The Plateau State chapter of the Coalition of Concerned Muslims, has distanced itself from a statement issued by the Executive Director of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Prof. Ishaq Akintola, which alleged that the call by Governor Caleb Mutfwang for the withdrawal of the military from troubled spots in the state was a subtle move to target Muslims.
In a strongly worded statement by its chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Adamu, the group said it was appalling that Akintola could descend so low as to make such inciting and inflammatory statements when all Mutfwang intended was to calm frayed nerves following a fresh wave of attacks in the state by bandits that led to massive loss of lives and properties.
Adamu noted that the Muslim coalition was shocked by Akintola’s statement, which he said was not only baseless but spurious without any iota of truth.
The coalition said it read the MURIC statement with utter disbelief and deep concern and wishes to categorically and unequivocally dissociate itself from the said statement which, in its view, is a desperate attempt to paint the peace-loving people of the state in a bad light and to provoke unnecessary tension between Muslims and their neighbours.
“As Muslims who live, work, and raise our families on the Plateau, we can attest that under Governor Mutfwang, a fresh breeze of inclusion, respect, and peaceful coexistence has been blowing across the land,” the group said.
It added that since assuming office, Mutfwang has extended the hand of fellowship to all, irrespective of religion, tribe, or political leaning.
Adamu emphasized that thus far, the Muslim community in Plateau has enjoyed more freedom than they had in recent years.
“Our people have been given appointments based on merit and not religious identity. Government projects from roads to schools, water, and health centers have reached our doorsteps, and yearly pilgrimages to Mecca have been sponsored by the state government with impressive organization and transparency.”
It stressed that Muslim leaders
under the umbrella of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) have enjoyed direct and open access to the governor to raise issues and offer counsel in the spirit of dialogue and mutual respect.
“It is therefore baffling that someone who neither lives here nor understands our reality would attempt to set fire to the house while pretending to be pouring water. A stranger cannot beat the drum better than the owner of the masquerade.”
The coalition further stated that Akintola’s remarks were laced with venom and devoid of facts and do not reflect the thoughts, experiences, and aspirations of Muslims in Plateau State.
“His comments are not only reckless and unfounded, but also an affront to our collective sensibilities as peace-loving citizens who have chosen the path of peaceful coexistence and brotherhood with our neighbours.”
The Muslim body warned Akintola to steer clear of Plateau affairs, “lest he becomes the fly that follows the corpse into the grave”, and rather use his platform to build bridges to mend fences, and not fan the embers of hatred.
“Nigeria is already facing numerous challenges. It needs healing voices, not toxic tongues. We call on all Muslims across the country to disregard MURIC’s statement as ill-informed, mischief-driven, and completely detached from the true situation on the ground. The truth is like the sun. You can cover it for a while, but you cannot stop it from shining.
“We stand firmly with Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang and his administration. He has been fair, just, and inclusive. As Muslims in Plateau, we are stakeholders in the peace and progress of our dear state, and we shall not allow anyone to sow discord in our midst,” the statement added.
