The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) expressed disappointment in the appointments made by President Bola Tinubu in key financial positions and other areas.
They revealed that their advocacy for a Muslim-Muslim ticket had encountered obstacles.
In a statement, MURIC issued an apology to other supporters of the Muslim-Muslim ticket, particularly Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, for not succeeding in their efforts. They noted with concern that the pursuit of a Muslim-Muslim ticket has resulted in what they perceive as a predominantly Christian government.
Professor Ishaq Akintola, the National Coordinator of MURIC, took responsibility for their campaign in favor of the Muslim-Muslim ticket. He cautioned that if this trend continues, it may jeopardize President Bola Tinubu’s chances of winning re-election in 2027.
“We are shocked to our marrows that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been appointing Christians and Yorubas mainly to key positions since the inception of this administration at the expense of Muslims. For instance, five out of eight security chiefs appointed earlier are Christians. Ministerial posts have not been different.
“All five key appointments made by President Tinubu to revive the economy were given to Christians and Yorubas mainly. These new appointees include the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, the newly nominated CBN Governor, Dr. Michael Cardoso, Hon. Zacch Adedeji, Acting Chairman, FIRS, the Chairman, Tax Reforms Committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele and Mr. Tope Fasua, Special Adviser on Economic Affairs.
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“Many competent Muslims, who campaigned and voted Muslim-Muslim ticket during the presidential election, were ignored. It is interesting to note that some of those Muslims are eminently qualified to hold key political offices since there are professors, engineers, medical doctors and holders of doctorate degrees among them.
“To add salt to injury, one of the best Muslim ministerial nominees, the man who championed the Muslim-Muslim ticket and mobilised the whole North behind Asiwaju has been jettisoned. Also, Professor Ali Isa Pantami, who took the communication and digital economy to enviable heights during the last administration was ignored. Where, then, is our Muslim president, taking Nigerian Muslims?
“MURIC rejects this trending narrative that makes competence the raison d’etre for concentrating appointments in any particular tribe, religion or group. Government’s tentacles should be spread nationwide in the search for competence. Neither should the need for skills be used as a cover for the marginalisation of some sections of Nigeria.
“This regime must be wary of allegations of nepotism, which the previous regime was accused of. Nigeria is a vast country with talented men and women in all nooks and crannies. Government must not just pick the low hanging skills or those on the water surface. It must send its underwater swimmers to dive below the surface in order to bring the gems to dry land.
“Our message to President Tinubu is this (and we want the president’s handlers to take this to him) the cacophony of voices of dissatisfied Muslims has reached an unbearable crescendo such that MURIC is now constrained to speak up. People are complaining, particularly Muslims from the North and South West and they can only be ignored at the risk of foregoing 2027,” he said.