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MURIC hails Reno Omokri for supporting work-free Friday

Published

7 months ago

September 2, 2025

Reno Omokri

MURIC hails Reno Omokri for supporting work-free Friday

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has applauded former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, for advocating work-free Fridays for Muslims, describing his statement as a vindication of the group’s three-decade-long campaign.

Omokri recently stirred debate when he argued that Muslims in Nigeria are unfairly treated, as they are denied work-free Fridays while Christians enjoy weekends on Saturdays and Sundays. His remarks, which went viral, prompted MURIC to issue a statement on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

Professor Ishaq Akintola, Founder and Executive Director of MURIC, said Omokri’s position validates the organisation’s consistent demand since 1994 for governments at federal and state levels—especially in the Muslim-dominated North—to declare Fridays work-free.

“MURIC has been called several unprintable names for demanding work-free Friday while its leader has been falsely labelled an extremist, a religious fanatic, a fundamentalist, a terrorist, etc. But the truth has come to the open through a most unexpected source, through a Christian social crusader,” the statement read.

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The group further described Omokri as “one of the most intellectually active, politically detribalised and religiously liberal Christians in Nigeria,” adding that his courage on sensitive issues makes him “a guiding light, a president-in-waiting.”

While Omokri suggested that work should stop by noon on Fridays, MURIC insists on a full-day holiday. The organisation cited its book, The Friday Question, first published in 1993 and revised in 2021, which outlines six options for restructuring the workweek. It recommends “Option C,” which proposes a three-day weekend (Friday to Sunday), with lost hours recovered by extending work hours Monday through Thursday.

According to MURIC, adopting a work-free Friday will strengthen Islamic education, reduce religious ignorance, and foster family unity among Muslims. The group argued that current arrangements fragment Muslim families on Fridays, unlike Christian families who worship together on Sundays.

“Unknown to those who oppose the idea of a work-free Friday, including the federal and state governments, a work-free Friday will create an enlightened Muslim population. Nigerian Muslims will be able to learn more about their faith. Nigeria stands to gain a lot from this,” Akintola said.

MURIC linked the absence of a work-free Friday to poor religious grounding among Muslim youths, which it claimed contributes to social vices in the South-West. It called on authorities to embrace its proposal for the benefit of both Muslims and Christians.

MURIC hails Reno Omokri for supporting work-free Friday

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Cars Torched as South Africans Protest Alleged Nigerian ‘Igbo King’ Coronation

Published

20 minutes ago

March 31, 2026

Trends Admin

Cars Torched as South Africans Protest Alleged Nigerian ‘Igbo King’ Coronation

Violence erupted on Monday in KuGompo City, Eastern Cape, South Africa, following the reported coronation of a Nigerian national as a traditional king, prompting the Nigerian High Commission to issue a 10-point safety advisory urging Nigerians in the country to prioritise safety and maintain a low profile.

According to the advisory titled “Advisory to All Nigerians Living in the Republic of South Africa,” citizens were urged to exercise caution, limit movement, avoid interactions with unfamiliar persons, and suspend socio-cultural activities to reduce the risk of becoming targets amid rising tensions. The circular also advised Nigerians to respect local laws and customs and refrain from posting inflammatory content on social media that could escalate the situation.

What began as a peaceful protest over the alleged installation of Solomon Eziko as Igwe Ndigbo quickly escalated. Videos and images of the coronation circulated widely, sparking anger among residents and civic groups. Protesters torched vehicles, vandalised properties, and clashed with law enforcement. Police reportedly deployed teargas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds, while fire services worked to contain the blazes.

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A man was stabbed during the unrest and taken to hospital. Authorities clarified that the victim was not linked to the demonstration, though some civic groups claimed one of their members was injured and also struck by a vehicle.

Several groups, including ActionSA, the Patriotic Alliance, and the civic movement March and March, joined traditional leaders in condemning the alleged coronation as illegal and unconstitutional.

Athol Trollip, ActionSA Eastern Cape leader, said: “There is no constitutional provision for any foreigner, legal or illegal, to coronate themselves in the Eastern Cape. We support existing local kings, not Nigerian kings.”
Steve Motale, Patriotic Alliance spokesperson, said: “We condemn this fake coronation. Even the Nigerian High Commissioner has denounced it.”

