Some Muslim leaders in the south west have decried what they described as marginalisation by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration in spite of the massive support he received from Muslim Umal in the region during the 2023 presidential election.
They accused the administration of shortchanging the Muslims in the zone in key appointment, while favoring Christians by appointing them into more lucrative and sensitive positions.
The leaders made their position known during at a World Press Conference in Ibadan, Oyo state capital on Wednesday.
Not a few Nigerians opposed the Muslim/ Muslim ticket of President Tinubu and Kassim Shettima during the presidential election, but their party, the All Progressives Congress, APC went ahead to win the election with the support of Muslims in the country.
Having participated actively in the emergence of President Tinubu, the scholars said they had expected that the president will correct the imbalance in government appointment which has been swayed against Muslims in the country.
For instance, they alleged that federal ministerial appointments from the zone have gone to Christians, while Muslims were left with barely 20 percent of the appointments, the president made from the zone since he came to power.
They also asserted their support for the establishment of Sharia courts in the six south west states, as being clamored by some Muslims, saying it’s their religious right to do so, citing cited Section 275 of the Nigerian Constitution, which allows for the establishment of Sharia Courts of Appeal.
According to them, out of the 11 ministerial positions from the south west, only four were alloted to Muslims while seven went to Christians.
“Ministers (11 total): Seven Christians: Hon. Dele Alake, Hon. Bosun Tijani, Hon. Wale Edun, Hon. Lola Ade John, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, Hon. Jumoke Oduwole, and Hon. Ayodele Olawande,” the scholars said.
They added, “Four Muslims: Hon. Ishak Salako Adekunle, Hon. Waheed Adelabu, Hon. Isiaka Oyetola, and Hon. Tunji Alausa Morufu.
“Key security positions and top appointments: Christian appointees include Yemi Cardoso (CBN Governor), Zaccheus Adedeji (FIRS Chairman), and Olanipekun Olukayode (EFCC Chairman).” The magazine reports that not a few leaders from the zone have kicked against the establishment of Sharia court in the zone, saying it will lead to crisis and religious disharmony.
Discover more from The Source
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
