National Council of Muslim Youths Organisation in Oyo State has accused Governor Seyi Makinde of marginalising Muslims in the state.
The body alleged that the Makinde-led government side-tracked Muslims in the area of political appointments as well as non-approval of Islamic holiday.
The group said its members were left with no other choice than to vote against Governor Makinde in 2023.
The state Coordinator of NACOMYO, Alhaji Dawood Afolabi, who spoke at the special prayers and lecture for the commencement of Hijrah 1442 held at the Central Mosque, Ojaaba, Ibadan, on Thursday, said much was expected from the governor.
On the lecture titled, ‘Political development in Oyo State and the Muslims,’ Afolabi said, “It is disheartening that despite the promise of fairness and justice by the administration and continued lip-service to same at functions, Muslims are still being treated with disdain in government appointments.
“The glaring marginalisation in the composition of state executive, appointment into boards of tertiary institutions and the jettisoning of merit in the choice of head of Saki Zonal TESCOM are clear signals that Muslims should not trust the current helmsman in Oyo State.
“We should, therefore, keep our gunpowder dry and prepare for the next election. The withdrawal of ‘first Muharram’ as work free day in the state is another indicator. We, however, put our trust in Allah for a better deal via change of hands in government by 2023.
“Nevertheless, we wish to commend the Chairman of TESCOM, Pastor Akin Alamu, for the twin decision of cancellation of Christian Religious Knowledge questions from the grading modules of the Computer Based Test and for the adjustment of the timetable.
“We commend governors Oyetola and Ganduje of Osun and Kano respectively for the sustenance of Hijra holiday. Your names are written in gold as we pray that God strengthens your holds on power.
“Apart from the global health challenges, the hydra-headed problems of corruption, insecurity, fake news, and murder after rape still scare us in the country. These and other impediments to growth and development seem to defy all known panacea. We have no other option than to turn to Allah in true repentance to get relief.
The lecturer described the escape of the prime suspect in the serial killings in Akinyele, Sunday Shodipe as baffling, saying, “It calls for a thorough surgical operation in the security architecture of the state. We demand for the probe of the unfortunate incident while the perpetrators are quickly brought to justice.
Lamenting the passage of late Abiola Ajimobi, former Oyo State Governor, noting that he bestrode the Islamic circle like a colossus, he called for the support of religious faithful, adding, “We wish to acknowledge our legions of sponsors who, despite the ravaging scourge, remains steadfast in Islamic promotion.”
Meanwhile, the governor in a message on Hijrah 1442 AH, urged peaceful coexistence.
The governor, who wished Muslims a new year filled with blessings and benevolence of the Almighty Allah, said, “Hijrah, no doubt, kindled the light of hope in the hearts of the early Muslims who set a shining example for all Muslims, in every generation, to emulate. It symbolises a new beginning.”
According to him, the essence of Hijrah is that it is a process of transfer to a better situation, a search for an environment more favourable to continuous and constructive effort.
“I urge the Muslim Ummah in the state to continue to show their dedication to the wellness of the state, contributing their quota in different ways to its development and I assure that the administration will continue to fulfill its promise to uplift the state and move its people from poverty to prosperity.”
