Muslim Professionals Group, The Companion Tasks Government on Insurgency Attack

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News Sunday, October 5th, 2014

By Ayo Balogun

Despite the reported headway made on the war against the dreaded Boko Haram insurgents, the Federal Government has again been alarmed that the insurgency traces remained, therefore anti – terrorists efforts must be sustained until the militancy is “completely wiped out” in the country.

The Companion, an Association of Muslim men in Business and Profession gave the challenge in a press release signed by its National President, Barrister Musibau Oyefeso, on this year’s Eid kabir celebration.

The group commended the government and the armed forces for the recent successes achieved in the fight against insurgency, especially the terrorist attacks by the Book Haram, still, alerted that the government tasks on terrorists ahead were “still daunting”.

While noting that over 200 abducted Chibok school girls were still being held hostage, The Companion similarly tasked the government to ensure the girls were rescued and re-united with their families, adding beyond this,there was the need to “genuinely and sincerely address the factors that gave rise to the insurgency. Government therefore it demanded must take necessary steps to resettle the people and rebuild the economy of the affected region and work in collaboration with neighbouring countries to achieve permanent piece in the region”.

The Muslim Professional body has also described the call for non- Muslim Governor in Lagos state as a ploy by a group of selfish and unpatriotic individuals who wanted to acquire political power for personal gain through the backdoor.

“We call on all well meaning Lagosians including the political parties to oppose and reject this wicked call. Lagos State deserves to have the best candidate as Governor. On no account should anybody or group attempt to shot out other qualified candidates on religious or any other undemocratic ground from contesting the election.

“The Muslims in Lagos are suspicious that this move is another clandestine step to perpetuate the marginalization of Muslims in the state. The current and immediate past governor who were Muslims did not do anything in favour of the Muslims. As a matter of fact, they emerged purely on account of merit and through democratic means. They were elected not because they were Muslims but they seen as capable of taking Lagos State to the next level”, the association viewed.

The Companion argued that both Tinubu and Fashola policies have been anti – Muslims, citing examples of the return of schools to former owners, despite Muslims clamour against the move; Signing of the corona law, which allows cremation.

It also lamented the ban on Muslim science students from taking Islamic Studies, the government’s refusal to employ “enough Arabic and Islamic studies teachers in public schools…”

“Beyond the schools, female nurses are not allowed to wear hijab in public hospitals, the government spends millions of naira to decorate the streets in preparation for Christmas but refuse to do anything for Muslims during Eid festivals”.

The Companion National leader stated despite the “open discrimination, Muslims have not called for a Muslim governor that will serve and protect their interests…”

Barrister Oyefeso therefore called on the Lagosians and Muslims in particular to be vigilant and reject any candidate that emerged from any of the political parties on account of Christian religious sentiment or sponsorship by any Christian group.

As the general elections approach, The Companion urged all Lagosians to collect their permanent voters’ card and register to vote whenever INEC brings the exercise to the state.

The group observed that the recent $ 9.3 Million alleged arms deal by the Federal government and involved a jet belonging to the Christians Association Of Nigeria (CAN), National President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, was a disturbing twist in the fight against insurgency and raised a lot of questions on the integrity and sincerity of the transaction.

It condemned what it described as the “unholy alliance” between the CAN and President Goodluck Jonathan.