has arrested nine Oro worshippers who attacked Muslims after imposing an illegal curfew. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi identified the suspects as Dondo Sunday, Nurudeen Lawal, Idowu Desu, Monday Akinlolu, Dele Dada, Raimi Jacob, Abiola Azeez, Olarewaju Akerele and Tetede Jamiu.

It will be recalled that the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), an Islamic human rights organization had called for the arrest and prosecution of Oro worshippers in its press statement issued last week (4th September, 2019) for invading a mosque, injuring the Muslim worshippers and damaging mosque properties.

https://www.nairaland.com/5399125/arrest-prosecute-oro-cult-leaders

Commenting on the arrests on Tuesday, 10th September, 2019, MURIC hailed the police for arresting the culprits.
The Director of the group said, “We commend Ogun State Police Command for making these arrests. It is long overdue. Oro worshippers have for long exhibited reckless impunity. They had become the Alpha and the Omega in Ipokia. They gave adherents of other religions no peace.
“How can they be declaring curfew at will and usurping the authority of both the local and state governments? How can they be attacking and maiming people of other faiths and even destroying properties without anyone calling them to order. This arrest serves them right but it must not end there. They must be made to pay for damaged mosque properties.
“They must also appear in court. This case must not end at the police station. They have serious cases to answer: breaking and entering, premeditated damage, occasioning grievous harm and contempt of court. Ignorance and religious bigotry are their major problems and they must be taught a lesson.
“The way the police handles this case will determine whether or not there will be a lasting solution to the problem. Oro worshippers must be made to realize that there is a constitution in this country. In particular, the traditional ruler of the community must be told in black and white that he is not the absolute ruler in the land and that he himself must submit to the authority of the local, state and federal governments. Gone are the days when traditional rulers brandished unlimited power and feudal tyranny.
“Above all, both the traditional ruler and the Oro worshippers must submit to the supremacy of the law. In this regard, they must obey subsisting court ruling on the modus operandi of their Oro by restricting their operations to the hours between 12 am and 4 am or risk going to jail.
“MURIC calls on police formations in the South West to borrow a leaf from their Ogun state counterparts because the imposition of illegal curfews by Oro worshippers is not restricted to Ipokia alone. It is very rampant in the sub-region. Ikorodu in Lagos State has also been the hotbed of acrobatic extremism and gymnastic criminality on the part of Oro worshippers. What the police needs to do in order to subdue Oro worshippers and their hooliganism is to manifest gallantry and professionalism.
“In our closing remarks, we commend Ogun Police Command for effecting the arrest of Oro culprits. We strongly demand their arraignment in a court of proper jurisdiction. We urge other police formations in the South West to deal with violent and recalcitrant worshippers of Oro in their domain in like manner.”
Professor Ishaq Akintola,
Director,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

http://muslimrightsmuric..com/2019/09/muric-commends-police-for-arresting-oro.html?m=1

OfficialMURIC:
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, of persecuting Muslim students in the institution. According to the Islamic human rights organization, the private tertiary institution is serially violating the fundamental human rights of Muslim students in the institution.

This was disclosed in a press statement circulated on Tuesday, 18th June, 2019 by the Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

“Adeleke University is a serial violator of Allah-given fundamental rights of Muslim students. This institution forces Muslim students to attend church on Sundays. It makes it mandatory for students living in the hostel to attend church every Wednesday and Saturday.

“The practice of any other faith on campus except Christianity is banned. Muslim students must not be seen observing Salat. Hijab is a taboo in Adeleke University. Yet all these Islamophobic practices are smartly hidden from prospective students of the institution until they have paid the exorbitant school fees and can no longer withdraw.

“We call on the National Universities Commission (NUC) to come to the rescue of Muslim students in Adeleke University. It is a religious scam. This institution hides under a non-religious nomenclature to ensnare Muslim students into an enclave of religious apartheid.

“In particular, we invite NUC to take a look at the students’ handbook of this institution, especially pages 7, 49, 50, 56 and 60. These pages, to our mind, contain rules that infringe on the religious freedom of Muslim students. As a regulating body, NUC has a duty to intervene in this matter as part of its oversight function on Nigeria’s universities.

