Nigeria at 66: MURIC Urges Unity, Peace, Justice Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State Chapter, has called on Nigerians to promote unity, peace, justice and responsible citizenship as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.

MURIC, in an Independence Day statement signed by its General Secretary, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, urged governments at all levels to prioritise the welfare, security and dignity of citizens while encouraging political leaders to treat public office as a trust.

The group said Nigeria’s independence should not be viewed merely as a historical milestone but as a continuing responsibility requiring every generation to protect the country’s unity and sovereignty, promote justice and build a society where citizens can live with dignity and hope.

It also called for greater tolerance and peaceful coexistence, saying Nigeria’s ethnic, religious and cultural diversity should be regarded as a strength rather than a source of division.

With the 2027 general elections approaching, MURIC urged political parties, aspirants, candidates and their supporters to demonstrate democratic maturity and conduct their activities within the law.

The group warned against turning elections into periods of hatred, violence, intimidation and destruction, stressing that no political ambition was worth the life of any Nigerian.

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According to MURIC, political differences should not be allowed to destroy relationships among families, neighbours and communities, while disagreements over political choices should be resolved through lawful and constitutional processes.

The organisation also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, the media, religious and traditional institutions, as well as civil society organisations, to play their respective roles in protecting the electoral process and encouraging peaceful participation.

MURIC stressed the importance of allowing eligible Nigerians to vote freely and peacefully, saying the ballot must be respected and the outcome of a properly conducted election handled through lawful means.

It urged citizens to reject hate speech, religious incitement, ethnic provocation, fake news and inflammatory propaganda, while encouraging Nigerians to disagree politically without becoming enemies.

Quoting the Qur’an, MURIC said: “O you who believe! Stand firmly for justice, as witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves, your parents, or your relatives.”

The group said the principle of justice should guide not only individual conduct but also governance, elections and national affairs.

MURIC further appealed to Nigerians to see the country as a shared national project, regardless of religious affiliation, ethnicity, region, political persuasion or social background.

It called for a Nigeria where justice is not selective, security is not treated as a privilege and citizens can pursue their legitimate aspirations without fear.

The group also urged the government to listen to legitimate concerns raised by citizens and pursue policies capable of improving economic opportunities, security, social justice and national cohesion.

MURIC commended Nigerians for their resilience, hope and continued faith in the country despite the challenges confronting the nation.

The organisation said the responsibility for Nigeria’s future rested not only with government but with every citizen, calling on leaders to govern responsibly, political parties to compete peacefully, security agencies to remain professional and impartial, and citizens to act responsibly.

“Let the electoral process be respected. And let the votes of the people speak,” MURIC said.

The group concluded by praying for continued peace, justice, prosperity and unity in Nigeria and wishing Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary.

Nigeria at 66: MURIC Urges Unity, Peace, Justice Ahead of 2027 Elections

Edo Police Arrest 37-Year-Old Man Over Alleged Rape of 70-Year-Old Woman

The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 37-year-old man over the alleged rape of a 70-year-old woman in Igueben Local Government Area of the state.

The suspect was taken into custody following the allegation and is being investigated as police work to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported sexual assault.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed the arrest during a briefing on the command’s recent operations and security activities across the state.

Ikoedem said the case was being handled as a serious allegation and that investigators would gather the necessary evidence to determine the next legal steps.

The police have not released the identities of the suspect or the alleged victim. Details of the alleged incident, including when it occurred and the circumstances leading to the suspect’s arrest, have also not been fully disclosed.

The suspect remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court.

The case was among several security developments disclosed by the Edo Police Command.

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The command also reported the recovery of a six-month-old baby allegedly stolen and taken to Imo State, with the child subsequently reunited with the family. Police said suspects connected with the incident were arrested.

Seven suspected cult members were also arrested by operatives of the Otuo Division during an intelligence-led operation targeting cult-related activities.

Police further said a joint clearance operation was conducted in parts of Edo North, particularly areas identified as potential hideouts for criminal elements. According to the command, no kidnapping incident was recorded in the affected areas during the period under review.

The command also disclosed arrests linked to an allegation involving the stripping of a young girl and the circulation of material relating to the incident on social media.

The police urged residents to provide useful information that could assist security agencies in preventing crime and protecting vulnerable people.

The investigation into the alleged rape of the 70-year-old woman in Edo is ongoing, with further action expected to depend on the outcome of the police investigation.

Edo Police Arrest 37-Year-Old Man Over Alleged Rape of 70-Year-Old Woman

FG Declares Thursday Public Holiday for Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, a public holiday to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government on Wednesday, congratulating Nigerians at home and abroad on the national celebration.

The minister urged Nigerians to use the occasion to promote national unity, patriotism, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, while reflecting on the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers and heroines.

Tunji-Ojo said peace and stability remained important to national development and called on citizens to remain committed to building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.

The minister also assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remained committed to strengthening national security, improving public safety and creating an environment where citizens could live and work with confidence.

The 2026 celebration marks 66 years of Nigeria’s independence, following the country’s attainment of independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960.

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The Federal Government is marking the anniversary under the theme, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity.” The anniversary programme was earlier announced as a low-key celebration.

As part of the programme, an Independence Day Public Lecture is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to deliver a nationwide broadcast on Thursday, October 1.

The President is also expected to participate in other anniversary activities in Lagos, including the premiere of a documentary on the late businessman and politician MKO Abiola at the National Theatre.

The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to use the Independence Day celebration to reflect on the country’s journey since 1960 and renew their commitment to a united and peaceful Nigeria.

The October 1 public holiday applies nationwide, giving workers and other citizens an official day off to commemorate Nigeria’s Independence Day.

FG Declares Thursday Public Holiday for Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary