The Arewa Youth Parliament has faulted calls by some clerics for the sack of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Nyesom Wike, saying such a remark is divisive.
Similarly, the Arewa Think-Tank in collaboration with some Islamic clerics from the region said those criticising Wike have ulterior motives.
Addressing a press conference in Kaduna, speaker of the parliament Hon. Yahaya Salisu said Nigeria is a democratic Republic with each Nigerian having equal rights as the other, and as such, the FCT minister’s seat belongs to any qualified Nigerian, irrespective of tribe or religion as the appointing order (President) may deem fit to appoint.
“We condemn in strong terms unpatriotic utterances which are capable of fanning the embers of disunity and hatred amongst the peace loving Nigerians. Nigeria is going through a healing process under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,a Muslim.
“It is important that Muslim clerics should support his administration to ensure that Justice, equity and good governance is served on the Nigerian populace, which is one of the tenets of Islam. This is the time for each and every Nigerian to embrace one another in order to overcome these challenging times. We should shun hate speeches and malicious rumour mongering as it is capable of setting our dear county ablaze,” he said.
Meanwhile, rising from an emergency meeting in Kaduna with some religious leaders, the Arewa Think Tank said those calling for Wike’s removal are bent on plunging Nigeria into anarchy and runoff to countries where they enjoy citizenship.
The communique, signed by the convener of Arewa Think Tank, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, said some of the clerics at the peace and unity meeting are Sheikh Ibrahim Karatu Mando and Ustaz Bello Sani Bida who took turn to Condemn unrepentant inciting Islamic preachers.
The communique read in part, “We condemned in strongest terms the unwarranted verbal attacks by some Islamic Clerics on the person of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike because any attack on the Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a direct attack on the entire country and entire Nigerians.
“Those who attacked Wike want to destroy Nigeria because they have dual citizenship, and so they have a choice of belonging to other countries of the world and leave Nigeria in crisis and confusion because of their selfish interests.
“We are also appealing to Nigerians to shun rumour mongers because recently, a section of unpatriotic people went on social media, alleging that the FCT Minister, Wike, has concluded plans to demolish part of the Abuja Central Mosque, which was later confirmed by the same Abuja Central Mosque Authority, that it was false. This is very unfortunate and highly condemnable.
“What is most worrisome is the divisive comment on the security of the nation by these religious bigots who said that it is dangerous to leave national security in the hands of the Southerners. This is uncalled for in a democratic republic like Nigeria” Yakubu stressed.
Both Arewa groups urged the minister to remain focused, resolute and not be distracted by agents provocateurs who are out for their selfish interest.
“Finally, we call on our fellow Arewa Youths to disregard any call for demonstration or campaign of calumny against the FCT Minister who is busy uniting both religions for a better FCT and Nigeria at large.We should refuse to be used as tools of destruction by some people who will not use their God given position to empower us,rather want to use us for selfish reasons” the speaker stressed.
