‘Gombe Gov Religious Bigot’ – CAN Chairman Refutes Claim
…..we didn’t endorse Mailantarki
By Chima Azubuike
The Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, Gombe State Chapter Reverend Fr. Joseph Shinga, on Friday refuted viral letter urging christians in Gombe State not to vote for All Progressives Congress candidate Muhammadu Yahaya, who is also the current governor.
Our Correspondent reports that the letter which is gradually gathering dust, alleged that Yahaya is a religious bigot with unfair policies affecting the christian faith in the state, stressing past occurrences juxtapose why the governor is a hater of the faith.
Shinga who refuted the claims of the letter in an interview with journalists said the claims are unfounded, urging anyone with grouse against the governor to formally make it known through appropriate channels.
According to him, the content of the letter was capable of causing mistrust and acrimony among faithfuls of the two faiths.
“I stand to debunk the letter. He is not saying the mind of Christians the fact that he is anonymous means he is hiding and unsure of what he is saying, what he is saying is baseless or else he would have made himself known. If he is a christian that has a problem with the governor he should come to us we know how to contact the governor on any issue, we have legal way of presenting bad feelings, it’s capable of breeding rancour among Christians and the Muslims. We condemn it in entirety, we call on those spreading the fake news to desist from it.”
On purported endorsement of Khamisu Mailantarki, candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party ahead of 11th March 2023 gubernatorial election, Shinga said there was no element of truth in the alleged endorsement.
He disclosed that her members cuts across all political parties, adding that it would not augur well for a candidate to be single out.
Shinga added, “Let it be made abundantly clear to the public that the Christian Association of Nigeria does not endorse candidates to be elected. What CAN does is to encourage her members to actively participate in electoral processes to vote whoever is their choice. The people have their free will, free mind to vote anyone they are comfortable with. Our brothers and sisters are in all the political parties, whoever emerges has the support of christians.”
The Chairman further emphasised on christian participation adding that, “There is need to participate in electoral processes, if they participate they will put eyes into the runnings of Government for the betterment of the state, but sitting aloof makes you indifferent to the running of government. That is why am calling on christians to participate actively.”
Speaking on CAN’s last visit to the governor which sparked reaction of possible endorsement, Shinga said, “It’s not endorsements per say but we counted his (Muhammadu Yahaya’s), successes and said if he is fair, good that God gives power, if he wants power he should go to God that human beings don’t give power and if God gives it to him we will expect double of what he has achieved.”
