The government of Osun state has chided Muslim Rights Organisation (MURIC) for its failed bid to foment religious crisis in the state, affirming that Governor Ademola Adeleke’s appointments of commissioners and permanent secretaries are based on merit and competency.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the state government noted that ever since assuming office, Governor Adeleke has premised his governance decisions on competency and commitment to state duty of appointees in his avowed commitment to deliver on good governance and correct inherited ills from previous governments.

His first appointees occupying commanding heights of the government were appointed not by religion but merit, competency and conformation with his style of leadership.

The same principle of meritocracy which produced the nominated commissioners was applied in the appointments of permanent secretaries who are accounting officers of the ministries. This policy of equity, fairness and competency also guided the many landmark decisions of Mr Governor.

With just eight months in office, the Governor has formed the habit of scouting for the best among indigenes who can support the concerted efforts to rescue the state from the many challenges of under-development, infrastructural deficit and poverty.

It should also be put on record that the Governor’s approach has paid off with superlative delivery and performance which is highly appreciated by Osun indigenes at home and abroad.

It must therefore be noted that no agent of destabilization with mere nuisance value masquerading as a religious body can deploy religion as a partisan tool to divide and distract a government that is busy with correcting ills of the recent past.

Osun state is a highly enlightened society with deep records of religious harmony and close understanding of the Governor as a cosmopolitan leader who has never and will never pander to religious bigotry, ethnic partisanship and unmeritorious decision making.

MURIC should look elsewhere for its merchandise of extremism and division. Religious leaders in Osun understand and support their Governor and their prayers uphold him every second.

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor.

Governor Ademola Adeleke has called on the Muslim Community in Osun state to emulate the sacrificial living, self control and intercessory supplications embedded in the teachings of the Holy Month of Ramadan, just as Muslims around the world begins the month long period of fasting.

A news release personally signed by the Governor and made available to the newsmen through his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed said, Governor Adeleke wishes to remind Muslims in the State of the real essence of Ramadan as a period of self-reflection, intended to deepen one’s spiritual growth and renew a sense of appreciation for the many blessings of God.

In the release, Governor Ademola Adeleke enunciated:
“In this spirit of thanksgiving and reflection, all of us observing Ramadan can strengthen our sense of commitment to equality and development of our communities. It is a time to offer help to those in need, and serve as an immutable emblem of holy life.

“As residents of Osun State, we are all blessed to live under a government that fosters religious liberty and respects the religious practice of all. Our laws and history ensure Muslims can observe this period in accordance with the dictates of conscience and without detractions.

“It is also a period for our dear State to look up to Muslims for unimpeded prayers and in renewed sense of unity, purpose and desire for a better society.

“As we all unite to celebrate this year’s Ramadan in teachings and reflections, I join in the hope for a blessed month

Ramadan Mubarak, dear brothers and sisters in Islam,”the Governor concluded.