Wike’s choice as FCT Minister has changed the narrative – Group says

Arewa  Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association (ACIPA), has lauded President Bola Tinubu’s choice for appointing the former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Chairman of the group, Rev. Luke Shehu, said that Tinubu has thought it wise to make the first Southerner Minister of the FCT a move that has changed the old narrative where Muslims and northerners sees it as their birthright.

Shehu who spoke during a press briefing in Jos at the weekend also lauded Wike for making moves to restore the Abuja Master Plan.

“Unfortunately, those who have no problem with the distortion of the Abuja master plan and those who saw the position of the minister of Abuja as the birth right of Muslims are beginning to have problems with this administration.

“So long as our democracy, peace and development will be dependent on religious bigots and sentimentalists, Nigeria shall continue to retrogress.

“This is unacceptable to ACIPA and indeed Nigeria’s true patriots”, Shehu said.

According to him: ” We encourage the government of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to resist those who weaponize religion, tribe and regional interest for their individual or minority interest.

ALSO READ: Gov Adeleke vows to end school-age street hawking in Osun

“Imagine leaving a sensitive issue like arresting Sheik Ahmed Gumi, Muslims are busy criticising the appointment of Wike as FCT minister.

“We therefore call on the security operatives and Military intelligence to arrest all religious clerics found to have made inciting and provoking messages on audio or video with immediate effect before our nascent democracy, peace and development is destroyed”, he said.

Congratulating Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State over his victory at the recent Tribunal Judgement, the ACIPA Chairman called on the Judiciary not to compromise judgement on the remaining election court cases.

Advertisement

“We call on the Judiciary with special reference to the remaining elections petition tribunal cases to be cautious not to jeopardize democracy based on legal technicalities.

“Any decision against the popular will of the people as expressed in their votes will have a dire consequence with ricocheting effects”, he said.

Disagreeing with those who insulted a highly placed man of God in the State, Shehu said the group will not tolerate such act going forward.

“ACIPA regrets with a sad nostalgic feeling the attempt to belittle the person and office of the COCIN President, Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzho through a malicious, false and misleading statement to assuage politicians.

“This is unacceptable to ACIPA and to all responsible people of faith”, he said