May 30, (THEWILL) – The Taraba state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has expressed dismay over the recent video by Islamic clerics, threatening a religious war and establishment of a sharia Islamic government in Taraba.
This threat, according to CAN, came after the recent APC governorship primaries in the state, in which a Christian, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, was announced the flag bearer of the party.
In a statement signed by the Taraba state CAN Chairman, Rev Isaiah Magaji Jirapye and made available to newsmen in Jalingo, CAN said it became necessary to address the issue because it came from people who were supposed to preach peace and not instigate war or crisis.
“It has become necessary that we respond to those careless and irresponsible utterances to keep the records straight and to also draw the attention of security agencies to do the needful.
“CAN is not a participant in partisan politics, but has observed with dismay the threats on Christians in Taraba State and an attempt to instigate religious unrest from some Islamic Clerics from across Nigeria. One of such video clips by Sheikh Ibrahim Aliyu Kaduna and several others is of note.
“CAN in Taraba state, and indeed well meaning Nigerians are in great shock that purely political party affairs and activities could be given a religious coloration and draw such hateful utterances capable of destabilising the entire nation”, it stated.
The statement faulted the statistics of the Christian-Muslim population in the state, stressing that it is an outright attempt to instigate hate and violence in the state, especially since Taraba state has enjoyed long standing years of peace and religious tolerance.
“We would have loved to go down the memory lane, but because it is coming from outsiders, we count it as ignorance. Taraba State since inception has been governed by a Christian, while the Muslims have always enjoyed the slot of Deputy Governor since 1999.
“One would have expected that the religious bigots dishing out those inciting videos should have also condemned Niger and Kaduna States for discontinuing the policy of making Christians Deputy Governors. Why the double standards, if they truly have the interest of the peace and unity of Nigeria at heart? Why the misinformation and arrogant repugnant reference to Christians by insulting words such as “masu bauta wa gunki” and “Arne”?
“CAN views all those videos as calculated plots to set the state ablaze by outside forces who are not happy with the peace Taraba State is enjoying.
“Taraba state has a long-standing history of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence amongst Christians and Muslims, even in politics. CAN cannot accept anyone by whatever disguise who is out to threaten and instigate crisis in the state, just as they have successfully done in some other states that they have destroyed and ruined.”
The Association called on Government to arrest the clerics involved, especially Sheikh Ibrahim Aliyu Kaduna, and several others who have openly threatened to create crisis in Taraba State.
According to CAN, anything short of this will be viewed by Christians in Taraba State, and indeed Nigeria as a whole, as government’s approval of these subversive propaganda.
CAN stressed that it is uncharitable and unacceptable to threaten the peace of a State with violence under the misleading impression that some religious faithfuls are not given the opportunity to rule.
While calling on the people to desist from using religion to win presumed public sympathy, CAN also reiterated that henceforth, it will hold authors of those viral videos responsible for any harm on Christian candidates contesting in various political parties.
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