By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo and Luminous Jannamike
The Christian Affiliation of Nigeria, CAN, within the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has rejected calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, SCSN, for the removing of the Chairman of the Impartial Nationwide Electoral Fee, INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, describing the demand as an try to politicise faith and undermine a key nationwide establishment.
SCSN had earlier referred to as for the fast removing and prosecution of the INEC chairman, over a authorized transient wherein he reportedly acknowledged claims regarding persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
This got here as Christian clerics working underneath the umbrella of Nationwide Christian Alliance for Good Governance in Nigeria, NCAGG have rejected requires the removing of Amupitan, describing the demand as undemocratic and ill-advised forward of the 2027 common elections.
Reacting in an announcement, yesterday by Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph Hayab, and its Secretary-Common, Bishop Mohammed Naga, the Christian physique questioned the motive behind the demand, asking who was sponsoring the decision and why such pursuits have been being pursued underneath the platform of a non secular organisation.
Northern CAN cautioned that utilizing faith as a foundation for questioning the integrity of public workplace holders was harmful and able to inflaming sectarian tensions.
In line with the assertion, Amupitan, like each Nigerian, has a constitutional proper to freedom of faith, including that expressing concern over challenges confronted by one’s religion doesn’t quantity to bias or disqualification from public service.
The affiliation famous that a number of Muslims had beforehand occupied delicate nationwide positions regardless of being publicly related to spiritual causes, with out going through related scrutiny.
It recalled that the 2 fast previous INEC chairmen have been Muslims from Northern Nigeria and warned in opposition to narratives suggesting that management of the electoral physique needs to be restricted to adherents of a specific faith.
“Anybody hiding underneath the guise of a non secular council to demand the removing of the INEC chairman for political or sectarian causes ought to come out overtly,” including that competence, not religion, ought to stay the benchmark for public workplace.
It recommended President Bola Tinubu for appointing a Christian as INEC chairman, describing the choice as an indication of inclusivity and nationwide unity. It additionally referenced the precedent underneath former President Goodluck Jonathan, who retained a northern Muslim as INEC chairman regardless of political pressures on the time.
Northern CAN suggested the Shari’ah Council to obviously establish any particular person or group behind the marketing campaign in opposition to the INEC chairman, warning that spiritual platforms shouldn’t be used as cowl for political pursuits or to intimidate public officers.
The affiliation additionally urged Amupitan to not be distracted by the controversy however to stay targeted on his constitutional mandate of conducting credible elections.
Northern CAN additionally raised considerations over what it described as rising indicators of a coordinated political agenda forward of the 2027 common elections. It cited latest feedback attributed to the Minister of Tradition, Tourism and Inventive Economic system, Hannatu Musawa, suggesting that the All Progressives Congress, APC, might danger electoral defeat if it abandons a Northern Muslim-Muslim ticket for Tinubu’s re-election bid.
In line with the affiliation, when seen alongside sustained criticism of a Christian INEC chairman, such statements increase questions on whether or not there’s a broader effort to weaken Christian confidence and participation within the political course of.
Northern CAN warned in opposition to framing Nigeria’s political future strictly alongside spiritual strains, stressing that democracy needs to be pushed by competence, fairness and nationwide cohesion quite than sectarian concerns.
Christian clerics reject sack name
A press release by NCAGG Nationwide President, Dean Rev. Ozumba Nicodemus, yesterday, stated: “We view this place as undemocratic and missing a substantive foundation.
“Using your esteemed platform to name for such drastic measures can create pointless division among the many peace-loving residents of our nation.
“We firmly consider that his wealth of expertise as a constitutional lawyer will considerably contribute to strengthening our electoral processes.
“The integrity and independence of INEC have to be upheld, guaranteeing that it’s allowed to perform with out undue affect or stress from any group.
“We urge the Council to rethink its stance and assist a collaborative strategy that upholds the democratic values all of us cherish,” Ozumba stated.
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