PAG castigates Makinde on largess appointments given out to Christians

…states that the Muslims have been marginalized

By Peter Ayoade

A political institution in Oyo state that is for good governance, equity and justice, the Political Awareness Group (PAG) has criticized the recent announced appointments made by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for some state owned tertiary institutions in the state. PAG described the appointments as lopsided.

This was contained in a press release signed and circulated by the group state secretary, Hon. Abbas Ademola Busari, on Thursday 9th July, 2020.

The group stated,

“Governor Makinde appointed six chairmen of governing boards on Wednesday 8th July, 2020 but only one of them (Lateef Sanni) is a Muslim. He appointed thirty four (34) members but only fifteen (15) of them are Muslims. Makinde’s focus is clear and calls for our concern. He insinuated that only 16.6% and 44.1% are good enough for Muslims in the state”.

“Only a governor with a Christianisation agenda can do that in a Muslim-majority state. But it is our duty to interrogate the governor’s action as we are for good governance, equity and justice. Makinde must explain the justification of his latest action to Nigerians most especially the citizens of the Pacesetter state. Where in the world can you give 16.6% of the dividend of democracy to the majority group while the minority goes away with 83.4%? Is it fair? Is it just? Is it equitable? Is it rational?”.

“Where are the merchants of false propaganda? They are quick to carry placards in protest against a Muslim president who is doing his best to create a level playing field for all. They cry marginalization in Abuja but turn the blind eye to the marginalization of the majority in Oyo state”.

“It is now glaring that it has always been a deliberate act. This is the second time he will shortchange Oyo State Muslims. How many of his commissioners are Muslims and how many are Christians? Out of fourteen commissioners, only four are Muslims. Makinde gave the Christians ten (10). Makinde’s definition of democracy is government of the Christians, by the Christians, for the Christians. He is laying the foundation of full blown oppression of Muslims”.

“Can Seyi Makinde tell Nigerians how much the pomp and pageantry of 2019 Christmas cost the government of Oyo State? Is it true that all roundabouts in the city of Ibadan were electrified with special blinking bulbs during the yuletide period of the same year? Mr. Governor sir, can the public know the cost? Was the money not taken from our common purse? Was any such thing or something close to it done to make the Muslim festival which was held four months earlier as glamorous? Is Makinde a governor of the Christians only or governor of all?”.

“We seek review, redress and charge Governor Makinde to remember that governance is fragile and power is transient. Only those who are able to strike a balance between groups rule successfully. He should remember that Oyo state is one of the Muslim majority states in Nigeria and there are abundant and qualified members of Muslim populace, even in the ruling (your) party as well as Muslims seasoned Technocrats. Makinde must therefore fasten his seat belt”.

“We kept mute when he cheated Muslims in the appointment of commissioners as we felt it was not a deliberate act. Now he has sidelined them in the appointment of boards of tertiary institutions. Our people say ‘Ekini keebe, ekeji keebe, eleketa ni ajenjetan’, meaning ‘Once is happenstance, twice is a coincidence, the third time is enemy action and deliberate. We wish this administration under your able leadership give Muslims cause to repose their confidence and trust in you for just and fair treatment as responsible citizens with established rights. Makinde might not taste power in Oyo State again if he continues this way”. PAG concluded