Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) yesterday said stereotyping Muslims from one particular region as terrorists was a threat to national unity.
The group said in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, said it was a case that must be avoided in view of negative implications.
It said: “MURIC decries this culture of impunity being exhibited by the Nigerian military. The constitution is constantly swept aside by the army while Allah-given and fundamental rights of the citizens are flagrantly violated. We note with serious concern that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 guarantees Right to freedom of movement. Chapter IV, Section 41(1) says “Every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof, and no citizen of Nigeria shall be expelled from Nigeria or refused entry thereto or exit there from.”
“We also remind the authorities of the provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, particularly Article 4, Clauses 1& 2 which say “Human beings are inviolable. Every human being shall be entitled to respect for his life and the integrity of his person.” In spite of these clear provisions, innocent traders are being denied freedom of movement on account of their being Northerners and Muslims. This makes a mockery of our democracy and turns the rule of law in Nigeria into mere charade.”
Stating its position, MURIC said: “It is interesting to note that despite the fact that kidnapping is rampant in the South Eastern part of Nigeria, no trader of Eastern origin has been arrested or turned back from any of the Northern states on the suspicion of being a kidnapper. The arrest and continued detention of the Muslim travelers therefore constitute a potent threat to national unity.
“We appeal to the Security Committees of both Senate and the House of Representatives to investigate these human rights abuses. We call the attention of the international community, particularly the United Nations Organisation to the constant stigmatisation and victimisation of Nigerian Muslims.”
