Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has criticised the Director of the Muslim Rights Concern, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, urging him to focus on Islamic propagation and refrain from promoting religious division in Nigeria.
Olayinka’s remarks followed Akintola’s statement regarding the suspension of the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Engr. Shehu Ahmad Hadi.
Dismissing claims of religious bias in the suspension, Olayinka stated, “The suspended FCTA Executive Secretary was not appointed as a Muslim, and anyone trying to cover his suspension with the garment of religion will be doing a disservice to religious harmony in the country.”
He clarified that the FCT Administration under Minister Wike is not governed by religious considerations.
Olayinka further argued that appointing and suspending officials is the prerogative of the appointing authority. “Just as it is not obligatory for he who appoints to give reasons for appointing, it will also not be obligatory for he who suspends to tell the public reasons for suspending, as long as the person suspended knows why he was suspended,” he said.
He added that the position of the FCDA Executive Secretary is not a “family chieftaincy title,” and that the office’s operations are continuing effectively without Engr. Hadi.
Referencing Islamic teachings, Olayinka advised Prof. Akintola to consider the guidance of Prophet Muhammad on obedience to authority.
He said, “I doubt if Prof. Akintola is aware that on the authority of Abu Huraira, it was narrated that Prophet Muhammad said, ‘It is obligatory for you to listen to the ruler and obey him in adversity and prosperity, in pleasure and displeasure, and even when another person is given (rather undue) preference over you.’
“If Prof. Akintola is aware of this and has imbibed it, he will simply counsel the suspended FCTA Executive Secretary to accept his fate as a Muslim, rather than this seeming sponsorship of media attacks against the Minister and fanning the embers of religious discord.”
Olayinka urged religious leaders to contribute to national unity rather than fuel division.
