Lagos, Nigeria – September 2, 2025
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has applauded former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, for his recent statement advocating a work-free Friday for Muslims in Nigeria.
Omokri, in a widely circulated comment, argued that Muslims were being unfairly treated since Christians enjoy two free days—Saturday and Sunday—while Muslims are required to work on Fridays, their sacred day of worship.
Reacting in a statement signed by its Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC said Omokri’s position vindicates its 31-year-long campaign for Friday to be recognized as a work-free day.
“Mr. Reno Omokri’s declaration has validated our stand since 1994 when MURIC was established. We have been demanding work-free Fridays using peaceful and legitimate means,” the group said, describing Omokri as “one of the most intellectually active, politically detribalised, and religiously liberal Christians in Nigeria.”
MURIC recalled that its leader had written a book, The Friday Question, first published in 1993 and relaunched in 2021, where six options for restructuring the workweek were presented. According to the group, the most viable proposal is a three-day weekend—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday—with lost hours recovered by extending work hours from Monday to Thursday.
The organization argued that declaring Friday work-free would not only promote religious balance but also enhance Islamic education, reduce ignorance, and curb social vices among Muslim youths. It noted that while Christian families worship together on Sundays, Muslims are often separated due to work and school schedules on Fridays, a situation it described as unfair.
“Omokri’s courage in speaking out on this matter proves there is merit in our advocacy,” MURIC said. “We hail him as a guiding light and even a potential presidential material.”
While Omokri suggested that work should stop at noon on Fridays, MURIC insisted that the entire day should be work-free.
The group urged federal and state governments, especially in Muslim-majority regions, to adopt the proposal, stressing that a balanced work-free system would foster harmony and reduce religious tensions in the country.
