Sodiq Lawal
The State Government of Osun has replied Muslim Rights Organisation (MURIC) for faulting Governor Ademola Adeleke’s cabinet nominees list.
OSUN DEFENDER recalls that on Monday, in a statement signed by Ishaq Akintola, the group’s executive director, MURIC said Adeleke’s list of nominees contains seven Muslims and seventeen Christians.
The group accused the governor of “marginalisation, shortchanging and oppression of Muslims” in the state.
According to the statement: “We condemn this wanton blockage of privileges that should go to Muslims. By deceiving Muslims in the state and engaging in spiritual hide and seek, Governor Adeleke has exhibited qualities short in honour and dignity but egregiously long in infamy and bohemianism.
“The goal of Adeleke’s deception is for the perpetuation of the marginalisation, 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.
“For the avoidance of doubts, we are solidly for meritocracy but the latter does not reside in Christendom 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.”
Meanwhile, In a statement issued on Tuesday by Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor, said, the state government noted that ever since assuming office, Governor Adeleke has premised his governance decisions on competency and commitment to state duty of appointees in his avowed commitment to deliver on good governance and correct inherited ills from previous governments.
He 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.
“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 destabilization 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 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.”
