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MURIC fires back at Peter Obi: Forget Sallah ceremony, free Nigerian Muslims

Published

3 weeks ago

September 12, 2026

Peter Obi with NDC Logo

MURIC fires back at Peter Obi: Forget Sallah ceremony, free Nigerian Muslims

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has fired a strong warning to the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, saying that sharing Sallah with the Sultan of Sokoto will mean little to Nigerian Muslims unless accompanied by concrete policies to address what it described as years of religious inequality and exclusion.

MURIC said Obi’s reported promise to spend Sallah with the Sultan if elected president in 2027 was a welcome gesture, but insisted that Nigerian Muslims were no longer interested in political symbolism, Sallah gifts or pilgrimage sponsorship.

The organisation, in a statement signed by its Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Saturday, challenged Obi to tell Nigerian Muslims what he intends to do differently if he wins the presidency.

According to MURIC, Muslims need inclusion in governance and a level playing field rather than presidential ceremonies designed to create political goodwill.

The group said Obi’s proposed Sallah visit to Sokoto was “sheer window dressing” if it was not backed by policies capable of improving the welfare and protecting the rights of Nigerian Muslims.

“We welcome Mr. Peter Obi’s offer as it reflects his willingness to identify with Muslim leaders, particularly our respected and beloved leader, the Sultan of Sokoto. But that is poles apart from a readiness to involve Muslims in governance. We covet the latter and reject the former. It is sheer window dressing,” MURIC said.

The organisation declared that the era when Muslims could be won over with promises of Hajj slots, Sallah cows and Ramadan gifts was over.

MURIC said Muslim voters had become more conscious of what it described as disparities in the country’s political, economic, educational and social structures.

“For gone are those days when eyes were still located at the knees,” the group said, arguing that Muslims now wanted to examine government policies and their practical impact rather than rely on political gestures.

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MURIC alleged that Muslims had been disadvantaged by aspects of Nigeria’s national structure, beginning with the public holiday system.

The organisation questioned why Sunday was recognised nationwide as a public holiday while the Muslim Friday congregational prayer was not accorded similar consideration.

It argued that Muslim workers often had to combine normal work obligations with Friday worship, describing the arrangement as unfair.

“That is not balance. That is not fairness,” MURIC declared.

The organisation also launched a broadside against what it described as the Christian orientation of Nigeria’s educational and legal systems.

MURIC alleged that the country’s educational system, including its administrative arrangements and curriculum, had been structured in a manner that did not adequately accommodate Muslim interests.

On the judiciary, the group demanded what it described as a genuinely plural legal structure involving common law, Sharia and customary law.

It criticised what it called the rejection of Sharia in Southern Nigeria, while noting that common law is accepted across the country.

“The North accepts common law. But the South rejects Shari’ah. That is not inclusivity. That is not acceptance. That is not tolerance,” the organisation said.

MURIC also took aim at the country’s holiday calendar, demanding greater official recognition for Islamic dates.

The organisation questioned why January 1 is recognised as a public holiday while 1 Muharram, the beginning of the Islamic calendar year, is not given similar national recognition.

It described the situation as “official refusal of recognition” and urged political leaders to address what it considers religious imbalance in national policy.

The group further raised concerns over the participation of Muslim women in the Nigerian military.

MURIC alleged that military uniform regulations that do not accommodate the hijab could discourage or prevent some Muslim women from joining the armed forces.

It argued that the issue had implications for employment opportunities and economic advancement for Muslim women.

“Muslim women cannot join the army because the military’s uniform does not accommodate hijab,” the organisation alleged, adding that it considered the matter a question of civil liberties.

MURIC said these were the issues Obi should be addressing if he genuinely wanted the support and confidence of Nigerian Muslims ahead of the 2027 election.

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The organisation insisted that restructuring Nigeria must go beyond political arrangements and include what it called a comprehensive restructuring of opportunities and rights for religious communities.

“Real restructuring must be comprehensive. It must not leave any particular group in perpetual slavery,” MURIC said.

‘We don’t need Hajj sponsorship’

In a striking departure from the traditional demands often associated with Muslim political engagement, MURIC told politicians to stop using government-sponsored pilgrimage as a tool for winning Muslim support.

The organisation said Muslims knew the road to Makkah and could organise their pilgrimage without political sponsorship.

It alleged that government-funded pilgrimage arrangements were sometimes abused by politicians to reward political loyalists and associates.

“Away with the old ways. We don’t want pilgrimage sponsorship. Muslims know the road to Makkah,” MURIC declared.

The group said governments should limit their role in pilgrimage to necessary protocol matters rather than sponsoring individuals.

