Muslim Leaders in Nigeria Faulted for Rejecting Governor’s Nominees on Religious Basis

Rev. Adegbite reminded the JMF leadership that the Lagos State’s success story which has seen people live as a family despite their religious, ethnic, and political affiliation is attributed to the people’s respect and commitment to peaceful coexistence.

“It is within the purview of Mr. Governor, after relevant consultations and objective considerations, to put forward a list of cabinet nominees whose choice, as expected, should be based purely on merit, competence, capacity, and sufficient capabilities to deliver on the set goals and objectives of the government and not on their faith or religious affiliations,” he said.

He cited the example of candidates who vied on Muslim-Muslim tickets in the 2023 general elections including that of the presidency and yet received the full support of the Christian community “because the candidate’s competence was prioritized at the expense of their faith”.

Rev. Adegbite argued that over 60 percent of the 24 members elected into the 10th House of Representatives from Lagos are Muslims and that also the 40-member Lagos State House of Assembly are Muslims, yet no one opposed their swearing-in on a religious basis.

“One then wonders why the list of cabinet nominees should be subjected to issues of religion and faith when the Christian community has never and would never make such mundane demands,” the official of the Christian entity that includes representatives of various faiths in Nigeria, including Catholic Bishops and Muslim leaders said.

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Rev. Adegbite urged the government of Lagos state to peacefully continue the constitutional process of screening and confirmation of the nominees that the governor sent to them and not to be swayed by demands from any group.

“We plead with well-meaning citizens of the state to kindly disregard any call that is capable of igniting religious emotions and sentiments,” he said.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.