Bishops at Shettima’s unveiling show proof of ordinations, ministries
The Clerics accused of impersonation at the formal unveiling of Senator Kashim Shetiima as running mate to All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have offered proof of their authenticity.
The presence of the clerics at the ceremony sparked media controversy with some accusing them of being fake.
They clarified they didn’t attend the ceremony as representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Addressing newsmen on Monday in Abuja, Secretary of the Muslim-Christian Love Foundation, an interfaith organisation of religious leaders, Bishop Adams Abel King, said the clerics that attended the unveiling of Shettima never portrayed themselves as emissaries of CAN.
He also said their identification with Shettima and the APC was informed by his transformation of Borno state, where he handed management of social relations, including the protection of rights for all regardless of religion as Governor.
According to him: “Although Senator Kashim Shettima took the mantle of the State at a difficult time marked by terror attacks and deadly insurgency, his mature, cautious, and decisive management of the state’s affairs helped preserved the social fabric that held several communities together and reassured members of the Christian faith that the government remained committed to their freedoms and wellbeing.”
King recounted Shettima’s rebuilding efforts targeted at the Christian community, including the reconstruction of churches affected by terrorist activities while he was the governor of Borno State.
Eulogizing Shetimma, he further said: ” These contributions and sincere commitment to the constitutional obligation to uphold the rights of all without prejudice or bias qualify Senator Shettima as a brother and an ally in our quest to promote peaceful inter-faith relations in the country.”
Justifying the authenticity of the church leaders at the event, the group made public the respective churches and ministries of the clerics, some of which they claimed to have been in existence for several years.
They include: The Christian Revival Evangelical Mission Worldwide of Apostle Godwin Livinus; the Divine Prophetic End Time Gospel Faith in Kubwa, Abuja of Bishop Emeka Theodore; the Light House of all Nation Ministry of Bishop Emmanuel Sunday Jayeola, among others.
Condemning the attacks and harassment they endured over their participation at the event, the group said it was their democratic to make a political choice.
They urged a critical evaluation of reports and allegations before their spread and amplification in the press, “, particularly on social media where mob antics, driven by ignorance and malice, have strained social ties and caused divisiveness.”