“Such intervention is necessary at this juncture to enhance quality control. We remind NUC that man is body, soul and spirit. These three organs must function without hinderance for students to perform maximally. As things stand today, Muslim students of Adeleke University have been deprived of the spiritual component of their humanity. We therefore call on NUC to investigate this issue as a matter of urgency. Religious repression is a potential threat to peace, law and order.

“MURIC is aware that such practices of religious intolerance exist in a few other private universities. We therefore advise Muslim parents and Muslim students to take necessary precaution. They should investigate very well before picking universities of interest.

“Many private universities do not bear Christian names but they pursue Christian evangelical goals. Worse still, they lack the spirit of tolerance. Muslim candidates who have already chosen private universities where they are likely to become victims of Islamophobia are, therefore, advised to apply for a change of university before it is too late.

“Western education was the weapon used by the British colonialists to coerce Muslims into converting to Christianity in the past. The new trick is to use private universities to achieve the same aim or to compromise willing staff of public universities to do the dirty job. It is neocolonialism pure and simple.

“The children of Muslim victims of religious oppression under the colonialists are today the targets of apartheid private universities. Those who oppressed the father when he was in school are bent on persecuting the children. This is the gospel according to the slave-driver. This vicious cycle must be halted at all cost.

“As we draw the curtain, we warn that private and public institutions where Muslim students are denied their Allah-given fundamental human rights are sitting on kegs of gunpowder. We call on NUC to investigate this allegation of religious persecution in Adeleke University, Ede and take appropriate action if found culpable. It will serve as a deterrent for other neo-imperialists masquerading as higher institutions.”

Professor Ishaq Akintola,
Director,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)


http://muslimrightsmuric..com/2019/06/adeleke-university-persecuting-muslim.html?m=1

complexBoss12:
mtcheeeew

OfficialMURIC:
The principal of the University of Ibadan International School (UIIS), Mrs. Phebean Olowe recently banned the use of hijab by female Muslim students of the school. The ban provoked Muslim parents who protested at the gates of the school yesterday, Monday 12th November, 2018.

In its characteristic intervention, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) described the ban as an invitation to chaos and a threat to girl-child education. MURIC’s intervention was expressed in a press statement issued on Tuesday 13th November, 2018.

According to MURIC, “Mrs. Phebean Olowe is a failure in administration. She is out of touch with reality. She has failed to properly read the barometer. She is reeling out draconian and anachronistic decrees reminiscent of colonial days. This principal is retarding the progress of UIIS. She can only be an agent of destabilization to have behaved this way. This is the 21st century for crying out loud. Where does she think she is?


“We are surprised that at a time when the whole world is struggling to boost girl-child education and reduce the number of out-of-school children, a female school administrator of her status is issuing anti-girl-child education directives. It is such a shame. Britain and America are encouraging the wearing of hijab in their schools but here we find a school administrator constituting herself into a cog in the wheel of progress particularly in the area of girl-child education. Can this be attributed to lack of exposure? This principal is in dire need of a sabbatical leave outside Nigeria.


“She should have known that UIIS is an elitist academic environment where all the parents (Christians or Muslims) know their rights. Many of the Muslim parents are staff of the university. Why must she chew more than she can swallow? Why must she bring an alien, parochial and archaic agenda to an academic setting? This is obviously a failure in administration.

“A good administrator will consult parents before taking such a sensitive decision and there are a lot of opportunities for her to do that. Religion is a sensitive matter. She must have a hidden agenda otherwise she would not have made such an attempt in view of the proliferation of hijab stories in the news. No school administrator worth the salt will issue an anti-hijab instruction in view of recent events around the country unless such a principal is from Mars or Mercury”.

MURIC commended the parents who participated in the peaceful protest at the school gate. According to Professor Ishaq Akintola, the director of MURIC who signed the press statement, “Peaceful protest is an extention of dialogue where there are grievances to address. It is an Allah-given fundamental right of all citizens. Nobody has the right to take it from us.

“We hail the Muslim parents of UIIS for standing up in loco parentis. These parents have refused to abdicate their responsibilities. They have a duty to educate their children and to monitor their progress as prescribed in Qur’an 2:233. They have successfully done that. They also have a duty to protect their children from abuse, stigma and religious discrimination. They have proved that they are capable of doing that. We are proud of them.