The Royal House of AbaThembu also denied involvement, calling social media claims linking King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo to the coronation false and misleading.

The unrest follows recent anti-migrant protests in South Africa, where residents demanded stricter immigration policies targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals. Analysts say the protests reflect broader xenophobic tensions and concern over foreign influence on local traditional structures.

The Federal Government of Nigeria continues to monitor the situation closely, urging citizens in South Africa to remain law-abiding, cautious, and vigilant until stability returns.

Cars Torched as South Africans Protest Alleged Nigerian ‘Igbo King’ Coronation

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El-Rufai Alleges Plot to Arrest Brother to Force Negotiation

Published

54 minutes ago

March 31, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai

El-Rufai Alleges Plot to Arrest Brother to Force Negotiation

Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has alleged that security operatives planned to arrest his elder brother, Bashir El-Rufai, if he returned to Nigeria for their mother’s burial — reportedly as a tactic to pressure him into negotiations.

In a video statement, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain said Bashir avoided attending the funeral to prevent detention. “My elder brother Bashir El-Rufai couldn’t make it because we learned there was a plan to arrest him… they believe if they get him, I will negotiate,” he revealed.

El-Rufai’s mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, passed away in Cairo, Egypt, on Friday. Her remains were flown to Abuja and buried on Sunday. The burial coincided with El-Rufai’s ongoing legal troubles, including his arrest and detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of corruption and money laundering.

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The former governor was arraigned before a Federal High Court in Kaduna on March 24 on a 10-count charge. His case was adjourned until March 31, 2026, for hearings on pending applications, including his bail request. He was granted temporary release from ICPC custody to attend his mother’s funeral.

Observers say El-Rufai’s claims highlight concerns over the alleged use of family members as leverage in political and legal disputes, sparking debate over the conduct of anti-graft agencies in Nigeria. Analysts also note the potential political implications as El-Rufai continues to assert his innocence and challenge the legal proceedings against him.

El-Rufai Alleges Plot to Arrest Brother to Force Negotiation

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Tinubu Appoints Senator Ibrahim Ida as CAC Chairman, Names Seven NPC Commissioners

Published

1 hour ago

March 31, 2026

Trends Admin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu Appoints Senator Ibrahim Ida as CAC Chairman, Names Seven NPC Commissioners

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a major leadership reshuffle in key federal institutions, appointing Senator Ibrahim Ida as Chairman of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and nominating seven individuals to fill vacant Federal Commissioner positions at the National Population Commission (NPC). The move is aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, promoting good governance, and improving data-driven planning and corporate regulation across Nigeria.

Senator Dr. Ibrahim Ida holds a Master’s degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Ibadan and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Abuja. Prior to his tenure in the Senate representing Katsina Central, he served as Commissioner of Finance in Katsina State and later as a Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service. At CAC, he is expected to streamline company registration, enhance corporate governance, and boost investor confidence.

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The seven nominees for the NPC are:

Kolawole Oladipupo Alabi (Ekiti State)
Nasiru Mu’azu (Zamfara State)
Usman Abubakar Tuggar (Bauchi State)
Dr. Isiaka Alada Yahaya (Kwara State)
Professor Sadiq Isah Radda (Katsina State)
Suleiman Umar (Jigawa State)
Honourable Chiso Abdullahi Dattijo (Sokoto State)

These nominees will support the NPC in population data collection, census planning, and demographic research, crucial for effective national policy formulation. Their appointments are subject to confirmation by the National Assembly.

In a related development, President Tinubu also appointed Bala Mohammed Bello as Special Adviser on Political Economy. Bello, a graduate of Accounting with an MBA from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, previously served as Deputy Governor (Corporate Services) at the Central Bank of Nigeria and as Executive Director at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank. Additionally, Dr. Yusuf Mohammed from Kano State was appointed Chairman of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaltungo, a key institution for technical and vocational education in Gombe State.

President Tinubu expressed confidence in the appointees, emphasizing that their leadership will advance institutional reforms, enhance corporate regulation, and support data-driven governance, contributing to improved economic growth and service delivery across Nigeria.