Inside The MURIC, RCCG Camp Controversy Issue

On a soulful Friday like today, the entirety of Muslim Umah often gather to pray for themselves, their families and the nation. No one ever prays for controversies like that of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) and the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). 

Here is the laydown of the controversy...

On Wednesday, MURIC demanded the relocation of examination centres from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Redemption Camp situated along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

The Muslim advocacy group expressed their concern that Muslims have not been allowed to enter the Redemption camp through a statement signed by its Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola.

According to MURIC, Muslims were barred from transacting business in the banks or checking the centres for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), among other examinations inside the redemption camp.

In response, RCCG spokesperson Olaitan Olubiyi described the allegation as untrue, insisting that the camp remains accessible to anyone who has legitimate businesses to carry out at the camp.

Southwest religious tolerance in danger 

Kudos to religious organisations in Southwestern Nigeria! They have found seamless ways of incorporating religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, particularly between Muslims and Christians.

 A survey carried out by AllNews Nigeria showed that at least there is always a Muslim in a Christian family and vice versa.

Many interreligious marriages and bosom friendships have been flourishing in the region.

Whether or not the news is true, it is a ruse on the long-lasting harmony characterised by the worshipers of both religions over the years in the region.

Both parties are advised not to allow the brewing animosity to grow wings past where it is at the moment.

Religious tolerance will be in grave danger if the snarl is not quickly resolved. 

Religion versus humanity

It can be authoritatively stated and verified that Islam and Christianity do not support hate but promote peaceful coexistence, togetherness and humanitarian services. 

If the claim is valid that the RCCG is preventing Muslims from using the facilities at the camp, then it is against the tenets and standpoint of the faith.

The matter should have been strategically addressed without the commotion making its way into the media space and being overstretched.

As we know, the leaders of these religions should have placated or remedied the disconnection.

If the news is untrue as defended by the RCCG, MURIC has not only jeopardised their relevance but has failed as a true fosterer of what Islam preaches, which is universal peace.

 It is global ignominy for the organisation to peddle a grievous accusation to an embodiment of religious treasure like the RCCG if MURIC could not provide factual shreds of evidence to back up its claims.

The road is clear for politicians

Based on how sensitive religion is, we will not bring social media users' reactions to this development. These reactions will sway the focal point of this piece to where we do not want. 

As a matter of factly, it is regrettable that some individuals have found solace in using this development to balance their political permutations. 

When the presidential flagbearer of the ruling party in the country is parading a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, it is unhealthy and dubious that political opponents have gone to social media to bank on the MURIC-RCCG controversy to sell their presidential candidates. 

One of these claims forms the title of this piece: that the Muslims would have a mosque inside the RCCG if a Muslim became the President and vice-president in Nigeria come 2023.

No faith-based religion approves of situational, ideological or operational clashes anywhere in the world. 

Hopefully, this controversy will not escalate into something more serious.