“We are particularly happy with these parents for the peaceful manner in which they conducted their protest. They have proved beyond any iota of doubt that they are true ambassadors of Islam. The adherents of the religion of peace cannot afford to eschew the path of peace. We assure them of our full support. MURIC will keenly monitor the progress of this matter.

“We appeal to the management of the University of Ibadan (UI) to intervene in this matter. It should not be allowed to escalate. UI is a center of academic excellence. The authorities should not allow administrative shenanigans and educational charlatans to turn its International School into a center for religious apartheid. It is high time UIIS realized that Nigerian Muslims have come of age.

“We call on the school principal to face reality. Nigeria belongs to all of us. We should learn to coexist. Muslims will no longer accept a situation whereby everything is designed to suit Christians and Muslims are left to choose between accepting the Christian way of life or abandoning education. The Nigerian school uniform was designed by Christian colonial masters. It is therefore a manifestation of neo-imperialism cum totalitarian dictatorship to force Muslim children to wear Christian uniforms. It smacks of lack of religious tolerance. Mrs. Phebean Olowe should resign if she cannot tolerate the sight of female Muslim children in hijab because she is going to be seeing quite a lot of them these days.

“Finally, we appeal to Muslims in the city of Ibadan and Oyo State in particular as well as all over Nigeria to remain calm and law abiding. We should give the UI management the benefit of doubt and the opportunity to wade into the matter. However, all Muslim parents are advised to remain alert because eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. Aluta continua because it is not yet Uhuru”.

Professor Ishaq Akintola,
Director,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).



http://muslimrightsmuric..com/2018/11/ui-hijab-ban-is-invitation-to-chaos.html?m=1

OfficialMURIC:
A human rights group, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has reacted to the expression of concern by the United States of America and Britain over the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Walter Onnoghen. The group’s reaction was contained in a press statement issued on Saturday, 26th January, 2019.


According to Professor Ishaq Akintola who signed on behalf of the group, America and Britain should not look at the suspension in isolation but consider the gravity of the offence committed by the CJN.

“Western countries should not just jump to conclusions. They should not just make it look as if the CJN is being suspended to clear the way for some undemocratic practices. Neither the US nor Britain will allow a judge to accumulate wealth illegally because it is dangerous for the judicial system. Heavy cash lodgements in both foreign and local currencies were allegedly found in the former CJN’s accounts. No responsible government will ignore that.

“While we appreciate the interest of US and UK in evolving healthy democracies around the world, particularly in Nigeria, we will appreciate it more if these countries show equal concern for Nigeria’s war against corruption, particularly in the judiciary and in the repatriation of Nigeria’s looted funds in those two countries. Advanced democracies are not under any special obligation to listen only to the opposition and echo its propaganda. They also owe it a moral duty to hear the government’s side before making policy statements.


“To this end, we expect that both the US and UK will equally show interest in the allegation bordering on corruption made against the former CJN as they have expressed concern over his suspension. This ought to be done against the backdrop of the reputation of Nigeria which a former British prime minister described as ‘fantastically corrupt’ but which the present regime of President Muhammadu Buhari is trying hard to turn around.


“It is a known fact that no war against corruption can succeed if the judiciary is corrupt. It is the robust judicial system which both the US and UK enjoy today that allows a conducive atmosphere for democratic principles of rule of law, liberty and justice.


“We seek no less in our country, Nigeria. We find the alleged involvement of the CJN in financial misdemeanor sickening, repulsive and outrageous. A civil society group who could summon the courage demanded his sack. We no longer have any confidence in his leadership of this country’s judiciary.


“MURIC appeals to Western countries to allow the Nigerian government to clean its judiciary. It is the last hope of the common man. The filth in our judiciary will be better understood when we remember how James Ononefe Ibori of Delta State mesmerized the Nigerian judiciary for years without being punished. But he was caught in Britain and sentenced to 13 years imprisonment because the British judiciary will not take rubbish. Diepreye Alamieyeseigha of Bayelsa State also ran foul of the British judiciary before he jumped bail in 2005. This is one major reason the Nigerian government must be allowed to clean its judiciary.


“We must ask Britain if it can tolerate what is happening in Nigeria today on her own soil. For instance, the current British Lord Chief Justice, Sir John Thomas, earns £240,000 per annum. Will Theresa May, the Prime Minister, keep mum if he receives a report that his Lord Chief Justice has five bank accounts with more than $500,000 in each? Can his American counterpart, the US Chief Judge, John Glover Roberts Jnr, do the same and get away with it under Donald Trump’s watch? You show concern for Onnoghen’s suspension but not for the big sums of money he was practically caught with and which he admitted to. It hurts our sensibilities and you need to make amends.



