Press Release: PROTECT MUSLIMS IN THE EAST 24th October 2007
The office of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has been inundated with complaints about religious persecution in the Eastern part of Nigeria. The victims of this repression are either Igbo and Delta region Muslims or Muslims from other parts of the country resident in the area.
In some cases, acts of discrimination are targeted at Muslim children in educational institutions. Female Muslims who wear hijab are rebuffed and mocked in public health institutions. Muslim cemeteries are desecrated. Land used for such cemeteries are seized and the state governments convert Muslim cemeteries to other uses even though the land is legitimately acquired by the Muslims. Some state governments revoke the certificate of occupancy granted Muslims to build mosques. Government agents are appointed into Muslim pilgrims boards for the express object of creating problems for genuine Muslims who wish to process pilgrimage papers.
Reports collated from MURIC branches in the South East and South-South paint a gloomy picture of religious intolerance as well as systematic victimization of Muslims in the social, educational and economic sectors.
MURIC laments this awkward development. We remind the state governments in these areas that freedom of religion is entrenched in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Article 18 of the United Nations Charter affirms freedom of thought, conscience and religion. The repression of Muslims in the East is therefore illegal, unconstitutional and therefore unacceptable.
In a period when stakeholders in the Nigerian project are advocating peaceful coexistence, such obnoxious practice is definitely counter-productive. We cannot preach peaceful coexistence publicly and practice religious apartheid secretly and actively. MURIC appeals to the authorities in states where Muslims are in the minority to take urgent steps to address the issue in the interest of peace. We call on the Federal Government to urgently embark on measures capable of protecting the interest of minorities all over the country.
Dr. Is-haq Akintola Abdul Yakeen Williams
DIRECTOR PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER |
