The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) in the 19 northern states has canvassed acceptance of leaders with competence irrespective of the religion of the leader.

The CAN Youth Wing In the north which articulated its view in response to reports of an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi suggesting that the FCT minister ought to be a Muslim, said the minister, Nyesom Wike, has proven competence and that competence is what should matter.

The YOWICAN chairman for the 19 northern states, Evangelist Musa Misal, said in a statement released in Yola, that it is also dangerous for Gumi to have advised President Bola Tinubu not to leave national security in the hands of Christians or southerners.

He said: “This Is uncalled for in a secular and democratic state like Nigeria. They are getting it all wrong,” YOWICAN stated, adding that Gumi’s recent sermons would only stir unnecessary hatred and pitch Nigerians against one another.”

The group also took exception to Gumi’s position on Nigeria’s relations with Israel, stating, “Sheikh Gumi and some other clerics have clearly displayed their bigotry. Attacking the diplomatic relationship Nigeria has with the State of Israel is a waste of time. The same clerics see nothing wrong with the Nigeria-Saudi Arabia relationship.”

Insisting that Gumi’s “provocating comments during a sermon on 14^th October in Kaduna” were unfortunate, YOWICAN sought a check on Gumi and others like him, stating, “It is particularly worrisome the obvious inaction of the nation’s security agencies and the slow attitude of the government to prosecute such people over their actions that are capable of causing serious religious crises in Nigeria.

“We expect the leadership of this country to show them that no one is above the law and to curb hate speeches, inflammatory sermons or political statements.” (The Nation)

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