TheCable

The Muslim community in Ekiti on Thursday condemned the alleged lopsidedness in three appointments made so far by governor Kayode Fayemi.

Tajudeen Ahmed, coordinator of the state chapter of the National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations (NACOMYO), made the displeasure of the group known during a media briefing after a protest at Ado Ekiti Central mosque.

He described the appointments made so far by the new governor as “a grand plan to totally marginalise the Muslim community in the state”.

The Muslims faithful said the appointment of the secretary to the state government, chief of staff and the chief press secretary was against balance and fairness against the Muslim community which Fayemi promised.

“The exclusion of Muslims from the principal officers of this administration is worrisome, unjust, condemnable and unacceptable,” Ahmed said.

“The Ekiti Muslim community saw the appointments as a calculated attempt to exclude Muslims from the fundamental aspect of decision-making process in Ekiti state.

“Excluding Muslims from the first three important appointments announced by the governor is shocking and highly disturbing to all Muslims in the state.”

The group said Muslims in the state constitute about 40 percent of the Ekiti state population and added that the governor was given their total support during the governorship polls.

According to him, the exclusion of the Muslims in this regard is a violation of the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended).

He said: “The exclusion of Muslims from the core principal appointments of Dr. John Kayode Fayemi is a derogation of the motto of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as provided in Section 15 (1) of the 1999 constitution (as amended).

“Rather than projecting ‘unity and faith, peace and progress’; the recent appointments made by the Government will breed disunity, commotion and backwardness.”

The Muslim community called on the governor to urgently review appointments and accommodate Muslims.

He said: “We also call on the governor to ensure inclusion of Muslims in all future appointments to be made at both state and local government levels. This will certainly pave way for the reign of justice, equity and peace in our dear state.”