TheCable

The Christian Youth Forum, a faith-based organisation in Niger state, has appealed to politicians in the state to make a balance in picking their candidates ahead of the governorship election.

In a statement signed by A Gusadi, publicity secretary of the forum, the group expressed worries over the trend where the major parties are having same faith governorship candidates.

“This worrisome trend of marginalization and inhuman treatment by our Muslim brothers to forestall any resentments that may lead to chaos in future,” the statement read.

It added that in advanced democracies, the diversity of such nations in terms of all forms of differences including ethnic and religions constitutes the rallying point.

“If democracy is about representation of the people no matter their affiliations then let all players in Niger state be  engaged in an all inclusive approach since the system is of the people, by the people and for the people,” the statement read.

“Recall that Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, Niger state chapter had on the 11th of October, through a press statement requested for a reflection of fairness and justice in the pairing of governorship candidates by ensuring that all parties field either a Christian/Muslim ticket or a Muslim/Christian ticket.

“The outright disregard to the request by  CAN is not acceptable by us, as it does not portray the state in its right composition and the decision is viewed as a total disregard  on the collective intelligence of hard working thousands of Christians in Nigeria state.

“We have capable hands in various fields of endeavour who are willing to contribute immensely to the  development of our dear state, hence we are requesting that both APC and PDP reconsider their decision  of featuring  same faith tickets and tap on the willingness and commitment of the Christian community to partner with every well meaning indigene of the state to build the Niger state of our dream.

“Muslim-Muslim  candidature does not truly reflect the composition of Niger state, which by our own estimation is about 50/50% for the two major faiths. All manner of people in the state must be given a sense of belonging in the interest of justice and fair play.”

The group said it is committed to teaming up with their Muslim brothers to deliver dividends of democracy to the people of Niger state.