MURIC Demands For Justice, Fairness For Muslims, Wants Ogun Govt To Probe Alleged Persecution of Hijab Wearing In Ogun Schools

Muslim Rights Concern MURIC, has called on Ogun State Government to review its political appointments, probe alleged persecution of students wearing hijab in public primary schools and address worrisome situation threatening teaching of Arabic and Islamic Studies in public secondary schools in the state among other demands 

The State Chairman of MURIC, 

Ustadh Tajudeen Jimoh Alao who made the call during a press conference head at the group headquarters in Lagos, said addressing the issues raised is the only way to ensure justice and fairness for Muslim community in Ogun state 

The group demanded for a fair representation of Muslims in political appointments, citing the imbalance in the appointment of the key public office holders

For instance, the rights group listed the names of such public office holders to include Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Right Honourable Oludaisi Elemide, the State Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu,  Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi, State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, Chief of Staff, Dr. Oluwatoyin and sizeable number of Local Council Chairmen who are all Christians 

MURIC decried the situation in several schools, where Muslim female students are insulted, harassed, and psychologically intimidated simply because they choose to obey Allah by wearing the hijab

Muslim girls according to the group, are denied entry into classrooms unless they compromise their modesty

"Islamic Religious Knowledge (IRK), Arabic studies, and foundational Islamic education have been deliberately weakened. We have documented cases where it happened "

"Qualified Arabic/IRK teachers are reassigned to unrelated subjects"

The group is also calling for an end to what it described as intimidation and misuse of Arabic and IRK teachers in public secondary schools , stressing the need for government to strengthen Islamic education at the primary and secondary levels*

MURIC also called for equal employment opportunities for qualified Muslims

"Recruitment processes across state parastatals, ministries, agencies, and sensitive government offices reveal a disturbing pattern:Muslims are systematically excluded", the group alleged 

MURIC maintained that peace cannot and will never exist where injustice thrives in the entire South West region, calling on the government to address the issues to ensure harmonious society for all , irrespective of religion affiliations