Religious Groups Clash Over El-Rufai in Verbal Spat

The faith-based human rights organization, “Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC),” along with its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, strongly criticized the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for its recent attack on Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State.

In response to CAN’s accusations of Islamization, MURIC asserts that the democratic principles in action during the elections in Kaduna were misconstrued by CAN. The organization argues that Reverend Joseph Hayab, the chairman of CAN’s Kaduna State chapter, lacks understanding in his claims. MURIC draws comparisons to countries like America, Britain, France, and Germany, where Christian majorities exist but Muslims coexist as well, without accusing Christian leaders of Christianization.

MURIC further emphasizes that the Muslim-Muslim ticket employed during the Kaduna elections in 2019 and 2023 was a reflection of democratic principles. The organization argues that the Christian minority in Kaduna State consistently demanded excessive representation in governance, and it was only when El-Rufai took office that the Muslim majority gained political consciousness and sought fair representation.

According to MURIC, El-Rufai awakened the silent Muslim majority, who had been politically marginalized, and enabled them to exercise their civic responsibilities through the power of their votes. The organization commends El-Rufai for breaking the political dominance of the vocal Christian minority and empowering the Muslim population.

MURIC challenges Hayab to apologize for accusing El-Rufai of Islamization, asserting that there is no evidence of such claims. The organization believes that Hayab and CAN are guilty of practicing the tyranny of the minority, while falsely accusing others of the same. MURIC states that Islamization is a myth perpetuated by a grandstanding minority seeking to intimidate the silent Muslim majority.

MURIC concludes by advising Hayab to reflect on his defeat and avoid using El-Rufai as a scapegoat. The organization suggests that Hayab direct his attention to more appropriate matters and warns against indulging in conspiracy theories or false prophecies. MURIC expresses the belief that true Christians are tired of such behavior and asserts that Hayab may be suffering from a minority complex psychosis.