…As Tinubu allays fears of faith domination
The Knights of Saint Mulumba Nigeria has thrown its weight behind the position of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Muslim/Muslim ticket.
The CAN has stoutly opposed same-faith ticket as adopted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) featuring Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima.
Fielding questions from journalists on Tuesday in Abuja, the Worthy Metropolitan Grand Knight, Knight of Saint Mulumba (KSM), Nigeria, Sir Michael Aule, said his members support whatever position CAN has taken on the same-faith matter.
Sir Aule also disclosed that KSM would at its Supreme Council Convention next week in Abuja, deliberate on role of the Church in the advocacy and the promotion of peace, equity, justice and development in the democratic transition in Nigeria – the theme of the convention.
Asked the position of the Catholic Knights on the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the APC in choosing its presidential candidate and the running mate, Sir Aule said:
“We encourage our brothers to join politics; many of our brothers are politicians and have been elected into positions.
“The issue is that we don’t regulate the activities of brothers who are in politics but we support 100 percent the position of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). We are members of the Christian Association of Nigeria and we stand with what decision they have taken.
“On this issue of Muslim/Muslim ticket, we are also standing for what CAN has taken. The decision of the Christian Association of Nigeria is the decision of the Knight of Saint Mulumba.”
He explained that KSM Conference next week will also discuss the Catholic Church in Nigeria and the growing challenges of supporting Christians and victims of religious conflicts in turbulent regions of the country.
The Metropolitan Grand Knight of Abuja Metropolitan Council, explained that the Order counts on its members, men and women who because of their education, social position and material resources can fight a good cause with success for the greater glory of God, the Church and the progress of our Country using their (3 Ts) Time, Talent and Treasures.
He said: “The Supreme Convention of KSM Nigeria is a platform for the promotion of the values of the Order through open discussions on vital issues such as the Christian faith, religious harmony, good governance, sustainable development, peace, unity, and equity as they affect our beloved Country.”
He said those expected at the ceremony are the Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, all the Bishops in Abuja Ecclesiastical Province, the Bishop Chairman of Laity, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Minister FCT, the Governors of Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau and other states, as well as the deputy governors of Kogi and Nasarawa states.
He further stated that the Convention will also be attended by over 350 delegates from the Order, which will include the Supreme Executive Board members, designated Metro Officers and the Grand Knights of all the Sub councils in the country.
His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan will deliver a paper on the convention’s main theme, while the second presentation will be done by the Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese, His Lordship, Most Revd. Oliver Dashe Doeme.
Meanwhile, the CAN has explained its meeting on Wednesday with Tinubu, ahead of the 2023 general elections.
The former governor of Lagos State and some key members of APC, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, and governors elected on the party’s platform met with the CAN leadership on Wednesday in Abuja.
Tinubu, who addressed leaders of the Christian body at the meeting, insisted that his presidential aspiration has no religious undertone.
On his part, the CAN President, Rev. Daniel Okoh, said the interactive session was meant to review their understanding of the Nigerian crisis of development and governance, and collectively find a lasting solution to the issues.”
Okoh said that CAN has consulted with Nigerians of diverse religious, ethnic, and social identities on the country’s problems, and the solutions to them have been articulated in a strategic document, the Charter for Future Nigeria.
He said: “The document makes genuine recommendations for resolving Nigeria’s recurrent crises that border on justice and fairness, equality of all ethnic and religious groups, equal access to basic economic and social rights, political freedom and an egalitarian and just social order.
“The document considers the incoherence in political, social, and economic dimensions.
”This incoherence is the main reason the country today is almost submerged in the chaos of insecurity, instability, and economic stagnation.
“The well-being of every citizen of the country, irrespective of their religion, ethnicity or social pedigree, should be paramount in the agenda of politicians seeking public offices.”
Tinubu told the CAN leadership that his decision to vie for the presidency is a constitutional right, while allaying fears over the Muslim-Muslim ticket.
He said, “I seek to become Nigerian president not on religious grounds but on the Constitution. Thanks to the body for the invitation to candidates to speak of their plans for the nation.
“I believe in the need for a secular government and for us to work in the interest of the country just as I did in Lagos State by returning the missionary schools to the rightful owners.
“I never chased people out of Lagos. My choice of Shettima is borne out of the urgent need to address the challenges facing the country as Shettima possesses strong leadership abilities which he exhibited when he was the governor of Borno State. I wanted a progressive government that was why I selected Shettima.
“Choosing a Christian running mate would have been easy but that is not the case. We have urgent challenges that do not depend on religious leanings but on the best of hands that can address it.”