.…say No Muslim holding any key political office in Ondo, as Governor promises Fairness.
The chairman, League Of Imams And Alfas, Ondo State, Sheikh Ahmed Aladesawe has protested what he described as marginalization of Muslims in the appointments of key positions made by past governors in the state, saying no Muslim is in any top 10 positions in the state.
The Cleric specifically faulted the appointments so far made by governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, saying that, “But we cannot but say that all the appointments you have made soo far fall short of the expectations of all fair-minded, just, God-fearing, and objective good people of the State including our-good-selves.”
Sheikh Aladesawe stated this when he paid a courtesy visit on governor Aiyedatiwa in his office in Akure.
The Chairman, League of Imams and Alfas in the state, Sheikh Ahmed Aladesawe, who also expressed displeasure about the appointments made so far by Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa, said the governor displayed insensitiveness towards the entire Muslim community.
Aladesawe who stated this during the visit of the governor to the leaders of Muslims in the state, lamented that there were no Muslims in the new appointments made by Governor Ayedatiwa.
The Chairman of League of Imams noted that previous administrations have also strategically and critically marginalized the Muslims in the state, saying they have always been shut out of governance, despite all the pleas from Muslim community.
He pointed out that few Muslims appointed were not given strategic positions, saying Muslims have been reduce to paupers by previous administrations in the state, saying the Muslim community thought Ayedatiwa coming would give the Muslims relief.
The Imam said though the Muslims in the state are well pleased with some of the giant steps taken by Ayedatiwa on some volatile issues since taking over the mantle of leadership in the state.
He listed some of the steps to include; promise to pay some outstanding salaries and wages, quick and prompt approval to pay part of the overdue pension, promise to continue with all the legacy projects Akeredolu, and the immediate ordering back to sites of all contractors among others
But the Chief Imam maintained that: “Previous administrations have strategically and critically marginalized the Muslims of Ondo State. Muslims in Ondo State today have been reduced to sub-human beings. We are not in government, and we are not involved in governance.
“In the administration of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredollu the Muslims are not in any of the ten principal officers of the government: Executive Governor, Deputy Governor, Chief of Staff, Chief Press secretary, Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Head of Service, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly and the Chairman of the ruling party I’m the state.
“All efforts to correct this lopsidedness in the then government proved abortive as the then Governor was not ready to correct this marginalization and bring us closer to how the state is governed. We thought your coming would give us salvation.
“The Muslim community of Ondo state is not happy with the tide of your appointments. You have made four cardinal appointments after your swearing-in, and all are people of your faith with no single Muslim.
“Are you saying you cannot find a Muslim in your party cerebral enough to accept even one of those appointments? Are you saying the Muslims are so short of technocrats and intellectuals who can man those offices?
“We as elders are disturbed and our children are restless. Our youth are not happy, but we have to calm them with the assurance that we will meet with you and that we believe you will correct the lopsidedness.
“Ondo state is not a Christian state and any government that quests for peace, stability, and development must recognize the religious diversity of our dear state.
“All the Muslim youth organisation including this August body wrote to you pleading with your excellency to pick one of our best as your deputy to aid you in the administration of this state but alas without any explanation or indulgence, you decided to pick your choice and jettison the over two million Muslim of Ondo State.
“We will advise that Your Excellency should avoid anyone, group, or associations, no matter their religious affiliation, that may suggest or advice Your Excellence not to listen to the Muslim community of Ondo State.
“They are your enemy and the enemy of your party. Your Excellence should not quickly forget what they said and did to President Tinubu and your party in the last general election. Such people are sycophants, they are worse than cancer and are indeed mistletoe who will always perch on any conducive host tree.
“The Muslims have been reduce to pauper by previous administrations. Many of us are very active in your party yet, we are strategically not being engaged nor empowered to part-take in the running of the government so that the strategic and cardinal objective of the “MUSLIM marginalization agenda” can be realised”
AIYEDATIWA HAILS MUSLIM LEADERS ON RELIGIOUS HARMONY IN ONDO STATE
…..Gov promises fair distribution of opportunities
The Ondo state Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, commended the Muslim community for embracing religious harmony that promotes peace in the State.
The Governor gave the commendation while receiving Muslim leaders, led by His Eminence, Sheik Ahmad Aladesawe, the Chairman of the League of Imams and Alfas in Ondo State at the Governor’s Office Office in Akure.
The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and collaborative efforts with all religious communities for the continued progress and prosperity of Ondo State.
In response to the concerns raised by the Muslim community leaders during the visit, Governor Aiyedatiwa stated that his recent appointments were made based on political considerations rather than religious affiliations, stressing the unity of the people regardless of faith.
The Governor, however, assured that future appointments would take into account the diverse interests of the state’s population.
On education and religious freedom, the Governor affirmed support for both private and Islamic schools, noting the government’s previous efforts in supporting special Islamic education initiatives.
Aiyedatiwa reassured the Muslim community of ongoing efforts to address teachers’ shortage and ensure recruitment of Islamic teachers.