The Muslim community in Lagos has rejected the list of proposed cabinet members submitted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, News About Nigeria reports.
Rejecting the list while addressing a world press conference on Tuesday, a coalition of Muslim leaders disclosed that it had petitioned the state House of Assembly over the matter.
The coalition lamented that the ratio of 8 Muslims to 31 Christian commissioners was an indication of oppression, insensitivity, unfairness and pathological haterade against the Muslim community in the state.
Imam Ahmad, one of the leaders of the coalition who spoke on the list said that the Muslim community was pivotal to the re-election of governor Babjide Sanwo-Olu-led administration and as such should be the designated list should be reworked.
“In line with the dictates of our Islamic faith which consistently emphasizes fairness in all dealings, and also in line with our conviction that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy Dr. Kadiri Hamzat both are better experienced and prepared to uplift the quality of lives of Lagosians, we mobilized our community to, not only vote for the return of the Governor, but also defended the votes under very difficult circumstances,” the Imam said.
“It must be stated that the Muslim community did not collect a dime from either the APC flag bearers or any of their opponents in that election, rather we acted truthfully and selflessly with hope for a more prosperous Lagos.
“With all sense of utmost sincerity, we noted to our utter dismay that Governor Sanwo-Olu’s list exhibited callous insensitivity to diversity, equity, and fairness. Muslims make up less than 20% of the list, even though they constitute over 60% of not just the state’s population but her voting public. We observed that out of 39 Nominees, only 8 are Muslims.
“It is no longer news that this list is not pleasing to the generality of Muslims of Lagos. It is indeed an afront to our collective sensibilities and tragically confirmed long-standing suspected misgivings about iGov. Sanwo-Olu’s genuine commitment to fair leadership.
“Before anyone says “the Muslims have started again” please take some time to examine the facts: Go through the history of appointments by Lagos State Government; look at the demography that make up Lagos States; look at it from the lens of what is right and fair; the intention then becomes clear.
“When many in the Christian community rightly or wrongly rejected Governor Sanwo-Olu and his party purportedly to protest the Muslim-Muslim ticket at the national level, we the Muslims of Lagos state stood solidly and voted enmasse to ensure his victory, but rather than show appreciation, it appears that Mr. Sanwo-Olu chooses to perpetrate injustice and ingratitude in an ill-thought affront to the peaceful and accommodating Muslim community of Lagos.”
