A foremost religious group, Concerned Yoruba Muslim Scholars in Nigeria (CONYORMS), has described the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the All Progressives Congress for the 2023 election as appropriate and well deserved.
Recall that the presidential candidate of the APC, Bola Tinubu, had recently announced the selection of Kashim Shettima as his running mate for next year’s Presidential election.
The selection set in motion an unusual same religion ticket, prompting criticism from stakeholders from other religions, especially Christians, across the country.
Reacting to these criticisms, Yoruba Muslim Scholars at a Press Conference in Ibadan on Monday, cautioned against comments that are divisive and capable of undermining the country’s unity.
“The Concerned Yoruba Muslim Scholars in Nigeria are alarmed at the hypocritical public outcry by some section of Christian leaders and followers
against the choice of Senator Kashim Shettima as running mate to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2023 presidential election.
“Unfortunately, people who are supposed to be a moral guide for a united and prosperous nation have now become agents of the opposition party just for a miserable price,” a press statement released by the group read in part.
The group expressed shock at the “height of the prejudice” being expressed by opposition parties masquerading under different names or groups noting that it is for Nigerians to that the most important factor is the potential of these candidates who are of “unassailable competencies”.
“It is an undeniable fact that Nigeria at present desire good governance regardless of the religion and/or ethnic affiliation of whoever is capable of
delivering it. Therefore, the track record of Bola Tinubu as a former governor and in fact, the founding leader of modern Lagos, is evergreen and enduring.
“The foundation laid by Tinubu in Lagos state is unparalleled to the extent that the State has unarguably attained the 5th most advanced economy
Africa. Tinubu’s achievement in the area of human capital development which can be fact-checked in different parts of the country, is another parameter that positions him as the most deserving President Nigeria should not miss in the midst of current challenges bedeviling the country,” the group noted.
It added: “We recall that Shettima is a detribalized politician who, as a governor, appointed and empowered aides from across the length and breadth of Nigeria. Shettima worked with Igbo, Urhobo, Benin, Hausa, and Yoruba all of whom were of Christian Faith despite being Muslim of Kanuri extract. There is no doubt that Nigeria in the present dispensation needs an open-hearted and competent technocrat of long-standing experience like that of Kashim Shettima.
“Without being exaggerative, Both Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kashim Shetima had indeed shown their competencies in the manner they transformed their
respective states while being governors. The records are there in the public domain. Another quality that stands them out is their ability and foresight
choosing transformational leaders to continue their developmental legacies. Lagos is what it is today because of the visionary exploits and progressi
thinking of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, which his successors continue to build on. In like manner, Borno State had witnessed and is still witnessing unprecedented developmental transformation courtesy of Kashim Shettim: prudence and quality managerial skills, which his successor, Professor Umara Zulum is currently taking to greater levels!”
The events had in attendance various stakeholders. Some of these stakeholders include: the group’s President, Abdulrasheed Mayaleke; Secretary General, Prof. Abideen Olaiya; Daud Amoo Alaga and Waheed Olowonjaiye
