It is with a profound sense of responsibility and an unwavering commitment to truth that we, the MuslimRights Concern (MURIC), Ogun State Chapter, under the leadership of Alhaji Tajudeen Jimoh Alao (AAN), issue this rejoinder to address the recent misrepresentation and unjust blackmail of MURIC and its esteemed Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Lakin Akintola, by Professor Anthony Kila, the Director of the Centre for International Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS).
Professor Kila’s recent comments, as published in some national newspapers, are not only misleading but also deeply damaging to the reputation of MURIC, an organization that has consistently championed peace, dialogue, and religious harmony in Nigeria.
A TRUE CHAMPION OF PEACE MISUNDERSTOOD
Professor Ishaq Lakin Akintola is a man of exceptional integrity whose lifelong commitment to fostering peace and religious tolerance in Nigeria is beyond reproach. For decades, he has been a staunch advocate of justice and equity through peaceful means, shunning any form of incitement or violence.
His impressive track record is a testament to his unwavering belief in dialogue as the most effective tool for resolving religious and social conflicts.
The motto of MURIC, *“Dialogue, Not Violence,”* embodies the very core of our operations. Through intellectual engagement, constructive criticism, and collaborative efforts, we have consistently sought to bridge the divides among Nigeria’s diverse religious and ethnic communities.
To portray such an organization or its leader as anything other than peace-loving is not only misleading but also an affront to the truth.
MURIC’S UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO RELIGIOUS HARMONY
MURIC has always been a firm advocate for religious tolerance and the unity of Nigeria. Our interventions are designed to bridge gaps between faiths and foster mutual respect.
Therefore, Professor Kila’s unfounded accusations are a direct attack on an organization that has contributed immensely to promoting harmony in our pluralistic society.
As an academic and the director of a professional institution, Professor Kila should have recognized the importance of accuracy and thorough research before making public assertions.
It is disappointing that someone of his stature would resort to sensationalism, seemingly in pursuit of attention. We urge him to engage in proper investigation and dialogue with the subjects of his criticism before publishing such inflammatory and baseless accusations.
His claim that MURIC wanted Sanwoolu out because he is a Christian is baseless and unfounded. We made it clear at the time that Sanwo-Olu marginalized Muslims in his choice of cabinet members.
Kila also falsely claimed that MURIC wanted GOTV to stop airing a Christian programme just because it is a Christian programme. Should we assume that Kila did not understand the issues raised by us on the GOTV affair? We believe it will be safer to assume that Kila is trying to change the narrative out of mischief.
We reiterate once again, MURIC did not say GOTV should not air any Christian programme. What we kicked against was making any religious programme the default channel that viewers must see immediately they switch on their television sets.
We therefore asked GOTV to relocate the Christian programme back to its former channel (110). Internet is a trusted chronicler. Our statement on the matter is still there for all to see (https://independent.ng/gotv-taking-undue-advantage-to-oppress-nigerian-muslims-muric/).
Why should a person of the caliber of Professor Kila tell lies openly and unashamedly?
The only crime MURIC has committed is that it dares to defend Muslims who are being persecuted in the South West. People like Kila have been used to a passive and submissive Muslim community in the region.
They never expected a group like MURIC to surface. Well we are here and no amount of blackmail from detractors will silence us.
People like Kila want Muslims of today to be the same like yesterday when they took all the bashings and gave nothing back.
Muslim-haters had a free day as there was no one to demand fair treatment of Muslims. We are therefore not surprised that oppressors of Muslims, rogue leaders and their court jesters now see MURIC as a ‘threat’. We know why this is so.
They see MURIC as the group standing between them and innocent Muslims whom they want to continue stereotyping, humiliating, intimidating and marginalizing. But the masses, particularly Muslims, see MURIC as a friend of the oppressed and ally of the downtrodden.
Kila is simply engaging in proxy war with MURIC on behalf of Muslim-haters like him. Kila is fanning the embers of religious crisis.
Is it not surprising that neither Kila nor any of the human rights groups in the country has ever defended Muslims before and even after the emergence of
MURIC?
They care nothing about the rights of Muslims. Has Kila ever spoken against the persecution of female Muslim students in the region? Never.
One more reason he has cried out now is that MURIC is getting results and it hurts him. Oppressors and Muslim-haters are being stopped halfway while Kila hurts deep inside.
Lick your wounds, Kila. There is nothing you can do about the new awareness among Muslims in the South West. The MURIC you wish to stop employs no violence. MURIC uses lawful, legitimate and constitutional means to protect Nigerian Muslims.
MURIC today has filed several cases in Nigerian courts to fight injustice against Muslims. Do terrorists take cases to the court? Find something else to say. You have lost this case.
A PLEA FOR UNITY AND UNDERSTANDING
We implore all Nigerians, including Professor Kila, to embrace the values of peace, dialogue, and mutual respect.
At a time when our nation faces significant challenges, divisive rhetoric, and baseless accusations serve only to deepen our divisions. Instead, we should work together to build a Nigeria where citizens of all faiths and ethnicities can coexist peacefully.
Signed,
Alhaji Tajudeen Jimoh Alao (AAN)
State Chairman, MURIC Ogun State.
Alhaji Olaleye Rasheed Damilare
Secretary, MURIC Ogun State.
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