NASS LEADERSHIP: CAN receives more knocks from another Muslim group

Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) has been lambasted again by another Muslim counterpart, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), for demanding that a Christian be elected Senate President or House of Representatives Speaker, in the 9th National Assembly leadership.

NSCIA, in a statement signed by its deputy secretary-general, Salisu Shehu, lambasted CAN, describing its demands as indecorous, ill-advised, ill-motivated and only aimed at polarising the country.

CAN had made the demand in a statement issued last week by Adebayo Oladeji, special assistant on media and communication to the association’s president, Sampson Ayokunle.

It asked the newly elected members of the 9th National Assembly not to allow domination and marginalisation of any kind in the interest of equity, justice, and fair play.

It had also argued that its suggestion is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Earlier, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) had frowned at the demand and criticised CAN for making such request.

Joining in criticising CAN, NSCIA said in its statement read in part, “Given the trajectory of the recent activities of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), like other informed groups and people in Nigeria, cannot but wonder whether CAN still remains a religious body or a political party in a religious garb. The Council is persuaded to believe the latter because of the Association’s posture as the counterfoil for and opposition to everything Islam and Muslims in this country.

“We cannot also but wonder whether Islamophobia has indeed not replaced the more important responsibility of giving direction to millions of our compatriots who are law-abiding citizens of the Christian faith. It is really benumbing that CAN appears to be giving credence and relevance to the rhetorical question asked centuries ago: ‘if gold rust, what should iron do?’

“Specifically, the statement issued by Pastor Adebayo Oladeji (Special Assistant Media and Communication to CAN President) on behalf of CAN is the last straw to break the camel’s back in the Association’s ill-advised and ill-motivated interventions in the polity.

“Is CAN suffering from selective amnesia or is it just obsessed with chronic mendacity? Was there no CAN between 2009 and 2011 when Dr. Goodluck Jonathan was the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Justice Aloyious Katsina-Alu was the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Senator David A. B. Mark was President of the Senate and Senator Ike Ekweremadu was Deputy Senate President? Was there religious balance in 2007 when David Mark was elected Senate President and Patricia Etteh was elected Speaker? Was there no 1999 Constitution at that time?

“Even prior to 1999, the two arms of the National Assembly were headed by Christians. For instance, while between 1979 and 1983, the Senate was headed by Joseph Wayas and the House of Representatives by Ume-Ezeoki, from October to December, 1983, Joseph Wayas and Benjamin Chaha were leading the respective chambers. Furthermore, in the aborted Third Republic, the Senate Presidents were Iyocha Ayu and Ameh Ebute while the Speaker was Hon. Anakwo.

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“Meanwhile, the NSCIA welcomes with pleasure the fact that CAN has finally agreed that the correct interpretation of the section of the constitution quoted in its letter to the National Assembly includes religious balancing. It is in this spirit that NSCIA calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria to conduct a holistic census of all Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies, including higher institutions, to determine whether there is anywhere Muslims constitute up to 30 per cent of the staff strength and thereafter ensure compliance with the sections of the constitution cited by CAN.”

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