Press Release: MAYHEM OVER SAOLA'S KILLING: APPEAL FOR CALM 7th January 2008

The alleged killing of the Chairman of the Lagos State Road Transport Workers Union (RATAWU)which sparked off rioting at Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, today, Monday 7th January 2008, calls for urgent action so that the mayhem may not spread to other parts of the state. A crisis of this nature which starts on the first day that children are returning to school deserves immediate solution. It constitutes a threat to the lives of innocent children and raises fear among parents.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) is aware of the predominance of Muslims among members of RATAWU. We remind this group of the peaceful nature of Islam and the fact that Islam forbids Muslims from taking other people's lives. We therefore appeal to all factions of RATAWU and other stakeholders to cease all forms of hostilities and allow peace to reign.

We charge the Chief Imam of Lagos State to make a special appeal to RATAWU on the need to improve the image of Islam among its members. We equally call on all Imams in Lagos State to appeal to members of this group in their mosques. There is an urgent need to enlighten not only Muslim members of RATAWU but also all Muslim artisans on their social responsibilities. This can be done most effectively by the local Imams.

MURIC urges the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State to ensure that the crisis does not escalate. Lagosians deserve a peaceful atmosphere to enable them pursue their daily bread.

Dr. Is-haq Akintola
DIRECTOR