Nigeria: WAEC Exams – Christians, Muslims Raise the Alarm Over Traditional Festival

The Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Ogun Province IV Ipokia, Pastor Samuel Gbesemaovo, and Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Ogun chapter, have raised the alarm over the ongoing Oro festival which has affected students writing the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) in Ipokia area of the state.

The WAEC November/December examinations, which began nationwide last week, was reportedly disrupted in some parts of Ipokia due to the activities of Oro cultists.

The examination for private candidates is under threat in the local government area following the alleged plan by Oro sect to impose curfew in the council.

Speaking with reporters, Mr. Samuel Gbesemaovo said the restriction of movement has prevented the WAEC candidates from writing their English Language exam last Saturday.

The cleric noted that the incident may repeat itself on tomorrow (Saturday) when the candidates are scheduled to sit for Mathematics examination.

MURIC State Coordinator, Mr. Soliu Lukman, reads partly: “We have spoken against this in different fora and it should be understood that this is not a religious issue but an infringement on the fundamental human rights of the good citizens of the state.

“We hope the state government will do the needful before these Oro cultists set the state on fire because if the state government failed to do the needful, people are more enlightened to fight for their rights.”

When contacted, the Ipokia council chairman stated that he had already held a crucial meeting with representatives of the warring groups, including Muslims, Christians and traditionalists, to avert violence.

Aderounmu, who maintained that no curfew would be imposed on the people on Saturday, disclosed that he had alerted the police to be on ground to forestall a breakdown of law and order.

He stressed that security measures would be put in place across the local government, adding that he would personally supervise the exercise.