As the new Governor of Ondo State took over yesterday following the death of Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, the Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria has called on the new Governor Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa to appoint a Muslim as the Deputy Governor from Ondo North especially Owo where Akeredolu came from.
In a Press Statement jointly signed by the National Coordinator Alh. Ibrahim Abdullahi and the Ondo State Coordinator of the Group Alh. Ali Abdul-Yekeen, the Group stated that in the spirit of inclusivity in governance, equality, justice and fairness, the incoming Deputy Governor should be a Muslim.
It stated further that past State Governments in the State including the Military had in the past made Muslims their Deputies in the State – stating further that such action would enhance religious tolerance, peace, stability and progress.
The Group called for mutual understanding among political leaders and cited Ekiti State as example where both the Governor and Deputy are christians but a Muslim was made Secretary to the State Government – warning that for a single religious group to hold 10 Topmost Political Offices in a State is not only unfair and disproportionate but absolute injustice.
It concluded by urging those in governance to always remember that balancing appointments religiously is a way of promoting pesce – citing Lagos, Osun, Ogun and Oyo States as example that Governor Aiyedatiwa should copy for promoting mutual understanding.
