Muric Kicks against Sanwo-Olu’s second term, bids for Muslim candidate
By Ibrahim Adeleke
The Muslim Rights Concern has kicked against the re-election of Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu arguing that it is the turn of a Muslim to be elected as the state governor.
In a statement by the Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola on Monday, he said the recent endorsement of the governor by leaders of the All Progressives Congress is not in line with an unwritten rule that guides the rotation of governance between the Christian and Muslim worshippers in the state.
He said Sanwo-Olu completed the two terms of the Christians and it is the turn of Muslims to produce the state governor in the state.
According to him, “It is on record that ex-Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, a Christian, spent four years in office and another Christian, Babajide Sanwo-Olu was brought in ostensibly to complete the Christians’ two terms which expires by May 2023 when a Muslim, ceteris paribus, is expected to take over the reins of office.
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“That is why Muslims in Lagos State regard the recent endorsement given to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to run for the Christians’ third term as unfair, unjust and provocative. It may not be known in official circles, but Lagos Muslims are grumbling and we have been under pressure for some time now to speak up,” he said.
The statement said it rejected exclusivism in matters of governance, adding that “Lagos Muslims are tax payers and key stakeholders in issues affecting the welfare of Lagos citizens. We must, therefore, be consulted on matters of governance.”
“We refuse to be blindfolded on the way to the polling booth. Neither shall we be satisfied just as voters, we must also be voted for. That is the essence of democracy. It must be participatory. The choice of candidates and leadership must not be lopsided in a democracy. Every segment of society must be consulted,” he added.
