Sanwo-Olu urged to negotiate with Muslims on second term bid
Ishaq Akintola, an academic of Islamic studies, has urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to negotiate with Muslims over his second term bid. Akintola said this under the auspices of his Muslim Rights Concern.
He described Sanwo-Olu’s endorsement by an APC advisory group as “unfair’, “unjust”, and “provocative”.
Akintola said the governor’s “endorsement violated a long standing albeit unwritten rule on rotational governance between Christians and Muslims in Lagos state.”
“It is on record that ex-Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, a Christian, spent four years in office and another Christian, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was brought in ostensibly to complete the Christians’ two terms which expires by May 2023 when a Muslim, ceteris paribus, is expected to take over the reins of office.
“It may not be known in official circles but Lagos Muslims are grumbling and we have been under pressure for some time now to speak up.
“It is a dangerous dimension capable of eliciting protest bulk vote against the ruling party unless the issue is ironed out at a roundtable between leaders of the party, the Lagos State Government (LASG) and Lagos Muslims.
“The Muslim Community of Lagos State which is under the able leadership of Professor Tajudeen Gbadamosi is the appropriate body to meet for the purpose of negotiating with Lagos Muslims.
“MURIC rejects exclusivism in matters of governance. Lagos Muslims are tax payers and key stakeholders in issues affecting the welfare of Lagos citizens. “
