– calls on the ACDA executive to withdraw his statements and apologise
THE Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) has expressed “grave concern” at the recent, racially provocative statements attributed to African Cultural & Development Association (ACDA) executive member Mr. Tacuma Ogunseye, as reported by sections of the Guyanese media.

“These statements are unequivocal in their effects to awaken the feelings of racial animosity and discord amongst our people and, in all probability, are likely to result in violence, mayhem and destruction,” the CIOG said in a statement yesterday.
The Muslim religious body said this path to achieve a government of national unity is “dangerous and evil”.

“Whilst we recognize the rights of Mr. Ogunseye and ACDA in articulating the aspirations and hope of our African brothers and sisters, we find these particular statements at this time of the approaching elections, unwise and counterproductive to those very efforts and causes,” the CIOG stated.

“And whilst we ascribe to unity and progress of all citizens even at the level of national governance, we must appreciate that there is an ongoing evolutionary process as manifested in the current operations of parliament and it is our fervent hope and trust that the political entities  will see it fit to approach this issue of advancing National Governance in an enlightened, cooperative and trusting manner taking the interest of all Guyanese, particularly the working class, the poor and the disadvantaged with great interest,” it added.

On this note, the CIOG said it would like to “encourage Mr. Ogunseye to exercise patience and self restraint and also to withdraw his statements and apologise”.