Shettima is not a religious bigot, we’ve nothing to fear – CAN chairman

Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Borno State, Bishop Mohammed Naga, has commended the choice of the former Governor of the State, Kashim Shettima, as Bola Tinubu’s running mate for 2023 presidential elections.

Naga revealed that there was nothing to fear as Shettima has not been a religious bigot.

MOUTHPIECE NGR reports that the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, revealed on Sunday that Shettima will be his vice presidential candidate in 2023.

The Muslim-Muslim ticket of the APC has since generated widespread reactions.

While reacting to the announcement, Naga, has via a statement on Monday, said he’s excited that Tinubu has publicized the choice of Shettima, his running mate.

Naga’s statement partly reads, “My brothers, those who are not from Borno State may not know, but you and I know better.

“Gov. Shettima, in the history of Borno State, is the only Governor that has sponsored the highest number of Christian Pilgrims every year since 2011.

“I am speaking boldly without fear or favour because as CAN Chairman, I don’t receive salary or kobo from the Government or any institution, but the facts need to be told.

“For example, when Gwoza people were driven from their ancestral homes, they fled to Maiduguri, and the Governor personally came to CAN Centre in Jerusalem ward two times in June and July 2014. He gave N10 million for their upkeep at first instance, but the victims weren’t many. By the end of October 2014, the IDPs from Gwoza increased to 42,000 in that camp alone. Governor Shettima came again and gave another N10 million.

“He also gave an additional N5 million to Christians from Borno who fled to Cameroon to be returned home.

“Sincerely speaking, as a Christian and a preacher, absolutely I have nothing to fear about Asiwaju’s picking a Muslim as his running mate because he is not a religious bigot and I am happy he has made his mind known to the public in the person of his preferred running mate.

“Seeing another presidential candidate applauding him is a plus for him and supporters of Asiwaju. Congratulations to the awaiting president and vice president.”