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Lagos 2023: MURIC faults Sanwo-Olu’s endorsement for second term

Published

4 years ago

April 25, 2022

MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola

MURIC Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola

A Muslim rights advocacy group, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has opposed the endorsement of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for a second term. The group hinged its objection on the fact that Christians have had their two terms and it is the turn of Muslims to produce a governor by 2023.

MURIC’s position was enunciated in a statement circulated among the media on Monday, 25th April, 2022. The statement was signed by the director of the organization, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

The statement reads:

“Leaders of the ruling party in Lagos, the All Progressives Congress, last week endorsed the incumbent governor of the state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for a second term in office for the 2023 gubernatorial election. Unfortunately this endorsement violated a long standing albeit unwritten rule on rotational governance between Christians and Muslims in Lagos State.

“It is on record that ex-Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, a Christian, spent four years in office and another Christian, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was brought in ostensibly to complete the Christians’ two terms which expires by May 2023 when a Muslim, ceteris paribus, is expected to take over the reins of office.

“That is why Muslims in Lagos State regard the recent endorsement given to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to run for the Christians’ third term as unfair, unjust and provocative. It may not be known in official circles but Lagos Muslims are grumbling and we have been under pressure for some time now to speak up. It is a dangerous dimension capable of eliciting protest bulk vote against the ruling party unless the issue is ironed out at a roundtable between leaders of the party, the Lagos State Government (LASG) and Lagos Muslims.

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“For the avoidance of doubts, MURIC has no intention of hijacking control of the Muslim community in the state. We always recognize established leadership structures wherever they exist and Lagos Muslims have that structure.

“The Muslim Community of Lagos State which is under the able leadership of Professor Tajudeen Gbadamosi is the appropriate body to meet for the purpose of negotiating with Lagos Muslims. All Islamic organisations in Lagos State are under this body. The onus is therefore on LASG and leaders of the ruling party to reach out to the Muslim Community of Lagos State.

“MURIC rejects exclusivism in matters of governance. Lagos Muslims are tax payers and key stakeholders in issues affecting the welfare of Lagos citizens. We must therefore be consulted on matters of governance.

“We refuse to be blindfolded on the way to the polling booth. Neither shall we be satisfied just as voters, we must also be voted for. That is the essence of democracy. It must be participatory. The choice of candidates and leadership must not be lopsided in a democracy. Every segment of society must be consulted.

“We therefore fault the process that led to the emergence of the incumbent governor as the flagbearer of the ruling party in the coming gubernatorial election. 2023 belongs to Muslims in Lagos State. Any deviation from this must be properly negotiated.

“For instance, if the Christians are going to enjoy the luxury of a third term by giving Sanwo-Olu the mandate to run for a second term, an agreement must be reached with Lagos Muslims guaranteeing twelve years of Muslim rule after Governor Sanwo-Olu. Anything short of this is tantamount to an attempt to shortchange Muslims in the state.

“We must sit down and discuss this if the ruling party has any respect for Muslim voters in the state. We must recognise democracy as not only a game of numbers, but also as a game of negotiations particularly in a multi-cultural and multi-party state. We must remember that the peace and harmony being enjoyed in Lagos State today is a result of the pursuance of justice and equity. Nothing should be done to jeopardise this peaceful atmosphere.

“The narratives have changed. Muslim leaders are no longer satisfied with crumbs from the table. Giving the Imams rams during festivals and sponsoring Muslims on hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) are deliberate means of enslavement and marginalization. Lagos Muslims are now fully aware of the gimmicks.

“Those periodic and ephemeral palliatives are tools of divide et impera. They are mere window-dressings designed to shield Muslims away from participating in government, from tangible employment for Muslim graduates and from real economic empowerment. We refuse to be fools satisfied. We will rather be enlightened citizens dissatisfied. It is our common patrimony. Don’t rob Peter to pay Paul.”

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Melaye Slams Tinubu Over Wale Edun’s Removal, Raises Allegations

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1 hour ago

April 22, 2026

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Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye

Melaye Slams Tinubu Over Wale Edun’s Removal, Raises Allegations

Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, questioning the rationale behind the recent cabinet reshuffle.

The Presidency had earlier announced a minor restructuring of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), which affected two cabinet members and led to new appointments in key ministries. The announcement was contained in a memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

According to the statement, Edun and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, were relieved of their duties as part of efforts to improve coordination within the cabinet and strengthen delivery of the government’s economic and development agenda under the Renewed Hope framework.

The Presidency also explained that the reshuffle was aimed at enhancing efficiency and aligning ministries with current national priorities.

Following the changes, Taiwo Oyedele was elevated to oversee the Finance Ministry portfolio, while Muttaqha Darma was named minister-designate for Housing, pending completion of administrative processes. Outgoing officials were directed to conclude handover procedures on or before April 23, 2026.

Reacting via his verified Facebook page, Melaye questioned the decision, arguing that in “civilised climes,” governments are expected to provide clear reasons for the removal of senior officials.

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“Mr President, when ministers are sacked in civilised climes, government must explain why they are sacked,” he wrote.

He further alleged possible financial misconduct linked to Edun’s removal, claiming without evidence that it could be connected to issues involving diverted public funds.

