Wike Rebuts MURIC’s Prof Akintola on Religious Bias in FCTA
Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, has urged Prof. Ishaq Akintola of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) to focus on promoting Islam rather than inciting religious discord.
Olayinka criticized Akintola’s comments regarding a recent suspension within the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCTA, emphasizing that the position was not religiously appointed.
He referenced teachings of Prophet Muhammad on obedience to authority, advocating for unity over controversy in governance matters
Olayinka, responded to Prof. Ishaq Akintola’s claims regarding the suspension of FCDA Executive Secretary Engr. Shehu Ahmad Hadi. Olayinka emphasized that the suspension was not based on religious bias, stating that Hadi’s position was professional, not religiously appointed.
He urged Akintola to focus on propagating Islam rather than inciting discord, citing Islamic teachings on obedience to authority. Olayinka asserted that the FCTA operates inclusively and efficiently, dismissing any notion of religious influence in governance decisions
He said “the suspended FCTA Executive Secretary was not appointed as a Muslim and anyone trying to cover his suspension with the garment of religion will be doing a disservice to religious harmony in the country.”
The FCT Minister’s spokesperson pointed out that “just as it is not obligatory for he who appoints to give reasons for appointing, it will also not be obligatory for he who suspends to tell the public reasons for suspending as long as the person suspended knows why he was suspended.
“Most importantly, the position of the FCDA Executive Secretary is not a family chieftaincy title and the business of the office once occupied by Engr. Shehu Ahmad Hadi, is running perfectly.”
While calling the attention of Prof Akintola to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) position on obedience to authorities, Olayinka said; “I doubt if Prof Akintola is aware that on the authority of Abu Huraira, it was narrated that Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said; ‘It is obligatory for you to listen to the ruler and obey him in adversity and prosperity, in pleasure and displeasure, and even when another person is given (rather undue) preference over you.’
“If Prof Akintola is aware of this and has imbibed it, he will simply counsel the suspended FCTA Executive Secretary to accept his fate as a Muslim, rather than this seeming sponsorship of media attacks against the Minister and fanning the embers of religious discord.”