“This is exactly what we are saying: leave our government alone if you cannot allow it to happen in your own countries. It has been happening here for long and now we have a democratically elected president. We have tons of confidence in Muhammadu Buhari. He sits on our treasury. He does not steal and he will not allow thieves to steal our common patrimony. We are satisfied with him as the guardian over our wealth. We do not care whether he is ‘lifeless’, ‘weak’, or ‘incompetent’. We never had it so good.


“Before we take a break, we appeal to the US and Britain to turn more attention to the repatriation of funds looted from Nigeria. The two countries will earn our respect more if this is done. We need the West’s cooperation in our war against corruption more than we need it in political demagoguery. Fairness demands that the US which expressed concern over the CJN’s suspension follows it up with a statement cautioning judges from getting enmeshed in graft and politicians from getting involved in money politics.



Professor Ishaq Akintola,
Director,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)




http://muslimrightsmuric..com/2019/01/muric-cautions-us-uk-over-cjn-onnoghen.html?m=1

OfficialMURIC:
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday condemned President Muhammadu Buhari’s (PMB) presence at the summit of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC). Two socio-cultural groups, Afenifere and Ohaneze also towed CAN’s line. In addition, ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo last week accused PMB of Fulanisation and Islamisation of Nigeria.
However, an Islamic human rights organization has debunked the allegations. According to the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), those criticizing PMB for attending this year’s OIC summit are in urgent need of anti-Islamophobia vaccine.
“It is pathological hatred. Those who are allergic to transparency, those who have phobia for due process, those who are ethnic bigots and those who are deeply entrenched in acrobatic religiousity are ganging up under the banner of gymnastic Islamophobia. The old order cometh again. CAN, Afenifere, Ohaneze are all Muslim-haters and what they need urgently is anti-Islamophobia vaccine.
“Come to think of it. 53 heads of state out of the 57 member-states of the OIC are being expected at the summit and majority of them are not even Muslims. Why are they singling out PMB?
“MURIC will not hesitate to give proportionate response to any attack on Islam from any quarter no matter how highly positioned. Those who want to attack PMB’s government are free to do so. We may ignore them. But anyone who uses religion as a launching pad to attack any Muslim leader (not PMB alone) will have MURIC to contend with.
“That is where OBJ crossed the red line. He accused PMB of Fulanisation and Islamisation. We have no problem with the former because it is a mirage. Fulanisation exists only in the imagination of those who concocted it. In reality, Nigerians have either consciously or otherwise turned Fulanis into an endangered specie, pushed from pillar to post. However, the ex-president has just exposed himself as an ethnic jingoist.
“OBJ’s allegation of Islamisation is what we find strange and disturbing coming from a man with his record of accommodating Muslims, personally sponsoring Islamic projects (e.g. his presidential library in Abeokuta contains a mosque), patronising Islamic scholars for spiritual invocation and also organizing interfaith dialogue. So what informed the 360 degree turn-around?
“MURIC advises the present leadership of CAN not to start the old firebrand rivalry all over again. CAN should stop crying wolf where there is none. Neither should CAN continue to heat up the polity or whip up anti-Muslim sentiments. We invite CAN to peaceful coexistence. Let us live and let live. We were all here when ex-president Jonathan turned Jerusalem to Aso Rock’s backyard and the Muslims said nothing about it. CAN should eschew selective criticism.

MURIC did not spare Afenifere and Ohaneze both of whom it accused of hiding under socio-cultural identity to lauch a crusade.
“Afenifere has always been known as a group of deceptive crusaders in a socio-cultural cloak. The group has always pursued parochial agendum. It has always represented Christian interest alone whereas it claims to speak for the South West. No sane Nigerian takes Afenifere seriously these days.
The problem with other socio-cultural groups attacking Islam is that of mistaken priority. They turn their frustrations to Islam instead of addressing the challenges to the development of their regions and the welfare of their people. In particular, both Afenifere and Ohaneze parade the DNA of the nine lepers who failed to appreciate Jesus. The more PMB favours their region, the more they grow bitter.
“As we round off, we appeal to OBJ to desist from attacking the institution of Islam. We call on all socio-cultural groups to concentrate on the development of their regions and the welfare of their people instead of dissipating energy on launching attacks on Muslims. We assure our Christian brothers and sisters of our willingness to live in peace with them. It is humanity that matters first, not a man’s religion. We charge Nigerians to ignore all irredentist individuals and groups. What Nigeria needs now is prayers, peace, unity and hard work”.

