A former National President of the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Mr Daniel Kadzai, has strongly criticized popular Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi and other individuals from Northern Nigeria who have spoken out against the appointment of former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
Wike was among the 45 ministers sworn in by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, according to Media Talk Africa.
In a viral video, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi described Wike as an infidel and a hater of Northern Nigeria. Reacting to this, Kadzai emphasized the importance of upholding the principle that Nigeria belongs to all its citizens, regardless of their religious, ethnic, or political affiliations.
He stressed that unity and cooperation among all regions are crucial for the progress and development of the nation.
Kadzai further stated, “The appointment of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation from Benue State, particularly from the Tiv minority tribe, is a significant achievement for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“Another remarkable appointment is that of the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Godswill Akpabio, who hails from the South South region.
“These appointments demonstrate that the South South has not been forgotten. It surprised me that during his campaign, some people injected religious sentiments into the polity.
“I believe that Nigerians in the 21st century seek progress for our nation. We should be able to come together because if disaster strikes, it will not discriminate against an Igbo, Hausa, or Yoruba person.
“Disasters affect all of us. Some individuals are criticizing President Bola Tinubu for appointing the FCT minister from Rivers State. We must remember that this man is a Nigerian.
“When there was a fire outbreak in Sokoto, he visited the state and donated N500 million, without considering whether the victims were Muslims or Christians. It is unfortunate that the same man is now being labeled an infidel simply because he was appointed as the FCT minister. We should not have such a mentality in the 21st century.
“Are we concerned about religion or how to salvage our nation? The ministers are there to serve Nigerians, not to enrich themselves, not for the benefit of their states, local governments, or tribes.
“Since Jeremiah Useni, we have not had a Christian as the FCT minister. Calling out Wike and saying that Bola Tinubu has handed Abuja to an infidel is not just provocative and inciting, but also an extreme act of arrogance. Indeed, who are the majority in Abuja?
“Are they Christians or Muslims? The Gbagyis, who are the true owners of Abuja, are they Christians or Muslims? Two-thirds of the investments in Abuja belong to the Igbos.
“So, who is this individual trying to stir up trouble? I was livid when I read the story. We cannot continue like this.
“As a leader, you should not speak recklessly. How could someone claim that giving an Igbo man like Wike the responsibility of overseeing Abuja is equivalent to handing Abuja over to an infidel?”
