OPC Reformed clears MURIC, Akintola of allegation of link with terrorist groups

The Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) Reformed says Nigeria’s notable Islamic rights group, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has nothing in common either with Boko Haram or Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and so that the allegation linking it or its leader, Professor Ishaq Akintola, with any such terrorist funds could not have been in tandem with commonsense.

In an address to a press conference presented by its Vice President Afolabi Omotosho, which he co-signed with Lagos State Governor of the OPC Reformed, Samson Balogun copy of which was sent to The DEFENDER on Tuesday, the OPC(R), said the press conference was necessary “to clear the air on the allegation of a so called relationship between the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), ISWAP and Boko Haram.”

He said, “I have been instructed by my President Comrade Dare Adesope to hold this press briefing after delving into the issue with all seriousness.

“It is a known fact that MURIC works in line with their moto which says Dialogue and not Violence, because of this they cannot be connected with Boko Haram. Some people want to give them a bad name so as to crucify them. I am saying authoritatively that this allegation is completely false and should not be believed by anybody. If any group or individual can substantiate this allegation with fact, they should come up with it.

“There is a saying which says any house that divide against itself shall not stand. There is no doubt about the fact that our common enemies are using everything to ensure that there is disunity amongst us in order to make it impossible for us to achieve our major and common aim. I want to implore any individual or group that before coming into the public space to levy allegation against someone you should have done proper investigation and hold your fact.

“To we at OPC(R) and other organizations in Yoruba land , such allegation is grievous and if found to be true will never be taken with levity. We have heard one of their leaders in the north linking one of the sitting governors in the north to Boko Haram.

“Enough of applying politics in all we do if we actually want to achieve our aim. The interest of our race should be our priority and not our selfish interest. Putting our interest before that of Ile Oodua is like putting a cart before the horse.

“The President of OPC(R) in the person of Comrade Dare ADESOPE asked me to carry out this investigation and we found out that it is baseless and it is pure conspiracy to tarnish the image of this great Islamic organization and the director of the organisation.Therefore, the whole public should disregard it because it is baseless.

“We are all fighting a common cause be it an Islamic, a Christian or Traditional Organization, in as much as we are descendants of Oduduwa. The method we are using definitely defers but we should always exhibit the character of OMOLUABI in all we do.

“I want to implore every person in the position of authority to always ensure they verify whatever they will say in the public most especially something that has to do with the life or image of a person. We should always ensure that we do not betray the trust and confidence people repose in us. Our primary aim should be how to work tremendously in achieving our priority. We should not allow enemies to bring disunity among us.

“We at OPC(R) have waited patiently for some couple of months to see if any group or individual will come out with a proof to substantiate this allegation but up till now nobody has done that. At this juncture, we are warning those peddling this kind of deadly rumour to desist from such act.

“We have known Professor Ishaq Akintola since the days of June 12 struggle. He is somebody who believes in justice and equal rights.

“MURIC is therefore not an enemy of Yoruba people and they cannot collect money to cause trouble in Yorubaland. Even Boko Haram cannot give MURIC money because MURIC is always condemning violence and terrorism. Boko Haram and MURIC are enemies, therefore the allegation is a lie.

“Professor Akintola has good relationship with his Yoruba neighbors. He is currently the chairman of the Egbe Ilosiwaju Omo Yoruba in Lagos. He is therefore a respected Yoruba leader.

“Those who made the allegation should fear God. It is wrong for Yorubas to start fighting Yorubas. Professor Akintola is a true Yoruba man from Ile Ife. We can have differences but a wicked lie like this without evidence is very bad.

“MURIC and Professor Ishaq Akintola has come out severally to deny this allegation and our expectation is that somebody will come out with evidence and since nobody has done this. All sons and daughters of Oduduwa should disregard this allegation and continue relating with MURIC the way they have been doing because this is a group that recognized all faiths, be it traditional worshippers or Christians.

“Moreso, the director of the organisation Alhaji Ishaq Akintola, is a man of integrity, a trustworthy man and who is transparent in all his doings.

“All well wishers of MURIC should not desist from rendering the support that have been rendering to the organisation. On a final note, we are saying it boldly, after our investigation that MURIC and Alhaji Ishaq Akintola have nothing to do with ISWAP or Boko Haram,” the address said.