MURIC accuses Tinubu of favoring Yorubas, Christians in his appointments

The association’s director wonders why many competent Muslims who voted for the Muslim-Muslim ticket during the elections were ignored.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of not appointing Muslims to key positions in his administration.

According to the Executive Director of MURIC, Prof Ishaq Akintola, the appointments made so far have favored mainly Yorubas and Christians.

Akintola said this in a statement released on Monday, where he also stated that political appointments should not be concentrated in any particular tribe, religion or group.

The statement read, “We are shocked to our marrows that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been appointing Christians and Yorubas mainly to key positions since the inception of this administration at the expense of Muslims. For instance, five out of eight security chiefs appointed earlier are Christians. Ministerial posts have not been different.

“All five key appointments made by President Tinubu to revive the economy were given to Christians and Yorubas mainly. These new appointees include the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, the newly nominated CBN Governor, Dr. Michael Cardoso, Hon. Zacch Adedeji, Acting Chairman, FIRS, the Chairman, Tax Reforms Committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele and Mr. Tope Fasua, Special Adviser on Economic Affairs.

He also rejected the narrative that those appointed were appointed based on competence.

“Many competent Muslims who campaigned and voted Muslim-Muslim ticket during the presidential election were ignored. It is interesting to note that some of those Muslims are eminently qualified to hold key political offices since there are professors, engineers, medical doctors and holders of doctorate degrees among them.”

Akintola apparently queried the ministerial nomination of Nasir El-Rufai by stating that one of the best Muslim ministerial appointees, who supported Tinubu’s presidency and mobilised the whole North to vote for him was sidelined.

“Also, Prof Ali Isa Pantami who took the communication and digital economy to enviable heights during the last administration was ignored. Where, then, is our Muslim president, taking Nigerian Muslims? He queried.

In addition, he warned that the current administration must be wary of allegation of nepotism which the Buhari administration was accused of.