16/07/2022
*The Selection of a VP: Unnecessary Furore *
-*NASIPDU*
In the past week or so, the selection of a running mate to pair up with presidential flag bearers of different political parties dominated the national discourse. Rather surprisingly however, a matter that is strictly in the domain of political parties was soon hijacked by interested faith groups, especially, Christian Association of Nigeria ( CAN) and Pentecostal Federation of Nigeria (PFN). In addition to them are others like Northern Elders Forum that appears more symphathetic to a particular party than to the general interest of the North as well as other supposedly regional and cultural groups in various parts of the country. Political parties , the world over, by their nature are strategic in planning. The most important activities of political parties is winning elections and membership drive. So, no sooner the parties announced the running mates of their presidential flag bearers than hell was let loose. A cacophony of diatribe rented the air waves all in a bid to truncate a peaceful process.
It is baffling if not belittling to see otherwise reasonable men and amongst the clergies throwing caution, decorum and wisdom to the wind. They became inflamed if not animated with hate over what is purely a party affair. There main objection is the Muslim - Muslim ticket in APC. This single animosity exposed the hypocrisy of many supposedly godly souls amongst the clergy. They even cried more than the bereaved.
Infact, many are wondering aloud asking to know the rational behind the Interfaith meetings between some Christian and Muslim groups if leaders are unable to foster peace and peaceful coexistence in the run up to 2023 general elections! Why the needless hues and cries which have rendered the environment charged with all sorts of threats of fire and brimstone just because a political party picked a VP from the same faith as the flag bearer? All this ploy was nothing but attempted diversion to armtwist the political parties to surrender to an agenda. It was clearly engineered to surreptitiously incite Christians against Muslims and cause societal upheaval.
However, it is worthy of note to recall that this same doomsday group of naysayers and pretenders to national harmony had earlier on in the year peddled the narrative that religion , ethnicity and primordial sentiment must be jettisoned in our leadership recruitment processes . According to them, these biases are a threat to our common aspiration as a people and to the future of our country if indeed we need to have peace, progress and prosperity within the shortest possible time.
Indeed, as the saying goes "Man proposes and God disposes" as their calculation has not seen the light of the day. It is interesting to note however that other parties have addressed their concerns squarely by settling for Muslim-Christian and Christian-Muslim tickets.
With the choice of Bishop Isaac Idaahosa by Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of NNPP and Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed by Peter Obi of Labor party, the case ought to have been settled . Not so for CAN and other busybody political retailers who make prey out of any religious imbroglio . Instead of them to quietly seal their mouths and retrace their steps honorably, they just won't let off steam as they insist on having their way w***y nilly. It is assumed that since all possible combinations have been provided for, the matter should be settled at the ballot box. Sad to note the gladiators are yet to give peace a chance. The dictum " majority carries the vote" doesn't seem to resonate with them. For the avoidance of doubt, they need to be reminded that the rationale behind multi-party system has been underscored and the earlier submission by NASIPDU that, at no time did any Muslim body or institution interfered in the selection process of VP of any political party has been vindicated. The political parties know their game so let all busybodies steer clear and simply mind their own business.
It is often said "Silence is Golden, and the lifespan of falsehood and ill-conceived agitations is short." With this combination of varieties offered the electorate,the destiny of who or which party wins comes 2023 general elections is left in the hands of Nigerians. By way of admonition, northern christians should understand that, the fruit of democracy is plucked through political bargain, sacrifice, loyalty , consistency and focus, and not through threats, intimidation or it-must-be-my own mentality. By upholding this and other time tested truisms and values christians stand a chance of winning hearts and sympathy of other political allies and in no distant time victory may come their way. Equally important, it is necessary for northern christians to know that, it is not by accident that God fused us together to live in the same region. God doesn't make mistake because He is not human. As such, they should be wary of feeding on bread of lies and fabrication thrown at them by Southern christians for achieving manipulation and sociopolitical dislocation. It is a pitiable record that, CAN as a body of all christians has found only one northern christian fit to be her president despite decades of service and allegiance, yet they shout fairness and justice. Other than Retired Venerable John Onaiyekan can they name any one else? It even worse in the Pentacostals as no northern clergy is fit enough to lead it. When you point an accusing finger the other four fingers are pointed at you.
Against this backdrop, NASIPDU enjoins all Nigerians to pay utmost attention in studying the choices offered by the political parties to enable them make the right choice for the stability, growth and development of our nation. It is our prayers that the use of religion as a tool for settling political scores through the popular Muslim-Muslim ticket would be laid to rest so that Nigerians will rally behind the most competent and qualitative candidate who can genuinely transform this country for the general wellbeing of Nigerian citizens.
Lest we forget, tomorrow will be another NBA election and no Muslim candidate is on the ballot,yet the so-called vanguards of equity, inclusiveness and fairness are pretending to be busy with only God knows what. The Muslims are quiet as usual because leadership is given to whom Allaah chooses and never a thing of agitation and also not by do or die mentality.
We call on all and sundry to register with INEC and be armed with their PVC to give effect to the clarion call of voting the right candidates for stability and security.
God bless our dear country, Nigeria.
*Dr. Bashir A. U. 'Yankuzo*
National Coordinator
*Sani IDRIS*
National Secretary
14/7/2022
[email protected]
