Don't use religion to divide us in Osun — Osun government to MURIC

The government of Osun state has faulted the claims of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) on its claim of religious disparity in government appointments in the state.

The state government also affirmed that no perceived agent of destabilisation masquerading as a religious body can deploy religion as a partisan tool to divide and distract it as it busy with correcting the ills of the recent past.

In a statement made available by the spokesperson to Governor Ademola Adeleke, Olawale Rasheed on Tuesday, the government also affirmed that appointments of commissioners and Permanent Secretaries were based on merit and competency.

"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."

While calling on MURIC to look elsewhere, Rasheed maintained that religious leaders in the state supports the governor with prayers.

He also added that, "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."



FI