The Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Professor Ishaq Akintola, has faulted the commissioner list unveiled by the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke.

In a statement released by the Islamic group, it was alleged that the commissioner list unveiled by Governor Adeleke contained seven (7) Muslims and seventeen Christians (17).

The list has, therefore, drawn the ire of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) which has condemned the governor’s list.

MURIC labelled Adeleke as “a secret agent of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) with a licence to oppress Muslims.”

The condemnation was contained in a statement issued on Monday 10th July, 2023 by the Executive Director of the human rights group, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

The statement reads:

“Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State recently unveiled the list of his commissioners which contains seven (7) Muslims and seventeen Christians (17).

“However, the list has drawn the ire of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) which has condemned the governor’s list. MURIC labelled Adeleke as a secret agent of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) with a licence to oppress Muslims.

“We condemn this wanton blockage of privileges that should go to Muslims and their diversion to over-pampered and over-fed Christians in Osun State. By deceiving Muslims in the state and engaging in spiritual hide and seek, Governor Adeleke has exhibited qualities odoriferously short in honour and dignity but egregiously long in infamy and bohemianism.

“The goal of Adeleke’s deception is for the perpetuation of the marginalization, shortchanging and oppression of Muslims in Osun State. Adeleke is a secret agent of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). Like the legendary James Bond, a.k.a. 007 who had the licence to kill, Adeleke has now acquired the licence to oppress Osun Muslims by becoming governor of the state.

“But it is for a while. Time will tell. Governor ‘James Bond’ and the few selfish Muslims whom he is using will soon see that honesty and openness are what makes enduring leadership. Almighty Allah says, ‘And do not barter away My verses for trivial gain, and fear Me alone.’ (Glorious Qur’an 2:41).

“For the avoidance of doubts, we are solidly for meritocracy but the latter does not reside in Christiandom alone. Eminently qualified Muslims abound in large number for those who seek fairness and equity. Gone are those days when anyone can use wool to cover the eyes of Muslims.”

Reaction

While reacting to the comment made by the Islamic group, the state government alleged an attempt to cause “a religious crisis in the state”, stating that “religion cannot be used as a divisive tool among the peace-loving people of the state.”

Governor Adeleke in a statement on Wednesday, stated that “the commissioner-nominees list was based on merit and competence, rather than any religious sentiment.”

The governor’s spokesperson, Mr Olawale Rasheed, in a statement, said, “His first appointees occupying commanding heights of the government were appointed not by religion but merit, competency and conformation with his style of leadership.”

He said, “The same principle of meritocracy which produced the nominated commissioners was applied in the appointments of permanent secretaries who are accounting officers of the ministries. This policy of equity, fairness and competency also guided the many landmark decisions of Mr Governor.

“With just eight months in office, the Governor has formed the habit of scouting for the best among indigenes who can support the concerted efforts to rescue the state from the many challenges of under-development, infrastructural deficit and poverty.

“It should also be put on record that the Governor’s approach has paid off with superlative delivery and performance which is highly appreciated by Osun indigenes at home and abroad.

“It must, therefore, be noted that no agent of destabilisation with mere nuisance value masquerading as a religious body can deploy religion as a partisan tool to divide and distract a government that is busy with correcting the ills of the recent past.

“Osun State is a highly enlightened society with deep records of religious harmony and close understanding of the Governor as a cosmopolitan leader who has never and will never pander to religious bigotry, ethnic partisanship and unmeritorious decision making.

“MURIC should look elsewhere for its merchandise of extremism and division. Religious leaders in Osun understand and support their Governor and their prayers uphold him every second.”