An interest group, Integrity Leadership Organisation (ILO), has faulted the stance of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) Director Prof. Ishaq Akintola on the appointments made by the Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi.
The group, which described the position as unwarranted criticism that lacked content of validity, added that any statement capable of instigating religious violence should be censored.
Akinola had in a statement earlier in the week criticised the Ekiti State government for appointing more Christians than Muslims in various positions.
But, ILO, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Mr. Lekan Oyediran, said Akinola’s criticism was misplaced, stressing that merit and involvement in politics and community growth must be greater consideration in appointment than issue of religion.
The group urged Akinola not to create religious crisis in Ekiti State through its unguarded statement.
It added that Ekiti people were not known to differentiate between religions as the adherents of all religions see themselves as brothers and sisters.
This, he said, had accounted for religious harmony and tolerance that the state enjoys.
The group said that someone of Akinola’s calibre needed to understand that government’s appointments are based on the value that the appointee can add to societal growth and not religious or ethnic affinity.
The group said: “It is disturbing to hear the MURIC leader make such careless statement, giving the impression that the Ekiti State Governor deliberately sidelined Muslims in the appointments made so far.
“This is quite misleading. The fact is that the Fayemi administration had in the last four months appointed both Christians and Muslims into positions, including a former President of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs.
“We know and believe the likes of Prof. Akinola should know too that appointments into offices are not based on religious affiliation but on competence and involvement in politics and community development.
“The Muslim population in Ekiti State is about five per cent and the present administration has been fair in its dealings with the Muslim community, especially in the area of appointment.”
