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By Sunday Ani
A Coalition of Concerned Plateau Muslims has disowned a statement by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) and reaffirmed its support for the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang’s inclusive leadership in the state.
A statement by Alhaji Mohammed Adamu for the group expressed concern over some spurious and inviting allegations against the Governor in a statement by MURIC Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.
It described Prof Akintola’s allegations as an attempt to paint the people of Plateau State in bad light and provoke tension between the Muslims and their Christian brothers and sisters.
Part of the statement read: “We wish to categorically and unequivocally dissociate ourselves from the said statement, which, in our considered view, is a desperate attempt to paint the peace-loving people of Plateau State in a bad light and to provoke unnecessary tension between Muslims and their neighbours. That dog will not hunt.
“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. Since assuming office, the Governor has extended the hand of fellowship to all, irrespective of religion, tribe or political leaning.
“The Plateau Muslim community has never had it better in recent years. Our people have been given appointments based on merit and not religious identity. The government projects from roads to schools, water and health centres have reached our doorsteps and yearly pilgrimages to Mecca have been sponsored by the state government with impressive organisation and transparency.
“Our leaders, under the umbrella of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), enjoy 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 group noted that Akintola’s remarks were laced with venom and devoid of facts, stressing that the remarks did not reflect their thoughts, experiences or aspirations as Muslims in Plateau State.
It described his comments as not only reckless and unfounded, but also an affront to the collective sensibilities of the Plateau Muslims as peace-loving citizens, who have chosen the path of peaceful coexistence and brotherhood with their neighbours.
The statement continued: “We, therefore, advise Prof Akintola to steer clear of Plateau affairs, lest he becomes the fly that follows the corpse into the grave. Let him use his platform to build bridges, not walls; to mend fences and not to 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.”
