Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole has kicked against the criticism that greeted a supposed Muslim/Muslim presidential ticket by the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that “Nigeria is not defined by religion”.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Channels Television, Mr Oshiomhole, who believes the issue of religion should not be a matter of concern for any Nigerian when it comes to choosing a president or vice president, urged Nigerian politicians to stop using primordial sentiments as cover up.
“What is the meaning of Muslim/Muslim Nigeria” he asked, insisting that Nigeria is not defined by religion.
He further noted that we have a lot of ‘idle people’ who want to use religion as an instrument to evade accountability, insisting that “that has been the problem of Africa.
“When leaders are bereft of ideas, they fall back on primordial sentiments in order to shield the,selves from accountability”, maintaining that “the problem of Nigeria is not religion”.
Mr Oshiomhole urged Nigerians to start to think of ways to better the country “where every young man can go to school and acquire quality education in a world that is knowledge driven; in a digital world”.
Former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo had in October 2014, cautioned both the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition, All Progressives Congress (APC) against presenting Nigerians with Presidential and vice presidential candidate of the same faith, describing the move as “insensitive of Nigeria’s diversity and complexities”.
Obasanjo also cautioned that the fear of so called ‘Islamization’ and ‘Christianization’ is dangerous for Nigeria’s unity which must be avoided for national unity and stability.
He said “sensitivity is a necessary ingredient for enhancement of peace, security and stability at this point in the political discourse and arrangement for Nigeria and for encouraging confidence and trust. It will be insensitive to the point of absurdity for any leader or any political party to be toying with Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian ticket at this juncture.
“Nigeria cannot at this stage raise the specter and fear of Islamization or Christianization.”, Chief Obasanjo said.
