- Muslims in Lagos State stage protest against perceived marginalization of Commissioner-nominees selected by Governor Sanwo-Olu for the State House of Assembly.
- Gbadamosi, representing the Muslim Community, alleges discrimination in commissioner nominee selection, highlighting a stark disparity in religious representation, prompting a demand for a revised list.
Muslims across Lagos State took to the streets to protest perceived marginalization in the selection of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Commissioner-nominees for the State House of Assembly.
The demonstration commenced at around 8:30 AM as Muslims gathered at the Lagos State House of Assembly complex in Alausa, Ikeja, to voice their discontent with the governor’s choices.
Gbadamosi, who voiced a petition on behalf of the Muslim Community, raised allegations of discrimination against Muslims in the commissioner nominee selection process.
The petition reads:
“We are here to express our grievance and dissatisfaction over the blatant disregard for justice, equity and fairness in the proposed Lagos State Executive cabinet as contained in the list of commissioner-nominees submitted by Governor Sanwo-Olu to this honourable House for your screening and confirmation.”
“As you are aware, the list is a classic case of discrimination and religious bigotry, as it has 31 nominees who are of the Christian faith and only eight nominees who are Muslims.”
This is not a new development, especially since Governor Sanwo-Olu assumed leadership of this State, as a matter of fact, it has been elevated to a level of official state policy to deny Muslims their deserved positions under the Sanwo-Olu administration.”
“With due respect Governor Sanwo-Olu’s list clearly violates these provisions of the Constitution and we accordingly call upon this honourable House not to endorse any action that violates our national grandnorm, especially one which equally violates good conscience and natural justice.”
“Why must Muslims in Lagos State always beg and fight for their constitutional rights especially since Mr Sanwo-Olu became Governor?” The petition read.
“We the Muslims in Lagos State wish to categorically state that the entire leadership of the Muslim Community of Lagos State representing various Muslim organisations, unequivocally and unanimously reject the list of commissioner-designates of Governor Sanwo-Olu and we demand a reversal and review to reflect 60 per cent in favour of Muslims in a fresh list.”
The Muslim community in Nigeria is resolutely calling for transformation, equitable representation, and fairness. Nevertheless, the true outcome of these demands remains uncertain and can only be revealed with the passage of time.
