By Abigail Philip David
The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has expressed disappointment with the Muslim-Muslim ticket that brought President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima to power, stating that it has not yielded the expected benefits for Muslim communities, particularly in Yorubaland.
Speaking at a pre-Ramadan lecture in Kaduna on Tuesday, SCSN President Sheikh Abdurrasheed Hadiyyatullah lamented that despite overwhelming support from Muslims, particularly in the South-West, they remain politically marginalized.
“We have seen Nigerians vote for leaders of the same Islamic faith without turning the country into a battlefield. However, justice and equity have not been extended to all communities, regardless of their faith,” Hadiyyatullah stated.
He warned against attempts to divide the Nigerian Muslim Ummah, adding, “The Ummah looks to us for guidance and assurance that their faith will not be sacrificed on the altar of political opportunism. Many Muslims feel betrayed for voting this administration into power.”
Concerns Over Economic Hardship
Hadiyyatullah also criticized the worsening socio-economic conditions in the country, describing them as “increasingly unbearable.” He blamed government policies, such as the removal of fuel subsidies, for skyrocketing costs of living, making food, transportation, and essential goods unaffordable for many Nigerians.
“The depreciation of the naira, high inflation, and stagnant wages have further eroded the purchasing power of citizens. The council has consistently advised the administration to adopt policies that alleviate these hardships,” he noted.
He also condemned the government’s introduction of multiple new taxes and tariffs, listing a 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs, a 4% FOB charge on imports, a 15% NPA tariff, a 100% hike in ATM charges, and proposed electricity tariff increases as burdens on ordinary Nigerians.
Call for Immediate Government Action
The SCSN president reiterated the council’s commitment to advocating for policies that protect the poor and vulnerable, urging the administration to reconsider its economic strategies.
The Muslim-Muslim ticket, which generated controversy even within the ruling party before the 2023 election, saw Tinubu selecting Shettima as his running mate. While the ticket was expected to advance Muslim interests, the council now argues that it has failed to deliver meaningful benefits to the Muslim community.
