• M’Belt group demands VP-elect’s resignation, Christian replacement
Arewa Young Christian Forum of Nigeria (AYCFN) has urged the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to appoint a Christian as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

The group, which disclosed this at a press conference in Kaduna, said a Christian from North Central deserves the position to atone for neglect of the region.

AYCFN President, Agada Nathaniel, said “after extensive deliberations”, the group concluded that Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, is the most qualified of all distinguished persons in the geopolitical zone.

Nathaniel said: “Given reality on the ground, the position of SGF should be reserved for a Christian from the North Central region. Our position is hinged on creating an inclusive atmosphere for all the country’s geopolitical zones. We must admit that given the current political arrangement, the region has been left out temporarily.”

He noted: “We wish to make it clear that credible persons of repute have contributed immensely to the growth and development of democracy in Nigeria from the North Central. These persons have proven their commitment to advancing democracy in ways too numerous to mention.

“Given the above fact, we believe that the outgoing governor of Plateau State, and Chairman of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Simon Lalong, is fit for the position.”

MEANWHILE, Coalition of Middle Belt Youth Leaders has asked Vice President-elect, Kashim Shettima, to resign his position and give way to a Christian as replacement.

The group spoke, yesterday, against the backdrop of a statement credited to Shettima.

It quoted the Vice President-elect, on May 13, 2023, as counseling elected legislative members that “the Senate President and the Speaker of the National Assembly cannot be of the same faith because it would fuel Islamisation.”

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, the Youth Leader of Middle Belt Forum, Nasiru Jagaba, who spoke on behalf of the coalition, said Shettima was only ridiculing Christianity and manipulating Nigerians, particularly elected members of the 10th Assembly, as they prepare for the election of legislative leaders.

He said: “This is a cunning way to attempt to hoodwink elected lawmakers into accepting the zoning arrangement of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for leadership of the 10th National Assembly.

He added: “We are surprised that Shettima, a Muslim from Borno, who did not only lobby, but also accepted to be vice to Tinubu – a Muslim from the South – could not advise his principal on the danger of running a same-faith ticket in the executive arm of the nation’s government. But suddenly found his voice against a same-faith leadership in the legislative arm.

“We believe that the best way Shettima can show that he is sensitive to the stability of this country and his sudden advocacy for Christianity is to humbly step down for a Christian vice president.”