Fayemi’s appointments characterized by high level of religious discrimination – MSSN tackles Ekiti governor
alleged that the first set of appointments by Governor Kayode Fayemi
of Ekiti State was with high level of religious discrimination against
Muslims in the state.
MSSN in a statement signed by Barrister Qaasim Odedeji (Amir/Zonal
Coordinator), Alh Abdul Jalil AbdurRasaq (Secretary) and Engr Bashir
Momoh (Public Relations Officer), a copy of which was made available
to DAILY POST in Ibadan described the appointed of Secretary to the
State Government, Chief of Staff and Chief Press Secretary (all
Christians) as "a breach of trust and clear departure from the
principles of objective policy embedded in the 1999 constitution".
The association said, "Fayemi is holding the position for the second
term. In his first term in office, he appeared a bit fair to the
Muslims in comparison to his predecessors in office.
"This attitude of Fayemi endeared him to Muslims in Ekiti State and
beyond who saw in him a sense of fairness and a true demonstration of
what a "Right Activist" and leader of civil society organization that
he was before turning a politician should be.
"Therefore, Dr Fayemi got an overwhelming support of Ekiti Muslims who
constitute about 40 per cent of the entire population of Ekiti state
in his bid to return to office in 2014 and 2018 governorship
elections.
"It is also important to state that the position of the Muslims as
stated above was paid for when Ayodele Fayose won the 2014 election
and did not hide his hatred for the Muslims in words and actions.
Therefore, it was not surprising that Fayemi got the Muslims' support
in 2018 election despite various antics employed by Mr Fayose to
secure the Muslim's votes by hook and trickery.
"It is, therefore, a breach of trust and clear departure from the
principles of objective policy embedded in 1999 Constitution of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria when Dr John Kayode Fayemi named his
Secretary to State Government, Chief of Staff and Chief Press
Secretary with all of them Christians making Ekiti government now
fully Christianized.
"The MSSN B-ZONE, covering the entire 17 States of Southern Nigeria
including Ekiti State, rejects this appointments and considers them
unfair, irresponsible, discriminatory and insensitive to the highest
order. It is an attempt to paint Muslims as non-existent in the
politics of Ekiti State. Is Fayemi claiming that there are no Muslims
who are qualified to hold those positions within the fold of his party
in Ekiti State? How come no such discrimination is seen in any other
South West states where Muslims are a clear majority.
"We wonder if Fayemi is now initiated into the club of the people of
his faith who find religious solace in the marginalization of Islam
and the Muslims? Or perhaps he has an accord to subjugate and
marginalize Muslims? With who he might have had such accord is also a
thing of wonder. Could it be the Christian Association of Nigeria? Or
is it just that Dr Fayemi has developed so much disregard for Muslims?
"Against the above background, we call on the leadership of APC in
Nigeria and in particular Ekiti State to prevail on Dr Fayemi to, as a
matter of urgency, reverse the recently-made appointments and
reconstitute same in a fair and equitable manner.
MSSN, however, urged Fayemi to consider equity and fairness in his
subsequent appointment of commissioners and advisers among others.
They said, "We also call on Dr Fayemi to consider equity and fairness
in his subsequent appointment of Commissioners, Advisers, Chairmen and
Members of Boards and Parastatals.
"The MSSN B-Zone is determined, more than ever before, to work in
collaboration with other groups with similar objectives in making sure
that Muslims are not relegated to background in any State of our
jurisdiction and we are ready to take actions necessary including but
not limited to legal action against any government or it's official
trying to treat us as second-class citizens in this Country. And let
whoever cares know that the era when people use their office to
subjugate and undermine the position of Muslims is gone for good
Inshaa Allah".
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