Muslims in Lagos State have opposed the endorsement of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for a second term, saying that the endorsement violated a long standing unwritten rule on rotational governance between Christians and Muslims in the State.
This was contained in a statement by Professor Ishaq Akintola, Director, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).
According to Akintola, the Christians have had their two terms and it is the turn of Muslims to produce a governor by 2023.
According to him, “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,” he said.
The statement said it rejected exclusivism in matters of governance, adding that “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,” he added.