According to MURIC, such an approach would reduce opportunities for political patronage and ensure that pilgrimage was not turned into a political reward system.

MURIC challenges Obi

While taking a tough stance against Obi’s Sallah pledge, MURIC acknowledged the former Anambra State governor’s efforts to broaden his appeal ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The organisation said it recognised Obi’s second attempt at the presidency and his apparent efforts not to be perceived as an exclusively Christian candidate.

But it said symbolic gestures would not be enough to win its confidence.

MURIC challenged Obi to clearly explain his agenda for Nigerian Muslims and demonstrate how his administration, if elected, would address the concerns raised by the organisation.

“What is his plan for Nigerian Muslims: to continue to enslave us or to set us free?” MURIC asked.

The organisation then delivered its clearest political message to the presidential hopeful: it said Muslim voters were ready to support him if he committed himself to addressing their demands.

“We are ready to vote for you if you promise to address the above issues. The ball is in Peter Obi’s court,” MURIC declared.

The statement comes as political parties and presidential aspirants intensify their engagement with various religious, regional and demographic blocs ahead of the 2027 general elections.

For MURIC, however, the message to Obi is clear: Sallah greetings and visits to Muslim leaders may win applause, but policy commitments, according to the organisation, will determine whether Nigerian Muslims consider a presidential candidate worthy of their support.

MURIC fires back at Peter Obi: Forget Sallah ceremony, free Nigerian Muslims

Related Topics:Featured MURIC Nigerian Muslims Sallah ceremony

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Court Orders NDLEA to Produce Enugu Airport Duty List in Abba Kyari Cocaine Trial

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October 5, 2026

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Court Orders NDLEA to Produce Enugu Airport Duty List in Abba Kyari Cocaine Trial

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to produce the duty roster of personnel deployed to Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, on January 19, 2022—the day a cocaine consignment central to the Abba Kyari drug trial was intercepted. The ruling marks a significant development in a case that has drawn national attention and raised questions about airport security and inter-agency coordination in Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking.

Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Monday during the continuation of the trial of suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari and four other suspended officers of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT). The defendants are facing charges of alleged tampering with 21.35kg of cocaine and are standing trial on counts of conspiracy and obstruction in the illegal dealing and importation of the substance. They have all pleaded not guilty.

Julius Mba, counsel to Kyari and Inspector Simon Agirgba, told the court that the defence had filed a subpoena duces tecum—a legal order requiring a person or organisation to produce specific documents or evidence. The subpoena directs the NDLEA boss to present certified true copies of the duty roster for personnel deployed to the Enugu airport on the date in question. According to Mba, the document is essential to help the defence establish its case and demonstrate how the cocaine consignment allegedly passed through airport security.

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The court session also addressed the absence of the defence’s second witness, John Nwonke, who was expected to continue his testimony. Nwonke, who had been subpoenaed to appear, was not in court. His lawyers presented a letter dated October 2 stating that he was ill and unable to attend. The development prompted a sharp exchange between the defence and prosecution.

NDLEA counsel Joseph Sunday strongly opposed the adjournment request, urging the court to foreclose Nwonke’s evidence. He argued that the defence had failed to comply with an earlier order directing the witness to appear on Monday. Sunday also questioned the medical letter, noting that it did not disclose the nature of the illness or the hospital where Nwonke was receiving treatment. He told the court the prosecution was “not aware of any subpoena,” adding: “We don’t conduct trial by ambush.”

In his ruling, Justice Nwite declined to foreclose the witness’s evidence immediately. While he observed that Nwonke’s letter was not convincing enough to justify the adjournment, he adjourned the case until October 7, 2026, in the interest of justice. The judge warned that failure of the witness to appear on that date would lead to the foreclosure of his testimony. He also directed counsel to the first to fifth defendants to submit the names of witnesses they intend to call before the next hearing.

The trial had resumed after an indefinite adjournment in May due to Justice Nwite’s shortlisting for elevation to the Court of Appeal. The defence has been calling witnesses in an effort to establish that NDLEA operatives facilitated the passage of convicted drug traffickers through airport security. In a video played in court in March, convicts Chibunna Umeibe and Emeka Ezenwanne alleged that their photographs were sent ahead to NDLEA officers at the airport to ensure they were cleared without proper screening. The testimony forms part of the defence’s broader argument that the defendants were not the architects of the alleged obstruction.

Kyari and his co-defendants—Sunday Ubua, Bawa James, Simon Agirgba, and John Nuhu—remain at the centre of one of the most closely watched corruption and drug trafficking trials in Nigeria’s recent history. The case has sparked widespread debate about accountability within Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies and the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in combating drug crime.

