Group warns MURIC against creating religious crisis in Ekiti

A group, Integrity Leadership Organisation, has warned the Director, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Prof. Ishaq Akintola, not to create religious crisis in Ekiti State through his alleged unguarded outbursts.The group carpeted Akintola over what it described as his unwarranted criticism of the recent appointments made by Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

Akinola had in a statement earlier in the week faulted the Ekiti State government for appointing more Christians than Muslims in various positions in the government.

The group, in a statement signed by its National Co-ordinator, Mr. Lekan Oyediran and made available to journalists yesterday, said Akinola’s criticism was misplaced, stressing that competence and involvement in politics and community development are of greater consideration in appointment than the issue of religion.

“It is disturbing to hear that the MURIC leader, Prof. Isaq Akinola, made such statement, giving the impression that the Ekiti State governor deliberately sidelined Muslims in the appointments made so far.

“This is quite misleading. The fact is that the Fayemi administration had in the last four months appointed both Christians and Muslims into positions, including a former President of the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs.“We know and believe the likes of Prof. Akinola should know too that appointments into offices are not based on religious affiliation but on competence and involvement in politics and community development,” the group said.

“The Muslim population in Ekiti State is about five per cent and the present administration has been fair in its dealings with the Muslim community, especially in the area of appointment.

“There is no golden rule that says that Muslims should occupy a particular position in government.“We urge Christians and Muslims in the state to shun any group or individual out to surreptitiously sow the seed of discord.“It is high time we continue to support an administration that has demonstrated clearly its commitment to the all-round development of the state and its citizens through the promotion of core values and purposeful leadership.”