National Assembly: CAN reacts to Shettima’s comments on Islamisation
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has reacted to comments by Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima regarding the leadership of the 10th National Assembly (NASS).
The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had met to consider the outcome of consultations with President-elect Bola Tinubu and others.
The preference for the top seats in the Red Chamber are Senator Godswill Akpabio (South South – Akwa Ibom), Senate President; Senator Barau Jubrin (North West – Kano), Deputy Senate President.
For the House of Representatives, the APC settled for Hon. Abass Tajudeen (North West – Kaduna); Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ben Kalu (South East – Abia).
At a meeting with some House of Representatives members-elect last Friday, Shettima advised aggrieved candidates and their supporters to accept the party’s zoning arrangement.
The former Borno Central Senator said a scenario where the top four offices in Nigeria are occupied by Muslims would fuel the fears over an alleged plot to Islamise the nation.
“What we are trying to avoid is a situation whereby the number one citizen, number two citizen, the number three citizen, and the number four citizen are all of the same faith.
“That will lend credence, and validate the negative narrative of the Islamisation agenda of Nigeria. The stability of the nation is much more important than any other consideration,” the former governor said.
Speaking to reporters, Kaduna State CAN Chairman, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, stated that political leaders were engaging in hypocrisy and what favours them.
The Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN) Country Director reminded the public of how the body kicked against the same-faith ticket ahead of the presidential election.
“When we see danger, we must say it. We gave the warning then, but they said ‘It’s okay, religion doesn’t matter’. Hypocrisy is a big problem in Nigeria.
“If they like, let them have it all. But if we later have another religion, one tribe or one region holding all the top positions, no one should complain.
“What we do is promote a united country where there is fairness and justice, yet they accuse us for telling the truth. We will watch what they want to do.
“This hypocrisy cannot last long. From the look of things, their argument has become logic. If they believe there should be togetherness, let them do what is right.”
Rev. Hayab also knocked Senate Chief Whip, Orji Kalu and Deputy Speaker Ahmed Wase for their pronouncements on the NASS leadership saga.
“Before the election, Kalu said there’s nothing wrong with the APC ticket. Now, he is complaining because that position (Senate Presidency) is not going his way.
“The current deputy speaker (Wase) too stated that it is his turn. You can see how they are treating the issue like a game. It is very sad.
“Political leaders should stop playing on our intelligence. I urge Nigerians to open their eyes and see what’s going on,” the clergyman added.
