The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has strongly criticized remarks made by Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), who alleged on national television that the Muslim-Muslim leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima amounted to “Christian genocide.”
In a statement on Tuesday, MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, described the cleric’s comments as “hyperbolic, emotive, and extreme,” arguing that Dachomo’s position disregards democratic principles and the legal processes that validated the 2023 election results.
MURIC noted that Reverend Dachomo’s insistence that Vice President Shettima be removed amounted to contempt for Nigeria’s electoral and judicial systems. The organization said the cleric’s assertions represent “superfluous paranoia” and reflect a pattern of dramatization used to create religious tension.
Quoting the reverend’s comments as published by Daily Post, MURIC stressed that portraying political representation as genocide is not only “kindergarten rhetoric” but a dangerous escalation of national discourse.
The Muslim rights group further accused certain Christian leaders of sensationalizing issues to stir public sentiment, recalling past incidents such as the 2018 protest by half-nude women in Jos during the military search for missing General Idris Alkali.
MURIC argued that the “Christian genocide” narrative is a deliberate strategy aimed at gaining political advantage by misrepresenting the intentions and actions of Nigerian Muslims. The organization maintained that the country’s Muslim majority voted freely, and any attempt to delegitimize the outcome is “an attempt to snatch political power through emotional blackmail.”
Despite its criticisms, MURIC commended Christians who have rejected divisive rhetoric and stood for truth, expressing confidence that peaceful coexistence is possible when both faith communities work together.
The group again urged Nigerians Muslims and Christians alike to unite against insecurity rather than allowing religion or political affiliations to be sources of conflict.
Quoting both the Bible and the Qur’an, MURIC called for dialogue and cooperation, stressed that national security depend on the collective willingness of citizens to expose criminals irrespective of their background.
The statement concluded by advising Reverend Dachomo to adopt a calmer public posture, reminding religious leaders that their followers often emulate their tone and conduct.
