MURIC Criticizes NLC Strike Timing Amidst Id al-Kabiir Preparations

Abuja, Nigeria – June 3, 2024

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has voiced strong criticism over the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) planned strike set to begin today, Monday, June 3, 2024. With the Id al-Kabiir (Salah) festival just around the corner, MURIC expressed deep concerns that the strike will cause significant hardship for Muslims preparing for the celebration.

Professor Ishaq Akintola’s Concerns

Professor Ishaq Akintola, Founder and Executive Director of MURIC, highlighted the adverse effects the strike could have on the Muslim community. He emphasized that the timing of the strike, so close to the Id al-Kabiir festival, will lead to increased transportation costs and severely disrupted movement, making the festive period difficult for Muslims.

“Transport fares to and from various destinations will skyrocket, movements will be so adversely affected that the whole Salah period will become a horrendous experience. Is that what NLC wants?” Professor Akintola questioned.

Criticism of NLC’s Approach

Professor Akintola criticized the NLC for the short notice given for the strike, describing their approach as aggressive and inconsiderate. He suggested that the strike seems aimed at causing maximum discomfort to Muslims during their important festival period.

“This NLC has no respect for the rule of law, not even an iota of decorum for democratic practices. Is this a deliberate attempt to make life uncomfortable for Muslims?” he continued.

Call On Muslims To Reject The Strike Action

Professor Akintola called on the NLC to reconsider the timing of the strike and postpone it until after the Id al-Kabiir celebrations. He appealed to Muslim workers to reject the strike if it goes ahead as planned, viewing it as an attack on their religious observance.

“We advise NLC to postpone it till after the Salah. If NLC rejects our advice and goes ahead with its satanic strike, we will ask all Muslim workers who know that they will meet Allah yaom al-Qiyaamah (The Last Day) not to cooperate with NLC,” he stated.

Appeal to Muslim Leaders

He also urged Muslim leaders and Islamic organizations in Nigeria to speak out against the strike’s timing and support the call for its postponement.

“We must reject the tyranny of Muslim-haters thinly veiled in unionism. We say ‘No To Strike in Salah,’” he concluded.

The situation remains tense as the NLC prepares to move forward with the strike, potentially leading to widespread disruption during a significant religious period for Nigerian Muslims.