…Urges Nigerians to shun religious considerations
BENJAMIN OMOIKE
As controversy over choice of the running mate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential candidate continues to gain momentum, a socio-political group, Agenda for Greater Nigeria (AGN), has called on Nigerians to shun religious considerations, saying that a Tinubu/Shettima ticket portends a promising future for Nigeria.
The group described the choice of the former Governor of Borno Sate, Senator Kashim Shettima, as the best choice, saying that the choice was a clear indication that Tinubu’s Presidency would take tough decisions to better the lot of Nigerians and reposition the country on the path of prosperity.
The group, in a statement signed by its President and General Secretary, Isacc Koleosho and Gidado Kawu, respectively, urged Nigerians to shun religious sentiments while making decisions on the 2023 presidential poll; stressing that considerations should be based on competence, innovation, compassion, integrity, fairness and adherence to excellence.
The group, which said that the challenges in the nation are too numerous for the nation to be paying attention to ethnic or religious considerations, believe what Nigeria needs in 2023 is a team that has what it takes to fix the country’s myriad of challenges.
AGN said that for Tinubu to pick a candidate in the Northeast, despite the fact that Northwest had the highest number of voters, shows that the party’s presidential candidate places premium on capacity, and most importantly at this stage, the need to win an election, which comes first before giving dividends of democracy to Nigerians.
According to the group, “That APC’s presidential flagbearer picked Senator Kashim Shettima against all odds and after wide consultations, show that Nigerians should watch out for a well-thought-out strategy to turnaround the fortune of the country. It shows that a Tinubu-led Federal Government is determined to move the nation forward and tackle the economic and security challenges.”
The AGN said that Senator Shettima has similar progressive traits as Asiwaju Tinubu, saying that the duo would not only take the nation out of the current challenges but also lay a solid and progressive foundation for unity and prosperity for generations to come – where competence and good governance will be the hallmarks and criteria for the election of future leaders.
“As Asiwaju laid a solid and progressive foundation in Lagos, which his successors are following till date, it is on record that Senator Shettima has also done similar things in Borno State, which his successor, Professor Zulum is following till date. Even as Boko Haram wrecked havoc in the state, Shettima was able to start many infrastructural projects that the current governor is building on just Like Lagos.”
“We also believe that Senator Shettima is a committed democrat and progressive. He was a member of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP); part of the bloc that formed the All Progressives Congress. He has unblemished record of performance and the capacity to break barriers in order to move Nigeria forward.”
Meanwhile, the APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Tinubu, while justifying his choice, said his decision required a bold but pragmatic approach, insisting “In selecting Senator Shettima, I have committed myself to this path. I have made the hard choice because I believe it is the best choice.
“This is where politics must end and leadership must begin. True Leadership is not grounded in religion, populism or sentiment. To forge ahead as a nation toward development and prosperity, we must break free of old binds.”
Tinubu said Senator Kashim Shettima’s career in politics and beyond, shows that he is eminently qualified not only to deliver that all-important electoral victory but, also, to step into the shoes of the Vice President.
“As a man with the talent, maturity, strength of character, and patriotism, he has my implicit confidence and faith,” he said.
