Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has declared that any attempt made by the federal government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed and state governors to crackdown on opposition political figures may ignite fresh unrest in the country.
The group used the opportunity to caution the federal government and state governors against any act of stifling opposition figures in the country.
MURIC in a statement made available to journalists on Monday noted that such attempt will undermine the current democratic dispensation and ignite unrest in the country.
The group made these declarations in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, a copy of which was sent to Afripost on Monday.
Akintola in the statement alleged that already, there are complaints that the body language of Tinubu’s administration in recent time signals systematic crackdown and gradual stifling of opposition figures through government agencies.
He warned against overzealousness on the part of security agencies, as he advised them to discharge their duties in line with the laid down rules and regulations.
He also advised that equal opportunities should be given to political parties, particularly the opposition to have access to public facilities.
Akintola in the statement said, “As we prepare for the 2027 general elections, we have seen the need to appeal to governments at both federal and state levels to desist from stifling opposition in order to avoid political violence, to sustain our nascent democracy and to ensure a free, fair, peaceful and credible general election in 2027.
‎‎”Like a sapling which grows from various seedling and must be jealously watered in order to become a formidable tree, democracy requires careful nurturing from conception to ideological evolution and finally to established and enduring democratic practices capable of engendering civilizational growth and technological advancement.
“To nurture democracy, the water used to wet it must contain vital ingredients like tolerance of opposition’s view, respect for the rule of law, permission of freedom of expression and the practice of true separation of powers. At no point in time must the executive usurp the role of either the judiciary or the legislature while the creation of a conducive atmosphere for free, fair and credible election is sine qua non.
‎‎”Already, there are complaints that the body language of President Tinubu’s administration in recent time signals systematic crackdown and gradual stifling of opposition figures through government agencies. Opposition figures complain of the weaponization of anti-graft agencies, involuntary defections, suppression of dissent, attempt to impose a one party state on Nigeria, etc.
‎‎”While a non-govermental body like ours must remain politically neutral, we must not close our eyes to matters such as this because they call attention to likely infringements on Allah-given fundamental human rights of the opposition. It is always safe to assume that the opposition is vulnerable while members of the ruling party are in a position of advantage.
‎‎”Tongues must begin to wag when key figures in the opposition are being invited by security agencies while those who are known to have corruption cases pending in court walk freely on the streets and hobnob with key government figures.
‎‎”MURIC warns against overzealousness on the part of security agencies. Rather we call for undiluted professionalism. People should not be invited just to please the powers that be. At the same time, equal opportunities should be given to political parties, particularly the opposition to have access to public spaces and facilities”.