The case was adjourned to October 7, 2026, for further defence proceedings.

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No Survivors Found in Ondo NAF Plane Crash — Ondo Governor

Published

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October 5, 2026

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Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa

No Survivors Found in Ondo NAF Plane Crash — Ondo Governor

The Nigerian Air Force plane crash in Ondo State has ended in tragedy, with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa confirming that no survivors were found at the crash site in Igbokoda. The NAF ATR-42 aircraft went down on Monday morning near the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Ilaje Local Government Area, killing all 32 people on board—25 passengers and seven crew members. The confirmation came during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where the governor described the scene as devastating.

Governor Aiyedatiwa said rescue workers recovered debris from the Ondo plane crash site, including wing fragments, identity cards, and military uniforms, which helped confirm that a military aircraft had gone down. “So far, no single life was rescued,” the governor said. “They could not find anybody alive in that aircraft.” His words confirmed the worst fears of a nation that had spent hours hoping for a miracle.

The governor revealed that he received news of the NAF crash at about 10:30 a.m. through the chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area. Initial information was sketchy, with residents across the river reporting a loud sound and vibrations resembling an earthquake. Witnesses later saw the aircraft plunge into a swampy area. Aiyedatiwa said Nigerian Navy personnel initially kept their distance after arriving nearby because they were unsure whether the crash would trigger an explosion or fire. Only after confirming there was no fire or explosion did the Navy personnel move toward the crash site to attempt to rescue those on board.

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Personnel from the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), local residents, and the Amotekun security network also joined the rescue operation. Aiyedatiwa said he had been in constant contact with officials in Igbokoda and had received updates from his Senior Special Adviser on Security Matters and the Nigerian Air Force. The Air Force is also conducting its own assessment to determine the cause of the crash.

The governor described the incident as a “painful development,” especially because it involved military personnel “sent to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria.” “Today is a very sad situation,” Aiyedatiwa said. “We are all sad as Nigerians. And it happened in my own state, not just my own state, but even my own local government area.” His voice carried the weight of a tragedy that has struck close to home for the people of Ondo State.

The traditional ruler of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, expressed relief that the aircraft did not crash into the town. “I was praying and afraid that this must not be an aircraft because the casualty figure would have been too high,” Odidiomo said. “We first of all thank God Almighty that it did not drop in the town.” He added that the plane crashed in bushes and a waterlogged area across the river, and that the presence of water may have prevented the aircraft from catching fire after impact.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo had earlier said the aircraft, with registration number NGR 931, lost contact with air traffic control at about 9:13 a.m. during a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos. Nigerian Air Force spokesman Ehimen Ejodame confirmed that search and rescue operations had been activated in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.

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President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences. The President extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and all officers, airmen, and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.

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Benue Boat Mishap: Catholic Priest Among Four Dead, Nine Missing

Published

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October 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Benue Boat Mishap: Catholic Priest Among Four Dead, Nine Missing

A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Moses Tsuagh, is among four people confirmed dead following a boat mishap at the Buruku crossing point in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State.

The accident occurred on Saturday, October 3, 2026, as passengers were travelling across the Buruku River after attending a burial ceremony. Most of those on board were reportedly from neighbouring Gboko Local Government Area.

The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirmed that four bodies had been recovered, while nine passengers remained missing as search and rescue operations continued.

SEMA Information Officer, Tema Ager, said the number of people who were aboard the boat was still being established because different accounts had emerged from survivors, relatives and community members.

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An earlier estimate suggested that more than 200 people may have been on the vessel, while subsequent information put the number of passengers believed to have been involved at about 138. The boat was also carrying numerous motorcycles.

Ager said 125 passengers had been rescued as of Monday, while divers and other rescue personnel continued searching for those still unaccounted for.

The rescue operation is also focused on recovering motorcycles and other belongings that went into the river. Authorities said 38 motorcycles were believed to have entered the water, with five subsequently recovered.

Initial accounts attributed the mishap to engine failure, overloading and difficulties encountered while attempts were made to rescue passengers. Another preliminary account from the state Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dennis Iyaghigba, said a strong current swept the boat into an abandoned barge, causing it to overturn.

The differing preliminary accounts are expected to be clarified as the authorities complete their investigation.

Following the accident, the Benue State Government suspended the Buruku crossing-point branch of the Nigeria Union of Maritime Workers.

Iyaghigba also ordered the suspension of the line operator and directed the arrest and detention of the boat skipper involved in the incident pending investigation.

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