The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), on Monday, opposed the supposed endorsement of the current governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for a second term.
A statement from the group’s director, Professor Ishaq Akintola labeled the idea as “unfair and provocative”.
In the statement, MURIC argued that the APC leadership’s endorsement of the sitting Governor violates a long standing unwritten rule on rotational governance between Christians and Muslims in Lagos State. Akintola said Christians have had their two terms and it is now time for a Muslim governor for 2023.
The statement read,
“It is on record that ex-Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, a Christian, spent four years in office and another Christian, Babajide Sanwo-Olu was brought in ostensibly to complete the Christians’ two terms which expires by May 2023 when a Muslim, ceteris paribus, is expected to take over the reins of office.”
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“That is why Muslims in Lagos State regard the recent endorsement given to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to run for the Christians’ third term as unfair, unjust and provocative. It may not be known in official circles, but Lagos Muslims are grumbling and we have been under pressure for some time now to speak up,”
“MURIC rejects exclusivism in matters of governance the unwritten laws should have been adhered to. Lagos Muslims are taxpayers and key stakeholders in issues affecting the welfare of Lagos citizens. We must, therefore, be consulted on matters of governance.”
“We refuse to be blindfolded on the way to the polling booth. Neither shall we be satisfied just as voters, we must also be voted for. That is the essence of democracy. It must be participatory.”
“The choice of candidates and leadership must not be lopsided in a democracy. Every segment of society must be consulted.”
