From Gyang Bere, Jos
Concerned Christians in Plateau State on Monday urged Governor Simon Lalong to reject his appointment as the Director General of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ahmed Bola Tinubu for the 2023 General Election.
The convener of the group, Rev. Benard Kyenson in a press conference in Jos said APC as a political party was not sensitive to the multi religious and ethnic diversity of Nigeria as a country.
He admonished christians in the North to reject the APC for not considering a Northern christian for the Vice presidential slot but prefer to fly a Muslim/Muslim ticket at the detriment of the christian community.
“We are surprising that the party that does not not value a Christian to attract votes in the position of a Vice Presidential candidate would suddenly turn and appoint a christian as it’s campaign Director General.
“The appointment of Governor Simon Lalong portray that the Christians are only good at wooing people to vote , but not occupying elective position.
“We are calling on Governor Simon Lalong to reject the offer as we Christian will not support him in this suspicious engagement or assignment. The APC had rejected to picked him for the position of the Vice presidential candidate based on competence, then now turning back to make sort for votes to the party.”
The concerned Christians also kicked against the proposed MOU between Plateau State Government and Jaiz Bank, an Islamic bank for the reconstruction of burnt Jos Main Market.
Rev. Kyenson said if the Muslim did not trust Plateau Northern christian with the Vice presidential slot, why should the state trust Islamic bank with the contract for the reconstruction not Jos Main Market.
“The Church was concern because the bank has stated on its mission that its 100 percent sharia compliance and basically Islamic, with a sharing formula of 60: 40 ration in favour of Jaiz Bank.
“We believe that the bank will favour those that respect their principles, in this case sharia, that is the Muslims to the detriment of the majority christians in the state.”
The group praised member representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency, Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos for instituting an injunction to stop the signing of the MOU and advised government to listen to Plateau people.
“As we await the court decision, the entire Christian community are proud of you and all the illustrious sons of Plateau, both within and outside the state . We shall remain faithful to the cause of the preserving the future and integrity of our state.” He stated.