Oyo State chapter of the National Council of Muslim Youths Organisation (NACOMYO) has vowed to mobilize against the re-election of Engr. Seyi Makinde as the governor of Oyo State.
The Islamic group disclosed this on Thursday at a special prayer and lecture for the commencement of Hijrah 1442 in reaction to the failure of the governor of declare a public holiday in the state to celebrate the new hijrah calendar.
The state Coordinator of the group, Alhaji Dawood Afolabi, who stated this in his lecture on the topic, ‘Political development in Oyo State and the Muslims,’ also accused the governor of marginalising Muslims in the state.
“It is disheartening that despite the promise of fairness and justice by the administration and continued lip-service to same at functions, Muslims are still being treated with disdain in government appointments,”Alhaji Afolabi said.
He went further: “The glaring marginalisation in the composition of state executive, appointment into boards of tertiary institutions and the jettisoning of merit in the choice of head of Saki Zonal TESCOM are clear signals that Muslims should not trust the current helmsman in Oyo State.
“We should, therefore, keep our gunpowder dry and prepare for the next election. The withdrawal of ‘first Muharram’ as work free day in the state is another indicator. We, however, put our trust in Allah for a better deal via change of hands in government by 2023.
“Nevertheless, we wish to commend the Chairman of TESCOM, Pastor Akin Alamu, for the twin decision of cancellation of Christian Religious Knowledge questions from the grading modules of the Computer Based Test and for the adjustment of the timetable.
“We commend governors Oyetola and Ganduje of Osun and Kano respectively for the sustenance of Hijra holiday. Your names are written in gold as we pray that God strengthens your holds on power.
“Apart from the global health challenges, the hydra-headed problems of corruption, insecurity, fake news, and murder after rape still scare us in the country. These and other impediments to growth and development seem to defy all known panacea. We have no other option than to turn to Allah in true repentance to get relief.”