The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to consider suspending its ongoing strike action in order to alleviate potential hardship for Muslim families preparing to celebrate the upcoming Id al-Kabir (Eid al-Adha) festival.
Professor Ishaq Akintola, Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), made a passionate appeal on Monday, urging the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to reconsider its strike action, citing the imminent Id al-Kabir (Eid al-Adha) festival and the potential hardship the strike may inflict on Muslim families.
In a statement, MURIC emphasized the far-reaching consequences of the strike on the Muslim community, with the festive period mere days away.
Professor Akintola noted, “There is no scintilla of doubt that the strike will make life unbearable for Muslims preparing for Id al-Kabir (Salah).”
He further explained that the involvement of workers’ unions from essential service sectors such as petroleum and electricity would exacerbate the situation, leading to significant disruptions across the country. “The lives of Nigerians are likely to be thrown into a state of higgledy-piggledy in the next few days,” Akintola stated.
The statement emphasized the specific impact on Muslims during this festive period, pointing out that transport fares are expected to rise sharply, and movement will be severely restricted, potentially turning the celebration into a “horrendous experience.”
MURIC criticized the NLC’s short notice for the strike, describing the leadership’s approach as “aggressive, arrogant, fascist, and partisan.” The statement accused the NLC of lacking respect for the rule of law and democratic practices.
Addressing the broader implications, Professor Akintola questioned whether the timing of the strike was intentionally aimed at making life difficult for Muslims or undermining the current government. He posed the rhetorical question, “Will NLC declare a strike one week before Christmas?” suggesting a possible bias in the timing of the industrial action.
MURIC concluded with a strong appeal to Muslim workers to reject the strike, labeling it an “assault on the religion of Islam.” The statement called on Muslim leaders and Islamic organizations to voice their opposition to the strike, advocating for a peaceful and undisturbed celebration of Id al-Kabir.
MURIC’s statement expresses grave concern about the ill-timed strike, imploring the NLC to reconsider its action and postpone the strike, thereby enabling Nigerian Muslims to celebrate the upcoming Id al-Kabir festival with tranquility and joy.
