In a manner suggesting disdain for Muslims in Lagos State, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has answered the Muslims’ peaceful protest over his insulting lopsided cabinet.
But not in the way Muslims, and fair-minded people of Lagos State had hoped for. The governor chose to declare a work-free day to celebrate an obscure festival that exists in the minds of only a few and some mischief-makers.
Ordinarily, Muslims don’t dabble into other people’s affairs, as long as such affairs don’t inhibit their worship and wellbeing, but this work-free day leaves a sour taste on Muslims’ tongues when viewed against the fact that Sanwo-Olu has repeatedly ignored calls to declare Hijrah, the beginning of Islamic new year, a public holiday.
Let no one be deceived. The recognition of the so-called Isese day is another careful plot to further diminish the ranks of the Muslims in Lagos State. Most of the adherents of the so-called traditionalism have Muslim backgrounds.
This governor is becoming notorious for his disdain for the interest of Muslims.
Muslims have never had it so bad in Lagos State since Nigeria’s transition to democracy in 1999.
Sanwo-Olu obliterated Muslims from his cabinet, despite the messianic role they played during his re-election bid.
It’s no hidden fact that Sanwo-Olu wouldn’t be governor today if not for the Muslims who rose up to the occasion at the crucial moment to return him to office.
The governor is writing his history in Lagos State, a state whose indigenes, Muslims are in a clear majority. He would be remembered for long.
Rasheed Abubakar, Publisher Muslim News Nigeria
