The Lagos Muslims community has rejected the list of proposed cabinet members submitted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to the state House of Assembly for screening and confirmation over unfair representation.
This is coming days after the Muslim Student Society of Nigeria, MSSN, also rejected the list based on no youth representation.
In a joint world press conference held on Tuesday in Lagos, the Convener of Joint Muslim Forum (JMF) and National Missioner, Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria, Imam Abdul Rahman Ahmad said the group has petitioned the state House of Assembly over the matter.
The press conference was attended by top Muslim leaders in Lagos, including Sheikh AbdulRahman Adangba; Amir (President) Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, MSSN, Kamoldeen Abiona; Director of Muslims Rights Concern, MURIC, Professor Lakin Akintola; and Sheikh Dhirullah Shafii.
The community declared that the 8 Muslims to 31 Christians on the list of 39 men and women show oppression, pathological hatred, and callousness.
Imam Ahmad noted that the forum had exhausted all efforts to reach out to the governor and his deputy over what it called the great injustice.
He stated, “In line with the dictates of our Islamic faith which consistently emphasizes fairness in all dealings, and also in line with our conviction that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy Dr Kadiri Hamzat both are better experienced and prepared to uplift the quality of lives of Lagosians, we mobilized our community to, not only vote for the return of the Governor, but also defended the votes under very difficult circumstances.
“It must be stated that the Muslim community did not collect a dime from neither the APC flag bearers, nor any of their opponents in that election, rather we acted truthfully and selflessly with hope for a more prosperous Lagos.
“With all sense of utmost sincerity, we noted to our utter dismay that Governor Sanwo-Olu’s list exhibited callous insensitivity to diversity, equity, and fairness. Muslims make up less than 20% of the list, even though they constitute over 60% of not just the state’s population but her voting public. We observed that out of 39 Nominees, only 8 are Muslims.
“It is no longer news that this list is not pleasing to the generality of Muslims of Lagos. It is indeed an affront to our collective sensibilities and tragically confirmed long-standing suspected misgivings about iGov. Sanwo-Olu’s genuine commitment to fair leadership.
“Before anyone says “the Muslims have started again” please take some time to examine the facts: Go through the history of appointments by Lagos State Government; look at the demography that make up Lagos States; look at it from the lens of what is right and fair; the intention then becomes clear.
“When many in the Christian community rightly or wrongly rejected Governor Sanwo-Olu and his party purportedly to protest the Muslim-Muslim ticket at the national level, we the Muslims of Lagos state stood solidly and voted enmasse to ensure his victory, but rather than show appreciation, it appears that Mr. Sanwo-Olu choose to perpetrate injustice and ingratitude in an ill-thought affront to the peaceful and accommodating Muslim community of Lagos.
“Over the past years, we have witnessed several instances of injustice towards Muslims by the Governor Sanwo-Olu-led state government through its unfavorable policies, lopsided appointments, and infringements on our religious and socio-political rights as a community.
“At various times and fora, we have engaged the government listing these grievances and concerns all to no avail, with no well-defined efforts by the state government till date to assuage these grievances etc.
“The released list of commissioners is thus a continuation of the old, abnormality and a reaffirmation that the state government has no regard whatsoever for the Muslims in the state nor our interest.
“The Muslims have done nothing to deserve this; in fact, they have played their part by ensuring that the government of the day won the election. The Muslims massively voted for APC when others campaigned for other parties. It is also important to mention that this is not a one-off for this administration.
“In the last term of this government six (6) Tutors-General were appointed and all were Christians, with instances where senior Muslim successors were sidelined for the nearest Christians. Governance should be about fairness and equity.
“Why must Muslims in Lagos State always beg and fight for their constitutional rights in the present dispensation? We recall with utmost sadness really, that until the Supreme Court ruled in favour of hijab for our schoolgirls, successive Lagos Governments, never felt it should endeavour to align with the global best practice of accepting hijab in addition to abiding with the rule of law,” he stated.
Alleluia is the Assistant Editor and Content Writer at LagosPost.ng. She is a prolific writer and editor, she has written features and news stories on Lifestyle, Sports, Business, Politics and B2B marketing. She is also an event coordinator, host and social media content creator.
