Muslim groups fault commissioner-nominees’ list

Accuse Sanwo-Olu of lopsidedness, demand reversal to ensure justice

A coalition of Muslim groups, under the auspices of the Joint Muslims Forum (JMF), has expressed their grievances towards the insensitiveness of the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to Muslim community in the state.

The groups alleged that Sanwo-Olu was insensitive towards the plight of Muslims who, according to them, constitute over 60 per cent of not just the state’s population but also its voting public.

“We the Muslims of Lagos State wish to categorically state that the entire leadership of the Muslim community of Lagos State, representing various Muslim organisations, unequivocally and unanimously reject the list of commissioner-designates of Governor Sanwo-Olu and we demand a reversal and review to reflect 60 per cent in favour of Muslims in a fresh list.

“JMF called on the state government to respect the Constitution of Nigeria in immediate and subsequent appointments.

“It is crucial in ensuring that all Lagosians feel included and represented in the government. Nigeria practises representative democracy, the governor was elected to serve the people.”

The Spokesperson of the forum, National Missioner and Chief Imam, Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (AUDSN), Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad, during a media briefing, attended by over 30 vibrant Muslim leaders, including Sheikh AbdulRahman Ahmad, Sheikh AbdulRahman Adangba; Director of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Prof. Lakin Akintola, among others, said Muslims in Lagos State rejected Sanwo-Olu’s commissioner-nominees’ list, saying that eight Muslims to 31 Christians on the list shows callousness, insensitiveness and unfairness to the Muslims.

“Over the past years, Muslims have witnessed several instances of injustice by the Governor Sanwo-Olu-led administration through unfavourable policies, lopsided appointments, and infringements on our religious and socio-political rights as a community,” he said.

The Forum said Muslims were mobilised to vote for the return of Governor Sanwo-Olu and his deputy and also defended the votes under very difficult circumstances.