“Was the Minister of Finance removed because he could not cover up the stolen 24 billion dollars (34 trillion naira) diverted from our revenue? World Bank no dey lie,” he stated.

Melaye’s comments triggered widespread reactions online, with critics and supporters engaging in heated exchanges over his claims and public record.

Some social media users accused him of hypocrisy and challenged him to account for his time in public office, while others dismissed his allegations as politically motivated.

One user, Abdul Abdulsalam, wrote: “Tell us how you get money to acquire the exotic cars in your garage too. Be honest, are they not from stolen money?” Another commenter, Ibrahim Badamassi, added: “Birds of the same feather flock together.”

Other users referenced his legislative tenure and past controversies, with some mocking earlier incidents associated with his public image, while others defended the need for transparency in government decisions.

Wale Edun, who was appointed in August 2023, previously served as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance between 1999 and 2004 and was seen as a key figure in Nigeria’s economic management under the current administration.

During his tenure as Finance Minister, he oversaw fiscal policy coordination amid concerns over budget implementation delays, capital project funding gaps, and slow disbursement of government expenditures.

The National Assembly had previously criticised aspects of budget execution, alleging weak implementation of capital projects and outstanding obligations to contractors, while raising concerns over the pace of economic reforms.

In response to such criticisms, Edun had defended government fiscal strategy, stating that Nigeria was prioritising debt servicing and moving away from what he described as unsustainable monetary practices.

He also maintained that significant portions of the national budget had been implemented, with efforts ongoing to improve capital expenditure performance.

The latest political controversy adds to growing debate over Nigeria’s economic management and the transparency of high-level government decisions.

Melaye Slams Tinubu Over Wale Edun’s Removal, Raises Allegations

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Court Approves Email Service on Tonto Dikeh in ₦200m Fundamental Rights Suit

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1 hour ago

April 22, 2026

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Nollywood actress‑turned‑evangelist Tonto Dikeh

Court Approves Email Service on Tonto Dikeh in ₦200m Fundamental Rights Suit

A Federal Capital Territory High Court has granted permission for substituted service of court documents via email on Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh in a ₦200 million fundamental rights suit arising from an alleged exorcism involving a minor.

The case was filed by human rights lawyer Barrister Ikechukwu Obasi on behalf of a Junior Secondary School 1 pupil from Durumi II in Abuja, originally from Rivers State. The suit alleges that the actress subjected the child to degrading treatment during a religious deliverance session on March 6, 2026.

According to court filings, the incident was captured in a video and photographs that were later shared on the actress’s Facebook page. The plaintiff claims the child was placed on bare ground and pressed against a rough surface, resulting in public humiliation, stigma, psychological trauma, and a violation of her rights to dignity and privacy under the 1999 Constitution and the Child Rights Act 2003.

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The matter is being heard at High Court No. 3 in Maitama before Justice Maryann E. Anenih. During proceedings on Tuesday, the court granted the application for substituted service after it was established that personal service on the defendant had not been successful.

The court ordered that all relevant court documents may now be served on the defendant through two verified email addresses or by publication in a national newspaper, ensuring that the case can proceed without further delay.

Counsel C.E. Okoro informed the court that attempts to serve the actress personally had been unsuccessful. Justice Anenih held that sufficient grounds had been established and approved the application for alternative service.

The suit was filed in March under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009, with an ex parte motion for substituted service submitted on March 31.

The case has now been adjourned for hearing on May 11, 2026, when the court is expected to consider the substantive issues in the matter.

Court Approves Email Service on Tonto Dikeh in ₦200m Fundamental Rights Suit

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Calabar man bags life sentence for raping daughter

Published

2 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Trends Admin

Calabar man bags life sentence for raping daughter

A Calabar High Court sentenced Imeh Sunday, 46, to life in jail for raping his biological daughter.

The lawsuit was prosecuted by the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to preserving the rights of children and vulnerable people.

Justice Blessing Egwu of Cross River State’s Family Court 2 gave the decision on Wednesday, following the convict’s trial on counts of incestuous rape.

The court ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt, citing what it regarded as overwhelming evidence against the defendant.

Justice Egwu then imposed the maximum penalty. The organization’s Principal Counsel, James Ibor, praised the survivor for her courage and tenacity throughout the trial.

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He also complimented the survivor’s guardians, the state Ministry of Justice, and the police for their efforts to secure the conviction.

“I wish to commend the survivor, her grandparents, the Honourable Attorney-General, the Commissioner of Police, the judiciary, as well as the staff and volunteers of BRCI for their commitment and support toward the survivor and her recovery,” he said.

The group stated that the latest conviction takes the total number of rape-related convictions it has obtained in Calabar and other parts of the state to four in the last four months.

In 2025, the Nigeria Police Force’s Bauchi State Police Command arrested a 28-year-old man for criminal intimidation, assault, and rape of his 8-year-old biological daughter.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Habib, stated, “On 31/12/2025 one Baffa’ji Muhammed ‘m’ reported at the Divisional Police Headquarters, Alkaleri, that on 30/12/2025 at about 1830hrs, one Baffa’ji Abba ‘m’ aged 28yrs (same address as the complainant), lured his biological daughter (name withheld), aged 8yrs, into a bathroom and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her through both her vagina and anus about five times in a single day against her will.”