25th April, 2022
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has explained why it would not endorse the bid by Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu for a second term in office.
Professor Ishaq Akintola, the group’s director who said this in a statement said this was because the Governor’s bid for a second term violated the ‘unwritten rotational agreement on the governance of the state.
He also accused the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of violating the the agreement by endorsing Sanwo-Olu for a second term.
According to him, there is a long-standing unwritten rule on rotational governance between Christians and Muslims in Lagos State.
Judging by past administrations in the state, he noted that the Christians have had their two terms and it is the turn of Muslims to produce a governor.
“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 expire by May 2023 when a Muslim, ceteris paribus, is expected to take over the reins of office.
“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.
“Lagos Muslims are taxpayers 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.