The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed claims by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) that Muslims are being marginalized by the President Bola Tinubu administration.
The APC described the allegations as an attempt to stoke ethnic and religious sentiments, emphasizing that the government is working to reposition the country.
Sheikh Abdurrasheed Hadiyyatullah, President of SCSN, expressed disappointment over the Muslim-Muslim ticket that brought President Tinubu to power, citing the political marginalization of Muslims despite their numbers. He lamented that millions of Muslims are politically marginalized in many parts of the country, and the Council has not seen the expected benefits of having a Muslim-Muslim ticket at the Presidency.
The SCSN President also raised concerns about the socio-economic hardship in the country, exacerbated by government policies such as the removal of fuel subsidies, depreciation of the Naira, high inflation, and stagnant wages. He criticized the introduction of new taxes and tariffs, which he believes will further erode purchasing power.
Furthermore, Sheikh Hadiyyatullah expressed concern over the insecurity in the country, particularly the disappearance of 3,907 rifles from the police armoury and government-owned weapons falling into criminal hands. He emphasized the need for urgent and decisive action by the government to address these issues.
In response, Nze Chidi Duru, Deputy National Organising Secretary of the APC, stated that fixating on religious or ethnic sentiments is a great disservice to nation-building. He emphasized the importance of unity and working towards the overall interest of Nigerians, rather than focusing on religious or ethnic differences.
The APC’s response highlights the party’s commitment to promoting unity and inclusivity, despite allegations of marginalization from the SCSN. As the Tinubu administration continues to work towards repositioning the country, it remains to be seen how these allegations will be addressed and what steps will be taken to promote unity and inclusivity among all Nigerians.