Delta Muslim Community Accuses Pilgrim Board Of Marginalisation

Deep grievances have erupted among stakeholders over recent appointments to the Delta State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.

They may not be unconnected to the allegations that indigenous Muslims in the state were being sidelined in favour of non-indigenes.

The stakeholders therefore called on the state government to review the appointments in the interest of fairness, inclusiveness and community harmony.

In a press statement yesterday, the publicity secretary of the council, Abdulsalam Ogan, expressed dissatisfaction with the board’s composition, describing it as unfair to indigenous Muslim communities in the state.

According to him, the appointments have generated concerns among some members of the Muslim community who believe that qualified indigenous Muslims should be given priority in positions relating to the administration of religious affairs in the state.

He specifically questioned the appointment of a representative for Delta Central, arguing that there are competent indigenous Muslims within the senatorial district capable of occupying such positions.

The Muslim Council spokesperson further alleged, “the trend reflects a broader pattern of exclusion affecting indigenous Muslims in the state.

“Failure to address the concerns being raised could degenerate into bad blood and potentially create avoidable tensions within the Muslim community.

“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori should reassess the appointments and engage relevant stakeholders to ensure equitable representation in institutions connected to the welfare of Muslim faithful in Delta State”, Ogan warned.

As of the time of filing this report, the Delta State Government had not issued an official response to the allegations.