A Christian group under the auspices of the ECUMENICAL YOUTH ASSOCIATION in a swift reaction has vehemently condemned the statement of the director of MURIC, Prof. Ishaq Akintola.
Prof. Akintola in a statement has said, “It simply means that FG under President Muhammadu Buhari is also supporting the Christianisation of Nigeria. It considers the first day of the Christian calendar as sacred while the first day of the Islamic calendar is regarded as unimportant.” He supported “the Christianisation of Nigeria”,As usual, the Federal Government (FG) declared 1st January 2022, a public holiday in recognition of the first day of the Christian Gregorian calendar.”Does he know what christianisation means? He can not blackmail the Federal Government, the group said.
The group that is very vocal and consistent in promoting and protecting Christian interest, values and peaceful coexistence considered the statement as inflammatery, provocative, inciting and infuriating.
The group in expressing it’s displeasure in a press release signed by the President and Secretary National Affairs, described MURIC as a political organisation and an agent of destabilization that is just seeking for self value.
Full statement issued below:
MURIC A THREAT TO NIGERIA PEACE
We condemn in the strongest possible terms the notoriety and rascality being displayed by the Muslim Right Concerns (MURIC) via it’s director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola.
The group has being mindlessly and senselessly attacking Christian leaders, the Christian Association of Nigeria and every thing that symbolizes Christianity. The most recent one is about the Junuary 1st public holiday declared by the federal government based on the Gregorian calendar.
Nobody is stopping MURIC from making their demands but they should not drag Christianity in to it. Okay if you say Gregorian calendar is a Christian calender, why then did you not ask the federal government to pay your salaries base on Islamic calendar or why did you not stop using wrist watch and time which we also believe to be configured base on Gregorian calendar.
It’s crucial and critical at this point to educate the unfortunate and hypocritical Prof. of MURIC, Who recieve’s salary and go to work based on the Gregorian calendar. Whose out fit is an embodiment of western attire.
Okay, if the Federal government declares the Islamic new year a Public Holiday, will that stop the blood spillage in the North? Will that bring peace in the Land? Only Last week over 200 people were slaughter in Zamfara according to reports, what did you Prof. Akintola said about it? If you have the voice to speak, why not speak on the real issues on grand as it affect Nigerians like Bishop Kukah is doing? Why disturbing the peace of ordinary people?
Nigeria is a secular country and over 168 countries of the world use the Gregorian calendar as their sole civil calendar as of 2021. Even Muslim countries use the Gregorian calendar for civil purposes and only turn to the Islamic calendar for religious purposes. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Dubia, Morocco, Pakistan, Oman, et al uses it. The Gregorian new year calendar is not a religious celebration, so What Prof Akintola is doing is imitation, he is trying to curse segregation between Christians and Muslims in the country.
We advice Prof. Akintola to learn from SHEIKH ZAKIR NAIKand desist from making provocative and infuriating statements that can incite religious tension in the country. The renowned Islamic scholar, Dr. Sheikh Zakir Naik post on his Facebook that,”No Muslim is a Muslim if he does not believe in Jesus Christ”. “However, Only God knows who is worshiping him. Christmas is a season of love and sharing among human beings. It may not be the day Christ was born but is a day that unites people all over the world in love and sharing. For the sake of the unity and love that it brings, is it not enough to call for best wishes from all humans to humans”?
We therefore, warn Prof. Akintola of MURIC to desist from irrationally disrespecting Christian leaders and CAN. And urge the various security agents to call MURIC to order. We also urge Christians and Muslim with good conscience to disregard all his rantings.
Signed
Daboikiabo Z. Warmate President
Gbenga AdedamolaSecretary, National Affairs
God bless The Body of Christ God Bless Nigeria God Bless Ecumenical Youth Association
