By Dapo Akinrefon
THE Niger Delta Nationalities Forum has opposed the proposed Islamic banking system, saying it will infuriate Nigerians that are non-Muslims. The group suggested that ‘non-interest banking’ was a better name for the product.
While briefing newsmen in Lagos, weekend, chairman of the group, Mr. Manager Seigha, said: “The word ‘Islamic’ attached to this product will continue to cause disaffection among religious groups in Nigeria. We are of the view that ‘non-interest banking’ be rather used for the product.”
The group berated lawmakers from the South-South for failing to represent the interest of the Niger Delta, saying, “we are not only disappointed with their attitude, but have reasons to believe that they may have been compromised not to have asked any question.”
“If there must be an Islamic banking system, let there also exist the Christianity banking system due to the sensitivity of religion in the country.
“No matter how the CBN governor may try to portray it, the fact remains that usage of the word ‘Islamic’ is already infuriating Nigerians that are non-Muslims.”
Commenting on the N18,000 minimum wage requested by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Seigha said such demand may lead to inflation in the country.
He said: “Nigerians have become increasingly worried and sensitive to the fact that whenever there is an increment in the wages of the private sector, it is done quietly within the confines of the aforesaid sector, and it does not affect the living standard of the populace in any significant way.
But whenever there is a clamour for increase in wage for civil servants by labour, it is managed in such a manner that the end result will further threaten subsisting means of livelihood of the common man in the country, the prices of commodities will certainly increase,” he added.
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N/Delta group suggests change of name for Islamic banking