Following growing controversies trailing the list of cabinet nominees sent by Governor Sanwoolu to the Lagos State House of Assembly for approvals, the Muslim Community has made good their threat by embarking on a peaceful protest to the Assembly quarters in Alausa.
Members of the Muslim Community in their large number was led by the President, Muslim Community in Lagos Prof Tajudeen Gbadamosi, the National Missioner, Ansarudeen Society, Imam Abdulrahman Ahmad, Prof Ishaq Akintola and other prominent Clerics.
The protest letter read by Prof Tajudeen Gbadamosi was received on behalf of the Speaker, Rt. Hon Mudashiru Obasa by Hon Abdulmojeed Fatai.
While presenting the letter, Prof Gbadamosi described the list as a classic case of religious bigotry by Governor Sanwoolu.
He said the list violates sections 14 and 192 of the Constitution of the country as amended which implies that such composition must reflect diversity of the country.
Prof Gbadamosi further said and I quote” The House of Assembly must not endorse any action that violates the Constitution of the country since the list does not reflect the true picture of what is obtainable in the state”. End of quote.
According to him, the entire leadership of the Muslim Community in the state unanimously rejects the list and demands for reversal of to reflect 60% to the Muslims in the new list.
He cited the example of the minority Christian Community in Niger state that made similar observations in which the Governor did necessary adjustment.
On the submission by the Christian Association of Nigeria that the three Senators representing the state and majority of Lagos Assembly were Muslims, Prof Gbadamosi noted that the current six Governors in the South West are Christians, adding Muslims did not complain because they were elected by the people.
He said Governor Sanwoolu has been in the habit of denying Muslims that merited positions their lawful rights, citing that in 2019, he appointed 14 Special Advisers with only one as Muslim.
Only 15 Muslims made up of Permanent Secretaries during the first term of the Governor according to the Spokesman of the Muslim Community.
Earlier, Imam Abdulrahman Ahmad said they had no intention to cause chaos or disharmony among people of the state but demand justice on the matter.
Receiving the protesters on behalf of the Speaker, Hon Abdulmojeed Fatai who represents Ibeju Lekki assured that the House will look into it and ensure that the needful is done.
The lawmaker noted that the ruling party may have lost out in the last election if there was no strong support from the Muslims to the Governor.
He explained that the House of Assembly embarked on the screening of the nominees in line with the Constitution of the country