By Adeleye Kunle
Senator Magnus Abe, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has backed the decision of the party’s presidential candidate, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, to select Senator Ibrahim Shettima as his running mate, TrackNews reports.
On Arise TV on Thursday, the former lawmaker said he supported Tinubu’s choice despite the fact that they are both Muslims.
“Let me say that he is on record as someone who has supported people for offices, positions, and everything regardless of religion or how they worship their God,” he said.
“So, this is a man who already has a track record of bringing people together, and I believe Nigerians should give him a chance to do what he knows how to do best, which is bring people together and get the best out of them.” That, I believe, is the path he is taking.
“Those who claim that he chose Shettima solely for religious reasons, to be honest, I think they are childish.”
According to Magus Abe, Shettima was the first choice of the committee formed to advise the APC presidential candidate on the selection of a running mate.
“If you know Shettima and have heard about him and his track record, nobody I have heard has complained or said that he is incompetent, incapable, or not cerebral enough,” he said. Those are the characteristics we are looking for.
“He was chosen for that reason.” So, to those who are upset about it, I would simply ask them to give this man a chance. He knows what he’s doing; let us give him the opportunity to do what he does best.”
He went on to say that Tinubu’s wife of over 40 years is a Christian, demonstrating his religious tolerance.
“Senator Oluremi Tinubu is a Pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, and she has been his partner for forty years,” Abe explained. She is the closest person to him. She is a devout Christian.
“This demonstrates that he has a high level of religious tolerance to begin with.” Fears that he will do anything based on religion are therefore unfounded, because if he is a religious bigot, it should start at home. That evidence, however, does not exist.
“Secondly, this is a man who has governed a state and a multi-religious state, and he was a Muslim while governor of Lagos State.” But there was no evidence, and there was never any noise there. Throughout his governorship, Asiwaju has never done anything for or against anyone based on their religious beliefs.”
