PRESS RELEASE

8th January, 2016.
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) Edo State Chapter and the Edo Muslims For Equity and Good Governance (EMEGG) wishes to express its utter resentment and disapproval to the last minute cancellation by the State Governor, Comrade Adams Eric Oshiomhole, of the proposed peaceful sensitization programme by Muslims in the State scheduled for Saturday, 9th January, 2016 at Sam Ogbemudia Stadium.
 The last minute cancellation is unacceptable to the Ummah as we view it as an affront and insult to the integrity of the entire Muslims in Edo State, because we know that the Comrade Governor cannot treat any programme or activity by Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the manner he has treated the Muslims.
 We wish to remind the Governor of Edo State that we are in a democracy in which the right of every Nigerian to freedom of association, freedom of expression and freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
 We shall resist any attempt by any person, no matter how highly placed, to circumscribe or abridge our fundamental liberties.
 In the interim, we wish to urge all Muslims to remain calm and peaceful in the face of this provocation, whilst appropriate machinery to respond to this latest onslaught is being worked out with relevant stakeholders in the Ummah.

Signed:
 FARUQ OMOGBAI
Secretary General Supreme council for Islamic Affairs Edo State.
SIRAJUDEEN MUHAMMAD
CO-ORDINATOR
EDO MUSLIMS OF EQUITY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE