By Adeleye Kunle
Former Federal Commissioner for Information Edwin Clark says Senator Kashim Shettima’s nomination as Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s running mate in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country threatens Nigeria’s unity, TrackNews reports.
The Convener of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) said in a statement on Monday that the APC presidential candidate’s decision could be indicators of the confirmation and actualisation of such rumours to Islamize Nigeria as a country.
“Based on the reasons given by Alhaji Tinubu for selecting Kashim Shettima as his running mate, is the APC Presidential Flag Bearer telling Nigerians that there are no Christians from the north in the APC who are “competent, capable, and reliable?”
“There are rumors that the country is being Islamized.” Are all of these indicators pointing to the confirmation and actualization of such rumors?”
The elder statesman expressed concern that Tinubu’s decision would exacerbate the country’s current schism.
“I feel threatened for Nigeria,” part of the statement said.
To ensure balancing, the positions of President and Vice President have always been occupied by practitioners of the two major religions, in accordance with Constitutional provisions of inclusiveness.
Clark went on to say that Tinubu’s choice of Shettima is not inclusive and is certainly not good for a secular country like Nigeria.
“The country is currently divided, even along religious lines, and all patriots are looking for ways to salvage the situation.”
“As a result, Tinubu’s choice of a fellow Muslim (Shettima) as his running mate will exacerbate the country’s situation.” “He should understand that patriotism is a quality of a good leader,” said the statement.