Professor Ishaq Akintola,
Director,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

http://muslimrightsmuric..com/2019/06/oic-can-others-need-anti-islamophobia.html?m=1

19Ebisco:
The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has empathized with the Nigerian Air Force NAF, and the entire officers and men of the Nigerian Army on the death of its personnel involved in counter insurgency in Borno, North East.

MURIC said that the achievements of the Nigerian Army in the past three years show the sharp contrast between Goodluck Jonathan’s army and that of Muhammadu Buhari.

It noted that while “one is lackadaisical, the other is serious. One diverts army funds, the other focuses on adequate funding of the army.”

NAF, yesterday announced the crash of one of its helicopters which occurred in Borno State.

It also announced the names of five officers who died in the crash: Flight Lieutenant Perowei Jacob (Pilot) in Command; Flight Lieutenant Kaltho Paul Kilyofas (Co-Pilot); Sergeant Auwal Ibrahim (Flight Technician); Lance Corporal Adamu Nura (Gunner), and Aircraftman Meshack Ishmael (Gunner)

In a statement issued on Friday, MURIC expressed solidarity with the army in its war of liberation against Boko Haram.

The statement, which was signed by the director and founder of the organization, Professor Ishaq Akintola, and forwarded to DAILY POST, reads: “We are hit with deep sadness by this tragic incident. These five officers died so that the rest of us can live.

“They will live in our hearts forever. They are the heroes of the war against insurgency and we appreciate their sacrifice. Our hearts go to their families and we pray that Allah will provide them with succour.

“We charge the Nigerian Army to expedite action in the normal procedures to compensate the immediate relations left behind by the five officers in order to rubber-cushion the effect of the loss of their bread-winners.

“MURIC calls on soldiers at the battle front to remain resolute in gallantry until the insurgents are totally eliminated or until they surrender so that these NAF officers may not have died in vain. You are not alone.

“Nigerians are solidly behind you. We multiply your number in spirit each time you advance on the enemy and we lie beside you in the trenches. Great heroes of our land, surge forward, that we and your families may not end up as captives of Boko Haram.

“We remind Nigerians to play their roles effectively by maintaining a positive mind and by praying for the soldiers at the battle field. We reaffirm our belief that Boko Haram has been technically defeated. What is happening now is that the insurgents are holding desperately to a single straw like drowning men.

“Insurgents who were controlling 17 local governments are now compelled to wage guerilla warfare. Churches and mosques are no longer being bombed and the incident of suicide bombing has stopped almost completely.

“The last Christmas few days ago is a glaring testimony. No single church was attacked. No bombs exploded. We salute the army for this great feat.

“Whether we appreciate it or not, the achievements of the Nigerian Army in the past three years show the sharp contrast between Goodluck Jonathan’s army and that of Muhammadu Buhari. One is lackadaisical, the other is serious. One diverts army funds, the other focuses on adequate funding of the army.

“We can all see the difference. Nigerian soldiers who used to flee at the sight of the enemy now take the battle to the same foe. Around this time in 2015 when Nigerians were preparing for the general elections, truck-loads of American dollars diverted from army funds were shipped all over the country to buy votes.

“But nothing like that is happening now even though elections are just five weeks away. This is why we are confident that Boko Haram will soon become history.

“We appeal to Nigerians to continue to support the Federal Government. We need unity to defeat our common enemy. We must give useful information about criminals to security agents because no matter how good they are, they cannot win the battle against criminals alone. Soldiers, policemen and other security agents need our goodwill and support to succeed.

“Finally, we appeal to all churches and mosques to always include our soldiers in their prayers particularly in their weekly assemblies. Let us also pray for a peaceful election and a prosperous Nigeria”.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/04/naf-helicopter-crash-muslim-group-lists-differences-jonathan-buharis-army/

12Monkeys:
A Muslim body, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has expressed concern over what it termed a Jewish symbol on the country’s new N100 note.

