MARGINALIZATION OF SOUTHERN MUSLIMS IN POLITICAL APPOINTMENTS: A DELIBERATE ATTEMPT TO EXTERMINATE THE SOUTHERN MUSLIMS AND A CALL FOR URGENT REDRESS
The Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, B-Zone, expresses its profound displeasure, disappointment, and concern over the marginalization of Southern Muslims especially the South West in recent political appointments by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and Governors of Lagos, Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, Osun, Edo, Delta and other southern States. The Society deems these appointments as clear instances of injustice, unfairness, and a blatant disregard for equity.
During his inaugural speech and at his public interaction with Muslim Ummah of South Western Nigeria (MUSWEN), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu promised to lead an inclusive government without fear or favour. However, it is disheartening to witness the glaring lopsidedness in his recent appointment of Ministers and Special Advisers from Southern Nigeria, leading to the marginalization of Southern Muslims. From the South, only 2 out the entire ministerial nominees so far have been sent to the National Assembly. Ditto for Special Advisers appointed.
This pattern of marginalization is not limited to the federal level but is also evident in the nomination of Commissioners and Special Advisers in various Southern States. In Oyo State, only six out of the sixteen commissioners appointed by Governor Seyi Makinde are Muslims despite Muslims constituting a convenient majority of the state’s population. The Chief of Staff, Secretary to the State Government, Speaker, and Chief Judge of Oyo State are all Christians, raising concerns about religious favoritism.
Likewise, in Osun State, where the Governor represents both Muslim and Christian constituents, the composition of commissioners demonstrated a bias against Muslims, with only 7 out of 17 being Muslims.
In Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu sent 39 names for appointment as commissioners, with only 8 verifiable Muslims included. In Ekiti State also, only a Muslim was appointed in the 21-man cabinet formed by the state governor. While the Special Advisers show a similar trend with only 1 out of 14 being Muslims. The situation is worst in Edo, Ondo, Delta and other southern states. In most cases in these states, Muslims have no representation at all in the cabinet.
The Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, B-Zone views this consistent pattern as a deliberate agenda to dominate, subjugate, and politically exterminate Muslims, despite their significant population within the region.
This marginalization does not only reflect religious intolerance, it also violates Section 14 (4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, which explicitly emphasizes the need for diverse representation and promotion of a sense of belonging among all citizens.
In the light of these concerns, MSSN, B-Zone calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently address the existing imbalance in the remaining appointments to ensure that Muslims are adequately represented.
Furthermore, the Society calls upon Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to withdraw the current list of nominees sent to Lagos State House Assembly and ensure a fair and equitable representation of Muslims in the cabinet. The Society urges the Speaker and members of the Lagos State House Assembly to reject the list due to its lack of fairness and equity.
Similarly, the Society urges the Governor of Ekiti State to halt the inauguration of the screened Commissioners and Special Advisers until a more balanced representation of Muslims in the state’s cabinet is achieved.
We equally call on all other states in southern Nigeria to ensure equitable representation of Muslims in their cabinets. Qualified Muslims abound across political parties in all the states of Southern Nigeria.
The Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, B-Zone emphasizes that it is the largest youth organisation in Nigeria and the South making it a critical stakeholder in the political affairs of the region. As contributors to the socio-economic and political development of Nigeria, the Society’s civility should not be misinterpreted as docility. Southern Muslims reject any act of religious subjugation by their Christian counterparts in the collective political affairs of the region.
The President is urged to acknowledge the massive votes freely given by Muslims and address the anomalies urgently. The Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, B-Zone, remains committed to fostering peace, unity, and religious tolerance in the Nigeria in general and Southern Nigeria in particular but will not sit by when Muslims are been subjugated in their own father’s land.
Signed
Barrister Qaasim Odedeji
Amir/Zonal Coordinator
Alh. Abdul Jalil Abdur Razaq
Secretary
Tahir Mas’ud
Public Relations Officer
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