The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State Chapter, has called for renewed commitment to peace, justice, unity, patriotism and responsible citizenship among Nigerians.
The rights group made the call on Thursday in a statement issued to commemorate the 66th independence anniversary of Nigeria.
Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, General Secretary, MURIC, Oyo State Chapter, signed the statement.
He said : ” Independence is not merely a historical milestone; it is a continuing responsibility.
“The freedom inherited from our forebears places a duty upon every generation to preserve the unity of the nation, protect its sovereignty, promote justice and work towards a society where every citizen can live with dignity, security and hope.
‘Nigeria is a nation richly endowed with human and natural resources and blessed with remarkable cultural, ethnic and religious diversity.
“Our diversity should not be a source of division. Rather, it should be transformed into a strength through mutual respect, tolerance, justice and peaceful coexistence.”
MURIC also called on government at all levels to continue to place the welfare, security and dignity of citizens at the centre of governance.
“We urge political leaders and public officials to see public office as a trust and to discharge their responsibilities with accountability, fairness and compassion, ” the statement said.
On the coming 2027 general elections, MURIC urged all political actors, aspirants, candidates, supporters and all Nigerians to embrace the spirit of democratic maturity.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections for March 6, 2027.
MURIC, however, said election period must never become a season of hatred, violence, intimidation or destruction.
“Political differences should not be allowed to destroy relationships that have existed for generations.
“No political contest is worth the blood of a Nigerian.
“No political ambition should be allowed to tear apart the bonds of brotherhood, neighbourhood and national unity.
“We call on political parties and their supporters to conduct their activities within the confines of the law.
“We urge security agencies, electoral authorities, the media, religious leaders, traditional institutions and civil society organisations to play their respective roles in protecting the democratic process and promoting peaceful participation.
“Above all, let the votes of Nigerians speak.
“Every eligible citizen should be allowed to make his or her choice freely and peacefully.
“The ballot must be respected, and the outcome of a properly conducted electoral process must be handled through lawful and constitutional means.
“Political disagreement must never become a licence for violence.
“We equally call on Nigerians to reject hate speech, religious incitement, ethnic provocation, fake news and inflammatory propaganda.
“We must disagree without becoming enemies. We must compete without destroying one another.
“We must campaign without demonising our fellow citizens.
The Qur’an reminds us:
“O you who believe! Stand firmly for justice, as witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves, your parents, or your relatives.”
(Qur’an 4:135)
“This principle of justice is relevant not only in our personal lives but also in governance, elections and national affairs.”
MURIC also called on Nigerians to eschew religious bitterness, saying that we must always remember that Nigeria belongs to all of us
“Muslims and Christians, northerners and southerners, people of different ethnic groups, political persuasions and social backgrounds are stakeholders in the Nigerian project.
“We may differ in our beliefs and political choices, but our shared homeland must remain greater than our differences.
“On this Independence Day, therefore, we appeal for a new spirit of patriotism, one that goes beyond slogans and ceremonies.
“Let us build a Nigeria where justice is not selective, where security is not a privilege, where citizens can pursue their legitimate aspirations without fear, and where political power is pursued through lawful democratic processes rather than violence or intimidation.
“MURIC commends Nigerians who continue to demonstrate resilience, hope and faith in the Nigerian project despite the challenges confronting the nation.
“We also urge the Government to continue to listen to the legitimate concerns of citizens and to pursue policies that strengthen economic opportunity, security, social justice and national cohesion.
“As we celebrate Nigeria at 66, let us remember that the future of Nigeria is not the responsibility of government alone. It is a collective responsibility.
“Let government govern responsibly.
Let leaders lead with justice.
Let citizens act responsibly.
Let political parties compete peacefully.
Let security agencies remain professional and impartial.
Let the electoral process be respected.
And let the votes of the people speak.”
(vitalnewsngr.com)
