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The Coalition of Concerned Muslims’ Plateau State chapter has disassociated itself from a statement made by Prof. Ishaq Akintola, Executive Director of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), which claimed that Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s request for the military to leave the state’s troubled areas was a covert attempt to target Muslims.

The group said in a forceful statement by its chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Adamu, that it was terrible that Akintola could go to such lengths as to make such inflammatory and inciting remarks, when Mutfwang’s only goal was to soothe tense feelings after a new wave of bandit attacks in the state that caused a significant loss of life and property.

Adamu stated that Akintola’s statement, which he claimed was not only unfounded but also fabricated and devoid of any fact, startled the Muslim coalition.

The coalition stated that it read the MURIC statement with complete shock and profound concern and that it wishes to categorically and unequivocally distance itself from the statement, which it believes is a last-ditch effort to defame the state’s peace-loving citizens and incite needless hostility between Muslims and their neighbors.

“As Muslims who live, work, and raise our families on the Plateau, we can attest that under Governor Mutfwang, a fresh breeze of inclusion, respect, and peaceful coexistence has been blowing across the land,” the group said.

It further stated that Mutfwang has extended the hand of fellowship to everyone since taking office, regardless of political affiliation, religion, or tribe.

According to Adamu, the Muslim community in Plateau has so far experienced greater freedom than they had in prior years.

“Our people have been given appointments based on merit and not religious identity. Government projects from roads to schools, water, and health centers have reached our doorsteps, and yearly pilgrimages to Mecca have been sponsored by the state government with impressive organization and transparency.”

It emphasized that Muslim leaders who are affiliated with Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) have had unrestricted access to the governor to discuss concerns and provide advice in an atmosphere of mutual respect and communication.

“It is therefore baffling that someone who neither lives here nor understands our reality would attempt to set fire to the house while pretending to be pouring water. A stranger cannot beat the drum better than the owner of the masquerade.”

The coalition added that Akintola’s comments were hateful, unsupported by evidence, and did not represent the opinions, experiences, or goals of Muslims in Plateau State.

“His comments are not only reckless and unfounded, but also an affront to our collective sensibilities as peace-loving citizens who have chosen the path of peaceful coexistence and brotherhood with our neighbours.”

The Muslim organization advised Akintola to avoid getting involved in Plateau matters “least he becomes the fly that follows the corpse into the grave.” Instead, he should utilize his position to repair fences and establish bridges rather than stoking animosity.

“Nigeria is already facing numerous challenges. It needs healing voices, not toxic tongues. We call on all Muslims across the country to disregard MURIC’s statement as ill-informed, mischief-driven, and completely detached from the true situation on the ground. The truth is like the sun. You can cover it for a while, but you cannot stop it from shining.

“We stand firmly with Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang and his administration. He has been fair, just, and inclusive. As Muslims in Plateau, we are stakeholders in the peace and progress of our dear state, and we shall not allow anyone to sow discord in our midst,” the statement added.

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