The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has assured Christians of their safety if elected as president in the forthcoming general election.
Atiku, who described him as a unifier, said he believes in the integration of humanity at all levels and would do everything to promote unity in diversity.
The former Vice President stated that he has never contemplated same faith ticket throughout his political career, saying the move will result in unmitigated disaster for Nigerians.
He said this at the General Church Council (GCC) meeting of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Jos, the Plateau State capital on Tuesday.
Atiku, who was represented by the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, said God did not make any mistake in creating people and allowing them to belong to different tribal, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.
He said: “A divided Nigeria cannot achieve the purpose of God for us as a people. A divided country will only keep us in darkness and chains. All through my lifetime, I have lived and worked harmoniously with people of other faiths and ethnic affiliations with ease because of mutual understanding and respect.
“My business and political partners come from different backgrounds with zero expressions of religious or ethnic sentiments. I have never contemplated same faith ticket throughout my political career because it will result in unmitigated disaster for all Nigerians.
“No statesman at the incipient adopts a position that clearly excludes nearly half the country and still hope to do the work Nigeria is in dire need of. No matter how hard and skillful one dresses the same faith ticket; it is an open invitation to anarchy and a clear statement that not everyone will be carried along in government.
“As governor-elect of Adamawa State in 1999, I gave my full backing, against all odds, to Boni Haruna to take over when I was nominated Vice President. Boni governed Adamawa for eight interrupted years. Also, in Taraba State, Rev. Jolly Nyame was encouraged to contest the governorship in 1999 with my full backing.
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“We have and are still working together with many Christians across the nation, and the church should have confidence in my capacity, experience, and ability to deliver credible leadership that unites our people and empower Nigerians of all creed to live together in peace and harmony.”
Atiku further appreciated Christians across the country for their prayers and commitment to the nation and assured that he will not relent in cementing a cordial relationship between Christians and Muslims at all times.
“The church stands to get a lot under my watch as president of this nation if elected. I will do everything possible if elected to rid Nigeria of conflict entrepreneurs and profiteers in order to lay a solid foundation for Nigeria’s advancement. This must be the case if we ever hope to realise our full potentials as a nation.
“No society in history has ever remained disunited and still kept its civilisation. Politics is not enough reason to keep us divided. A divided Nigeria cannot take any of us anywhere. If Nigeria is divided, both Christians and Muslims will suffer.
“I am proud to say that I have a strong partner in Governor Okowa, who is not only a Christian but a man of abiding faith in Nigeria and our people. I am convinced beyond doubt that, together with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as Vice President, we will take Nigeria to the desired greater heights,” he added.
The former Vice President, however, commended ECWA for sustaining the annual GCC meeting “where progress and developments are reviewed and new working strategies are adopted.”
Speaking for himself, Dogara admonished Christians to take stock of what each presidential candidate has done for Northern Christians and meditate on it.
Quoting from the Bible, the former House of Reps Speaker likened Atiku to the popular centurion in the Bible, whose faith was acknowledged by Jesus and of whom the Jews spoke glowingly to Jesus about his love for the Jews and the fact that he even built a synogogue for them.
Citing Governors Bony Haruna and Rev Jolly Nyame, he said those two represent two solid synagogues Atiku had built for the church and challenged Christians to examine other candidates, stressing that if they have done what the PDP presidential candidate has done, then they can vote for them.
Dogara apologised for the absence of Atiku and Okowa at the occasion, saying it was not out of disrespect for the Church but because they were both in Ekiti State for the PDP presidential rally.
On his part, the ECWA President, Rev. Stephen Baba Panya, appreciated Atiku for finding time to give attention to what the church is doing and for sending eminent political leaders to grace the church’s GCC meeting.
Panya also commended Atiku for sending Dogara to represent him, saying the latter has excellent standing with the church even before joining politics.
He added that the church is watching, monitoring, and listening to all the candidates and will take a decision according to its convictions soon.
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