Press Release: OIC BRUHAHA: TIME FOR OBJECTIVITY 9th April, 2008

The old controversy concerning the Organisation of Islamic Conference resurfaced a couple of weeks ago with the same old bitterness and rancour that characterised the debate in the late eighties. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has again started expressing its age-old opposition to Nigeria’s membership of the international body, warning of dire consequences if Nigeria fails to withdraw its membership.

We of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) are alarmed at this unfortunate development. We are constrained to wonder why CAN always takes a confrontational stance each time a Muslim heads the country. We are deeply touched that efforts of governments at federal and state levels as well as those of agencies and non-governmental organisations aimed at imparting the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence are rendered futile by such unwarranted rivalry and opposition.

MURIC is saddened by the fact that Nigerians have not learnt their lessons. We affirm that Nigeria belongs to all of us and no group is going to leave the country for the other. The earlier we learn to co-exist peacefully the better for all of us. Perhaps it is better for us to know that balkanising the country will not solve the problem. It will rather make it worse.

We advise CAN to desist from playing the dog in the manger. If CAN does not need OIC, the Muslims need it. CAN should practice what it teaches, namely, good neighbourliness. We call on CAN to be a good neighbour by not standing in the way of its brother. OIC is not a religious body. Many African countries with overwhelming Christian majority are members of the organisation. The issue of OIC membership has not caused any stir in other countries. It is subjective to always oppose anything that has the stamp of Islam, whether good or bad. It is time CAN accepts or rejects things on merit, not sentiment. This is definitely not the ‘dialogue’ posited by the dynamic Pope John Paul nor is it the ‘closing of ranks’ postulated by the current Pope.

Nonetheless, MURIC will not abandon its efforts aimed at bridging the gap between Muslims and the adherents of other faiths. We will continue to promote peaceful coexistence. We charge fellow Muslims to ignore CAN’s provocative stance. We call on the Federal Government not to do anything that may ostracise Muslims. CAN cannot dictate where Nigeria should belong. This country is a corporate project.

Dr. Is-haq Akintola