…’says Gov’s actions show he has no respect for Muslim populace’
The Osun State Chapter of Joint Muslims Action Forum (JOMAF), has berated Governor Ademola Adeleke for continuously marginalising Muslims in the scheme of things since he assumed office as the governor of the state.
According to the group, out of 25 Commissioners appointed by the Governor, only 7 are Muslims while the rest are Christians. Also, the group noted that out of 44 appointed Special Advisers to the Governor, only 15 are Muslims and the rest are Christians.
The group further pointed out that only 5 Muslims were appointed out of 26 Board Chairmen while the rest are Christians.
The Islamic group particularly frowned at what it described as ‘abysmal proportional representation of Muslims vis-a-vis their Christian counterparts against the Muslims population as reflected in the political appointments made by the Governor so far.
JOMAF, in a statement co-signed by its Chairman and Assistant Secretary General, Kola Uzamat and Haj. Miftah Olayiwola, said the Governor’s lopsided appointments had successfully conveyed the impression that “he has very little, if at all any, respect, regard and recognition for the Muslim populace in the State or at best, has accorded them a second class status of citizenship.”
The group maintained that the recent happenings in the political circle show clearly that the Governor had reneged on his electoral promise to ensure religious justice and balancing.
JOMAF who presented in a clear term the obvious dichotomy and disparity in appointments and political representation between Muslim and Christian faithful under the leadership of Governor Adeleke, said aside the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff to the Governor and a few other Muslims, the larger chunk of the appointments made so far are skewed in favour of Christian populace in the State.
They noted that out of 10 leadership positions of the State House of Assembly, there is only 1 Muslim while other 9 are Christians.
The Islamic group challenged the Governor’s preference to Christian at the expense of Muslims in his actions and inactions saying this had posed a serious division and polarized the Muslim Community in the state.
“Definitely your Excellency will agree with us that the above described scenario and accompanying mindset will not augur well for the image and record of the Mr. Governor, the Government and circle of Mr. Governor’s Muslim supporters, admirers and promoters, especially those who vouched and worked for you during the electioneering activities.
“The above assumptions can be premised against the background of certain factors in our recent political history, especially the undisputed fact that the Nation has just passed through the most emotional religious driven National general elections in the annals of Nigeria politics, which undoubtedly has pushed religion and religious considerations to the front burner of political discourse and calculations.
“Consequently, there can’t be any justification for ignoring same in political equation of a State like Osun.
“The contentious religious identity of Mr. Governor makes it a ‘sin qua non’ point of reference for you to strive to be above board and to demonstrate a penchant to entrench religious fairness and tolerance.
“Sir, it is worthy of note that this particular aspect has polarized the Muslim Community in the State and it is therefore an opportunity for your Excellency to reconcile with those who pitched tent against you in this regard, rather the current situation can only widen that gap of trust. This is our honest advice.
“Sir, we should not forget quickly that in the midst of this controversy, this group, JOMAF and several other Muslim Organizations were in solidarity with your declared, Islamic status and thus during the forum’s public interaction with your Excellency, you promised your readiness and disposition to give Muslim populace their FAIR SHARE if you win the governorship election which you eventually won.
“In the other words, you vowed to ensure RELIGIOUS JUSTICE AND BALANCING in your Administration, if given the opportunity to serve the State. Now, the chips are down Sir.
Kindly note Sir, that as your brothers, it is our wish and desire that you succeed and leave behind, indelible footprints of laudable achievements and a UNITED CITIZENRY devoid of RELIGIOUS RANCOUR, ACRIMONY AND DISHARMONY which will be a veritable tool to seek for further support in future elections.
“In view of the above, it is our candid view that there is still ample room for correction and improvement. In view of this, we hereby canvass for conscious amendments in the next rounds of appointments in order to balance the scale.
“Finally, we pray for Allah’s mercy to grant you the wisdom, courage and strong political will to ensure necessary JUSTICE AND FAIR PLAY. This, in our view will determine your real success at the end of the day,” the statement read.
