The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused the Federal Government (FG) of alleged religious favouritism over the ongoing construction of a N25 billion ecumenical centre at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
MURIC also criticised the FG over what it described as uneven distribution of humanitarian support to victims of violence across the country.
In a statement, the group’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said:
“The Federal Government and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have flagged off the construction of a N25 billion (25 billion naira) ecumenical chapel and pilgrimage centre located at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.”
He questioned the project, alleging preferential treatment against Muslims.
“FG should explain this preferential treatment. Nigerian Muslims deserve better than this. Tongues are wagging in the mosques. Muslim social media platforms are buzzing with frenzy over this lopsided arrangement.”
Akintola also faulted the FG’s alleged financial intervention in Plateau State.
“The sum of N2 billion was also given to victims of violence in Plateau State without a corresponding donation to victims of the same violence in Borno, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kwara, etc. Is this fair?”
He further alleged another financial intervention in the North ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
“In another disturbing development, N1.2 billion was allegedly donated to all the 19 states of Northern Nigeria for the approaching ‘Id al-kabir (Salah). The identity of the donor cannot be disclosed here for lack of proper reference though it is as close to FG as it’s jugular vein.”
MURIC questioned what it described as disparity in distribution of funds.
“How can only one state be given N2 billion while all the 19 states in the North are asked to share N1.2 billion? But is it right to treat Muslims like second class citizens, a la animal farm?”
The group also referenced criticisms of the current administration’s Muslim-Muslim ticket.
“It is interesting to note that critics of the Muslim-Muslim ticket are silent over this unequal treatment of Muslims and Christians by our ‘Muslim-Muslim’ government.”
MURIC further demanded fairness in religious infrastructure allocation.
“So we must ask FG to tell Nigerians when land of equal size will be given to the Muslims to build their grand national mosque. Of course FG must not forget the N25 billion cooling off somewhere in the Central Bank which will accompany the land allocation for Muslims.”
It added:
“What is good for the goose is equally good for the gander. It is our right, and our right is our right. The question is not ‘if’ but ‘when’ and the sooner the better. No excuses.”
