Plateau Muslims Disown MURIC, Back Gov. Mutfwang’s Inclusive Leadership
A coalition of concerned Muslims in Plateau State has distanced itself from recent criticisms by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) against Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, reaffirming strong support for his leadership and policies.
In a statement signed by its leader, Alhaji Mohammed Adamu, the group described the comments by MURIC’s Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, as “spurious and inciting,” alleging they were aimed at provoking religious tension and misrepresenting the reality in the state.
“We wish to categorically and unequivocally dissociate ourselves from the said statement, which, in our considered view, is a desperate attempt to paint the peace-loving people of Plateau State in a bad light and to provoke unnecessary tension between Muslims and their neighbours. That dog will not hunt,” the coalition declared.
The group stressed that Muslims in Plateau have experienced a new era of inclusion, equity, and peaceful coexistence under Governor Mutfwang’s administration. According to them, appointments and projects have been based on merit and need, not religious or ethnic bias.
“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 statement read.
They further praised the transparent handling of government-sponsored Hajj pilgrimages and the active engagement between the governor and Muslim leadership groups like Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI). They noted that leaders of the Muslim community have had regular access to the governor to share concerns and offer advice.
The group criticized Prof. Akintola for making claims from outside the state, suggesting he lacks the firsthand knowledge necessary to assess the situation. “It is 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,” they remarked.
The coalition concluded by urging well-meaning Nigerians to disregard MURIC’s statement, affirming that peace and cooperation remain the foundation of interfaith relations in Plateau under Governor Mutfwang.
