Don’t take masses for granted, CAN warns politicians
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Kadun State chapter, Reverend John Joseph Hayab, has warned political leaders in Nigeria against playing on the intelligence of their citizens, urging Nigerians to be mindful of the activities of the politicians.
CAN chairman made this admonition in reaction to the comments by Vice President-elect, Kashim Shettima regarding the leadership of the 10th National Assembly.
The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress held a meeting 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.
Shettima, at a meeting with some House of Representatives members-elect last Friday, said aggrieved candidates and their followers to support the party’s zoning arrangement.
The Vice President-elect they want a situation where the top four offices in Nigeria are occupied by Muslims noting it would induce 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.
Reacting, CAN Chairman, observed that political leaders were engaging in hypocrisy and what is beneficial to them.
Hayab, the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria Country Director recalled how the Christian 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.”
Lamenting, Rev. Hayab also berated 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.