THE Muslim Rights Concern has said that it has no link with any terrorist group, either in Nigeria or abroad.
MURIC Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, who said this in a statement on Tuesday, noted that, as a disciplined group, his organisation would never be affiliated with any terrorist group.
He was reacting to media reports alleging that MURIC received $200,000 from a terrorist group.
He said, “Our attention has been drawn to a rumour that MURIC received 200,000 dollars from Islamic State for West Africa Province (ISWAP). It is a wicked concoction from the pit of Jahannam.
We declare clearly, categorically that we have never had any contact with ISWAP or any other terrorist group. We remain committed to the unity and indivisibility of Nigeria.”
Akintola stressed that the allegation was illogical, noting that MURIC had always condemned every act of terrorism, either within or outside Nigeria.
The MURIC director said, “The motto of MURIC is ‘dialogue, not violence’. So how can we descend so low as to collect money from terrorists? Such lies will not fly. The terrorists themselves know that we can never support them. How can they give us money? The allegation is dead on arrival.
“We are a disciplined group. We have never been known to engage in any violent protest or attack since the establishment of MURIC in 1994. It is most diabolical to accuse a group that has pursued peaceful advocacy for 26 years of having any connection with terrorists.”
He, however, called on the Federal Government to investigate the source of the information, noting also that MURIC had never been involved in any international activity.
Akintola stated, “We deliberately restricted ourselves to the Nigerian environment in order to avoid complications. We have enough on our hands within the country. So how can a former intelligence chief from far away Mali show interest in us?
“We urge our detractors to desist from their evil ways and pursue the path of honour.”
