• Seek leadership positions in Tinubu’s administration
The South-south/Southeast Muslim Ummah has raised concerns over the continuous political deprivation of Muslims in the two regions of Nigeria, noting the trend is becoming unbearable and compelling.
The umbrella group for all Muslims in the regions stated this in a press release made available to Muslim News and jointly signed by its National President, Ustaz Isa Okonkwo; National Secretary, Dr. Sulaiman Zaagha; National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Shehu Arise Kagbara.
They tasked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on political inclusion and economic empowerment for the Muslims, saying they have always participated actively in the development of politics in the regions.
“Despite the full participation of Muslims from the Southeast/Southsouth zones in political activities since the advent of democracy in Nigeria, to ensure that they are being represented and recognized in their various states, there is nothing to show or reflect that such exists. We can be given a voice to be counted as citizens of our beloved country by the benevolence and magnanimity of President Bola Tinubu, and our brothers and sisters in Islam who are privileged to be in power,” their statement read in part.
“Former President Obasanjo gave attention to the minority Christians in the North during his time as President. The likes of Professor Jerry Gana, Ishaya Mark Aku, Senator Iyoricha Ayu, Nenadi Esther Usman and others were appointed ministers in the regime of the former president. By so doing, they were strategically positioned not only to have a voice and sense of belonging, but also became a force to reckon with in the same states where they were minority.
“It is on record that the Southsouth and Southeast Muslims have always given the All Progressives Congress (APC) party bloc votes during elections. In the same vein, we are also assuring the present government of our solidarity and full support in the efforts to reposition the country under the mantra of Renewed Hope.
“Sequel to the above, the Muslims from the Southsouth and Southeast regions are appealing to President Bola Tinubu and the entire Nigerian Muslim Ummah, to come to our rescue. We have qualified Muslims who can fit into any political position as well as other opportunities. We are asking for equal privileges and rights as far as political and economic empowerment is concerned. We are neither Hausas/Fulani nor Yorubas. Interestingly, we are Igbos, Ogonis, Ibibio, Auchi, Ijaws, Ishekiris, etc, and above all, we are Muslims.
“We have Muslims from these zones who are Islamic scholars and reputable Imams, lawyers, medical doctors, artisans and senior officers in the military and the para-military, academicians, politicians, seasoned technocrats, business executives, professionals in other various fields, etc. Some of them have attained high academic qualifications and trainings, including masters degrees, doctorates and professorship. We have a Professor of Arabic Literature. However, despite all these lofty feats, these individuals have numerous tales of woes for choosing Islam as their faith.
“This is a passionate appeal to our brothers and sisters from the northern and southwestern parts of our great country to consider Muslims from south-south and southeast, to occupy political positions that can give recognition to the Muslims from these zones and provide an equal sense of belonging.”
The group meanwhile lauded President Tinubu for nominating a fellow Muslim brother Abubakar Momoh from Edo State as minister.
They said the nomination was unprecedented since the return of democracy in 1999, seeking more inclusions that will guarantee their emancipation from political deprivation and oblivion.
“It is quite expedient to acknowledge and show our profound appreciation for the magnanimity of H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for setting the record in nominating one of our brothers, Hon. Abubakar Momoh, a Muslim from Edo State, among the ministerial nominees. This is the first of its kind since the return of democracy, despite the relatively high percentage of Muslims in the state,” the statement read.
The South-south/Southeast Muslim Ummah said Islam has been existing in their regions for a long period of time, adding that prominent Muslims within their fold have made indelible marks in the country.
“Islam has been existing in these regions for a long period of time. Islam first came to Igboland through traders in Nsukka Zone (Ibagwa, Enugu Ezike and Alor Agu) in the present day Enugu State in the 19th century. This is exactly the same time Islam was also embraced by the indigenes of Auchi in the present day Edo State. It is worthy of note that one of the biggest Islamic centres in Nigeria is located in Afikpo, Ebonyi State. Built in 1953, this centre has produced generations of Islamic scholars in Nigeria.
“The first central mosque in Port Harcourt which exists till date was built in 1896. Before the end of the 20th century, several nooks and crannies in the present south-south and southeast regions already had handfuls of Muslims converts. As it stands today, there is virtually no part of the two regions that has not got its fair share of teeming Muslim converts.
“Some prominent Muslims from the south-south and southeast include Alhaji Ibrahim Alex Fubara, Alhaji Abubakar Orlu, Late Dr Alhaji Ahmad R.T. Okiri (JP) Late Chief Abdulazeez Chibuzor Ude, Ustaz Isa Okonkwo, Alhaji Mujahid Asari Dokubo, Professor Aminu Igwegbe, Late Alhaji Muhammed Arise Kagbara, Sheikh Haruna Ajah; just to mention a few. These are/were professionals in their respective fields with indelible marks and verifiable lofty achievements in Islam, politics and business. Despite the giant strides of Muslims from the regions, they have been relegated to the background when it comes to economic empowerment and political recognition.”
