“Muslims Still Politically Marginalized, Muslim-Muslim Ticket Hasn’t Changed Our Plight” – Shari’ah Council

The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has expressed disappointment over the impact of the Muslim-Muslim ticket of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, stating that it has not brought the expected benefits for the Muslim community.

Speaking at a Pre-Ramadan Lecture, SCSN President Sheikh Abdurrasheed Hadiyyatullah noted that while Nigerians elected two Muslims into the presidency without plunging the country into conflict, justice and equity remain elusive for many, regardless of faith. He lamented that millions of Muslims remain politically marginalized despite their population and constitutional rights.

Hadiyyatullah also raised concerns about what he described as attempts to suppress the rights of South West Muslims, warning against efforts to divide the Nigerian Muslim Umma. He emphasized that the Muslim community looks to its leaders for guidance and reassurances that their faith will not be sacrificed for political gain. According to him, many Muslims feel betrayed after supporting the current administration.

Beyond political concerns, the SCSN leader highlighted the deepening economic crisis, blaming certain government policies for worsening hardship across the country. He pointed to the removal of fuel subsidies as a major factor driving up the cost of living, making food, transportation, and essential goods increasingly unaffordable.

The Council, he said, has consistently advised the government on measures to alleviate economic suffering. However, he expressed alarm over the introduction of multiple new taxes and tariffs within a short period. These include increased telecommunications tariffs by 50%, a 4% FOB charge on imports, a 15% rise in NPA tariffs, a 100% hike in ATM charges, and additional proposed electricity tariff increases.