SEMON seeks political inclusion, unity among Igbo Muslims

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6 years ago

THE South Eastern Muslims Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON) has called on Igbo Muslims to unite and speak with one voice in demanding for their rights as bona fide citizens of Nigeria.

The organisation made the call at a one-day conference held at the National Mosque Complex, Abuja, to examine the past, present and future of Igbo Muslims in Nigeria, especially in relation to the socio-political, ethnocentric, economic and religious challenges they face at the local and national levels.

Present at the conference were renowned Igbo Muslim technocrats, scholars and professionals.

SEMON described what it called a total exclusion from the political scheme in Nigeria as the greatest challenge faced by the Igbo Muslims and appealed to the Federal Government and governments of south-eastern states to adjust the situation and ensure fairness.

A communique at the end of the conference urged South East governors and local government chairmen to protect members of the Muslim minority and their worship places and carry them along in the socio-political and economic arrangements for their citizens without discrimination against Muslims.

The communique, signed by Muhammad Obiahu Ajah Jr. (National Chairman), Abdur-Rahman Nwazueze Urama (National Secretary) and Yahya Onyekachi Ugwu (National PRO), hinged the establishment of SEMON on the need to foster unity among Igbo Muslims and bring them under one umbrella.

It urged Igbo Muslims to remain law-abiding in the pursuit of their livelihoods in any part of the country.

The organisation commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his efforts at developing the country, urging him to remain focused in the fight against corruption and be detribalised in making appointments even while putting merit above other considerations.

It prayed for the peace and unity of Nigeria and urged politicians to play by the game by the rule as the 2019 general election approaches.

The organisation, which said it acknowledged the voting strength of Igbo Muslims, urged all eligible voters among them who have acquired their Permanent Voter Cards to vote only for leaders who care abooout Igbo Muslims.