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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Is Jonathan’s Government for Christians only? – By Alex O. Atawa Akpodiete*

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Recently, there has become heightened propaganda as to whether the President prefers to hire only Christians. Of course, any reasonable person that looks at individuals in the civil service will disagree, based on the sometimes bloated nature of northern workers, especially in Abuja. As 2015 gets closer, it may no longer be North versus South, but Christians versus Muslims that will be touted by the negative politicians. Nonetheless, the following names were sent to one our correspondents with Christian heads of Parastatals, MDA’s and MDGs. The list being circulated to buttress their argument includes.

 

1 NIMET Dr. Anthony Anuforom

2 NNPC Eng. Andrew Yakubu

3 NIMASA Patrick Apobolokemi

4 PENCOM Mrs. Chinelo Anohu Amazu

5 FERMA Engr. Chukwu Amuchi

6 DPR Mr. George Osahon

7 Bank of Industry Ms. Evelyn Oputu

8 Nigerian Content Dev. Agency Ernest Nwanpa

9 Consumer Protection Agency Mrs Dupe Atoki

10 NCC Engr. Eugene Juwa

11 NAMA Engr. Nnamdi Udoh

12 NCAA Engr. Akikuotu

13 FAAN George Uriesi

14 NCAT Capt. Chinere Kalu

15 SEC Aruma Otteh

16 Sovereign Wealth Fund Uche Orji

17 NAFDAC Dr Paul Orhil

18 FIIRO Dr. Mrs. G. N Elemo

19 Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron Joshua Okpo

20 Railway Corporation Eng. Seyi Sijuwade

21 Nigerian Tourism Dev. Corporation Mrs. Sally Mbanefoh

22 Budget Office of The Federation Dr Bright Okogwu

23 NERDC Prof. Godswill Obioma

24 NEXIM Mr R. R Orya

25 Standard Organization Of Nigeria Dr Joseph Odumodu

26 Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation Emeka Nkem Mba

27 Industrial Training Fund Prof. Longmas Wapmuk

28 National University Commission Prof. Okojie

29 NESREA Mrs. N.S Benebo

30 MDG Office Dr. Precious Gbenio

31 Surveyor General Of The Federation Peter Chigozie

32 Statistician General Of The Federation Dr. Yemi Kale

33 Accountant General Of The Federation Mr.  Jonah Otunla

34 Auditor General Of The Federation Samuel Yonongo Ukura

35. National Orientation Agency Mike Omieri

36. News Agency Of Nigeria Oluremi Oyo

37. NEPC E/S David I Adulugba

38. NEPZA Mr. Olugbenga Kuye

39. BPP Engr Emeka

 

Of those listed, only Dr. Bright Okogwu, is an Urhobo. This issue of religion was almost heightened in the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) election, but was thankfully doused. Some people tried to taint a candidate by claiming he practiced igbe, while his opponent was a “Christian.” Everyone knows that the Vice President Architect Mohammed Namadi Sambo is a Muslim, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria Justice Mariam Aloma Muhktar, is a Muslim, and the Inspector General of Police Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar is also a Muslim, along with the Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

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Is President Goodluck Jonathan running a Christian government?

 

Why is it that we as a nation cannot jettison ethno-religious sentiments? When you go to most offices, you easily know where the appointee is from, or his religious predilection?  Of the four ministers that left office recently, all appear to be Christians. Are we saying they must be replaced by Christians? Generally, when a Minister from a State is sacked or resigns, the governor of that state will nominate a replacement. Some states historically have larger number of its population embracing a religion. Nonetheless, if a candidate from a minority religion is qualified, that person should not be excluded.

 

I guess the military framers of our constitution knew that religion will be a problem. That is why the 1999 constitution is replete with cautionary references to religion. From Section 10 Prohibition of State Religion, Section 38 Right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, and Section 15(2) which states “Accordingly, national integration shall be actively encouraged, whilst discrimination on the grounds of place of origin, sex, religion, status, ethnic or linguistic association or ties shall be prohibited.”

 

Other provisions preclude political parties based on religion (Section 222). Section 42 is also important. The point is that if this country should move forward, the ethno-religion card should not be played.

 

The President and Vice President during 2013 Sallah celebration

 

In January, Muslim Media Watch Group commended the President for signing the anti-same sex marriage law. Also, the president has always joined Muslims in their celebrations and last month was quoted as saying “As Muslims in the country join believers in other parts of the world in celebrating the Prophet’s birth, President Jonathan urges them to offer special prayers during the Eid-el-Maulud for greater peace, unity and progress in Nigeria.”

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Of course, the President is cognizant of Section 14(3) of the constitution which states that The composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity, and also to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few State or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that Government or in any of its agencies.” This by implication will mean that there should be a religious balance as some ethnic groups in Nigeria predominantly practice a particular religion.

 

The powers that be changed our national anthem in 1978 from “Nigeria We Hail Thee” to the current “Arise O Compatriot.” Nonetheless a lyric from the old anthem is worth repeating, especially as we celebrate our centenary. Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand.”

 

No one in their right mind can accuse the President of running a Christian government. The facts clearly state otherwise or as the book states for us lawyers, “the evidence demands a verdict” to the contrary.

 

*Akpodiete is an author, Computer Scientist, Educator, Consultant, lawyer, Political Analyst & Social commentator. He has a Doctorate degree in Jurisprudence from the US. He has lectured Law, Ethics and Security & Intelligence Studies at the University level here in Nigeria and US. He also writes for a state daily newspaper & national monthly journal. He currently divides his time between Nigeria and USA where he runs an international capacity building firm. Contact him on 08138391661 or Profatawa@gmail.com,

 

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