… Say All elective, appointive Principal positions now occupied by Muslims
Daniel Atori & Musa Ibrahim
A group under the aegis of the Niger State Christian Voice in Politics and Governance has expressed concerns over what it describes as the systemic exclusion of Christian aspirants in the ongoing All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in Niger State.
Coordinator of the Group, Hon. Habila Diko while speaking to Journalists in Minna, commended Umaru Bago for his efforts toward institutionalising zoning in the state’s political arrangement.
According to the group, the governor’s move to gazette the zoning system aimed at ensuring power rotation among the 25 local government areas and limiting political dominance by any particular area was a commendable step toward fairness and inclusiveness.
However, the group alleged that Christian aspirants contesting for Senatorial and House of Representatives positions were being unfairly treated through the implementation of consensus arrangements and zoning.
The group claimed that the development had resulted in what it described as the systematic exclusion of Christian aspirants from representation in contests for National Assembly positions in the state.
It further alleged that some Christian aspirants contesting for State House of Assembly seats were also being pressured to withdraw or step down from the race, a situation it condemned.
Accordingly, Diko while responding to questions lamented that all principal and executive positions have now been occupied by Muslims.
According to him “this country is a mixed place of people. We have Christians, Muslims and other religions. For fairness for equity and for justice, it is good that we carry everybody along and that is what we ask for.
“At the moment the Governor, Deputy Governor Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Head of Service, Chief Judge, Secretary to the State Government or Chief of Staff are all Muslims.”
He cited instances with the sitting Senator, Peter Ndalikali from zone A who lost, Yusuf Kure, a Member House of Representatives who did not return due to the pressure.
Also, the Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly Hon. Eunice Afiniki from Gurara local government area and another lawmaker Andrew Doma from Shiroro LGA.
The group called on the leadership of the APC in the state to address the concerns and clarify allegations linking the party leadership to the pressure allegedly mounted on Christian aspirants to withdraw or be screened out of the process.
According to him there is a need for the party to review complaints and alleged irregularities arising from the primaries in the interest of fairness, equity, and justice.
The group also appealed to Governor Bago to intervene and reconsider what it termed a disturbing trend in order to ensure balanced political representation, peace, and inclusiveness in the state.
It further urged other political parties in Niger State not to adopt similar approaches that could undermine Christian aspirants, stressing the need for fairness and equal opportunities for all contestants regardless of religious background.
The briefing ended with a call for unity, justice, and inclusive participation in the political process across the state.
Some of the groups present include: Concerned Christian youth forum, Catholic Social Forum, TEKAN/ECWA Youth Wing, Nupe Christian Forum, Niger Christian Youth Forum, Christian Advocacy Youth Group, CPFN/PFN Youth Wing, Christian council of Nigeria (Youth Wing), Coalition of APC Christian Youth Groups, National APC Christian Leaders Forum of Nigeria, Journalists for Christ and others.
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