Catholic bishops slam Tinubu on his choice of ‘Muslim-Muslim’ ticket
The selection of Senator Kashim Shettima’s as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate for the All Progressives Congress,APC, presidential nomination in 2023 has prompted various response from Nigerians including Catholic bishops.
Among those who reacted is Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, the prominent social commentator and Catholic Bishop of the Sokoto Diocese has reacted to the selection of shettima as the vice presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC.
‘Muslim-Muslim’ Ticket
Shettima’s selection it will be recalled was announced on Sunday, putting the “Muslim-Muslim” ticket rumors to reality.
Speaking on the subject, Kukah said Nigerians should determine whether or not they want a President and Vice-President who are Muslim.
Said he,”This is what you would call team selection, and everyone will make their choice based on what they believe will offer them a fair opportunity, he added.
He said people will then accept accountability for their decisions. I don’t think it’s important enough to keep me up at night adding, “We are Democrats because you cannot compel people to be unhappy with the decisions that have been made. No candidate can be forced to run by us outsiders.
You now have to consider the decisions that have been made.
Speaking further,he said that there is no assurance that all Muslims will vote for Muslims and all Christians will support Christians.
In his own view, Ignatius Kaigama, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, stated that the country was not ready for a presidential ticket of the same religion.
Said he,“It would not be fair or just to say that only one religion will generate the main actors while excluding others who will feel like aliens. It is beneficial that we maintain a balance so that we can become like a single large family for the sake of religious sensitivity in a country like Nigeria.