The new N100 note was unveiled to Nigerians recently by President Goodluck Jonathan in commemoration of Nigeria’s 100 years’ anniversary.

However, MURIC, in a statement by its Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, alleged the insertion of a Jewish symbol into the new currency, demanding explanation from the Federal Government.

It said its office had been inundated with calls by those who had observed the symbol.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Akintola said it was paramount for the government to urgently address the issue.

“The Federal Government, on November 12, 2014 unveiled the new design for the N100 commemorative centenary banknote which will be officially issued on December 19.

“However, the office of the Muslim Rights Concern has been inundated with calls for action on the Jewish symbol on the new note. Nigerian Muslims are complaining that the Arabic writing in Hausa language (the Ajami script) that read ‘Naira Dari’ (i.e. one hundred naira) on the N100 note has been removed and replaced with the Jewish symbol, the Star of David.

“As a faith-based human rights organisation which believes in the dialogue option, MURIC is duty bound to articulate the demands of Nigerian Muslims, particularly on matters which have to do with imbalance in treatment of the adherents of the different religions governments (federal or state).

“MURIC recalls that Arabic inscriptions which have always been on Nigerian currency since independence were unceremoniously removed in 2005 from N5, N10, N20 and N50 denominations. They remained on N100, N200, N500 and N1,000 denominations.

“Nigerian Muslims regard the latest action, namely, the supplanting of Arabic with Jewish symbol from the new N100 as a continuation of the campaign of elimination by substitution against Arabic language and, by implication, against Nigerian Muslims.

“It is well known that a large section of the Nigerian population use the Arabic Ajami and removing it from the new note will deprive millions of users of the Arabic Ajami of the ability to recognise, identify and use the new currency.

“Furthermore, putting the Jewish symbol on the new N100 falls short of international standard, as currencies worldwide are designed to suit each nation’s culture and history.

“Where does the Jewish symbol fit in? Which Nigerian community speaks the Jewish language? The insertion of the Jewish symbol is, therefore, clannish and parochial. It is tainted with undisguised religious fanaticism.

“There is nothing wrong for our president to like Israel as a nation, but it is another thing entirely to openly and brazenly promote Zionism at the highest office in this country when we are still struggling with the last vestiges of colonialism. Nigerian Muslims are becoming increasingly suspicious and very uncomfortable with the actions and inactions of President Jonathan.

“Firstly, in spite of the preponderance of Muslims in the South West, he appointed no single Muslim as minister in the whole region for almost four years. Secondly, he marginalised Muslims in the deliberations which took place in the national conference by appointing a meagre 189 Muslims as against 303 Christians.

“Thirdly, Mr President saturated the security system in Aso Rock with Israeli security operatives, a nation well known for its animosity towards Muslims. The supplanting of Arabic language with Jewish symbol is the fourth among Jonathan’s anti-Muslim policies.

“If once is happenstance, if twice is a coincidence and if the third time is enemy action, what do we call the fourth time? We are sick and tired of our president’s hatred for us. He openly confronts Muslims and goads us to challenge him.

“But we will not be provoked. Neither shall we be intimidated by executive maladministration. As apostles of dialogue and advocates of peaceful coexistence, as tax-payers, voters and citizens of this country, we hereby ask President Jonathan to explain the Jewish symbol on Nigeria’s money.

“We also demand to know why the presidency could not employ security experts from neutral countries like Britain or France instead of Israel, which is a sworn enemy of Muslims. Mr President may also deem it fit to tell us if there is no correlation between the Israeli security experts in Aso Rock, the Israeli caught with Nigeria’s N9.3 million arms money in South Africa and the Jewish symbol on the new N100 note.

“Mr President sir, are you not gradually selling Nigeria to Israel? Are you sure this will not attract the wrath of Israel’s enemies to our dear country? Can this also be partly responsible for the viciousness of the Boko Haram phenomenon?

“MURIC appeals to Muslims nationwide to await President Jonathan’s response to the above questions and to remain calm and law abiding. Islam teaches tolerance (Qur’an 3:134) and obedience to constituted authority (Qur’an 4:59),” the statement read.
http://tribune.com.ng/news/news-headlines/item/22360-muslim-body-alleges-jewish-symbol-on-new-n100-note