By Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja
Ahead of the leadership of the National Assembly election,the Coalition of middle Belt youths leaders had urged Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima to desist forthwith from the unhealthy incitement and allowed elected lawmakers to choose their leaders.
Former Governor of Borno State recently said the Senate President and the speaker of the Federal House of Representatives cannot be of the same faith because it would fuel the Islamization agenda of natives.
“What we are trying to avoid is a situation whereby the number of one citizen, number two citizen,the number three citizen,and the number four citizens are all of the same faith.That will lend credence and validate the negative narratives of the Islamization agenda of Nigeria”.
Reacting during the press briefing on Thursday in Abuja,the Forum youth leader, Dr. Nasiru Jagaba and its Secretary, Dr Gugu Filibus Musa said
Shettima and his agent should leave alone because his counsel is not needed.
The country has moved on from the same faith ticket and we do not need this now and we believe that the best way Sen. Kashim Shettima can show that he is sensitive to the stability of this country and his sudden advocacy for Christianity is to humbly step down for a Christian Vice President as it is still not too late.
“This is the best way forward now that he has found his voice and conscience. Until that is done, we will continue to rate Shettima as a bigot, who specializes in manipulating religion for his personal interest.
“We equally admonish our elected lawmakers of the 10th National Assembly not to let themselves be deceived by Shettima’s Machiavellian moves and elected leaders should defend the interest of the majority of Nigerians, irrespective of their faith or ethnicity.
“They should know that Nigerians have great expectations and goodwill for them and that we support whatever they decide by themselves hence, they should guide and guard themselves from the voices that they take counsel from”, the forum said.
The forum further noted that if he was a democrat, a patriot, and a true leader whose interest is the good of the nation he would have suggested a mixed faith ticket for each arm of the nation’s government and not only the legislative arm.
“This to us is a clear show of reckless disregard of the common interests for self interest and if our opinion is true, then Nigeria is in for a ride with a mind as this on the second most powerful seat in Nigeria.
“As patriots and objective minds whose interest is the good of the nation, we here today warn Kashim Shettima to stop this manipulation and unnecessary incitements against the relative peace that we are enjoying for now.
“He should not remind us of the past, it was under his regime that Christian girls were abducted in Chibok and till this day, some of them are still being held captive.”
