The National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations, NACOMYO has decried Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration in Oyo State for not declaring a public holiday to commemorate Hijrah, new Islamic year.
Coordinator, NACOMYO, Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji Dawood Afolabi stated this at the Special Prayer and Lecture for the commencement of Hijrah 1442 held at Ibadan Central Mosque, Ojaaba.
He condemned the failure of the state government to also fulfil its promise made last year when the Deputy Governor, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan represented the State at the celebration of Hijrah and promised that the holiday would be declared provided the day falls within the week.
” The withdrawal of 1st Muharram as work free day in the State is another indicator of tampering on the right of the Muslims. However, we put our trust in Allah for a better deal”.
Alhaji Afolabi also alleged that muslims in the states have not been treated fairly in term of political appointments.
“It is disheartening that despite the promise of fairness and justice by the present administration and continued lip-service to same at functions, Muslims are still being treated with disdain in government appointments.
“The glaring marginalization in the composition of State executive and appointment into boards of tertiary institutions are instances of the injustice “.
The Chief Imam of NACOMYO, Dr Ashim AbdulAzeez who led the special supplications prayed for lasting peace in the country and the end to COVID-19 in the world.
The programme organised to commemorate Hijrah 1442 A.H was done in line with coronavirus safety protocols.
Efforts to get the reaction of the government proved abortive as of the time of filing this report.
