Ekiti Muslims reject Fayemi's first three appointments saying they make up 40% of the population

EKITI State's Muslim community have rejected the three major appointments made so far by new governor Kayode Fayemi claiming that they indicate that the administration intends to marginalise them as none of the three appointees were members of their faith.

Upon assuming office on Tuesday, Governor Fayemi appointed Abiodun Oyebanji as the secretary to the state government and named Biodun Omoleye as his chief of staff and Yinka Oyebode as the chief press secretary to the governor. In a swift reaction, Alhaji Tajudeen Ahmed, the Ekiti State coordinator of the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations, (Nacomyo), described the appointments as not only lopsided but a grand plan to marginalise the Muslim community in the state.

Alhaji Ahmed said the appointments did not show balance and fairness which Governor Fayemi promised the Muslim community. He added that Muslims constituted about 40% of the Ekiti State population and this should be reflected in political appointments made by the governor.

“The exclusion of Muslims from the principal officers of this administration is worrisome, unjust, condemnable and unacceptable. The Ekiti Muslim community saw the appointments as a calculated attempt to exclude it from the fundamental aspect of decision making process in the state.

“Excluding Muslims from the first three important appointments announced by the governor is shocking and highly disturbing to all Muslims in the state.  The exclusion of Muslims from the core principal appointments of Dr John Kayode Fayemi is a violation of the motto of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as provided in Section 15 (1) of the 1999 constitution," Alhaji Ahmed added.

He called on Governor Fayemi to breathe life into Section 14(4) of the constitution which provided that the composition of the government of a state, a local government council, or any of the agencies of such government or council, shall recognise the diversity of the people. Nacomyo called on the governor to urgently review the appointments to accommodate Muslims.

Alhaji Ahmed said: “Rather than projecting unity and faith, peace and progress, the recent appointments made by Governor Fayemi will breed disunity, commotion and backwardness. We call on Governor Fayemi to ensure inclusion of Muslims in all future  appointments to be made at both state and local government levels as this will certainly pave way for the reign of justice, equity and peace in our dear state.”