Nasarawa State governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, has dismissed claims of genocide against persons of Christianity faith as reason for the America’s planned invasion of Nigeria.
Engr. Sule said America doesn’t care about any interests other than those that enhance its collective advantage.
He spoke at the opening ceremony of the 30th National Choral Convention by the Non-Denominational Christian Choir Association of Nigeria in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The governor, who used the opportunity to address the recent warning from American President, Donald Trump, stated that having studied and worked in US, he can confirm that America acts only in defence of it own interest.
He noted that President Bola Tinubu knows that America only acts when its interest is being challenged, having also at some point stayed in that country.
“I lived in America. I went to school in America. I worked in America. I know what America is. I know the challenges of faith. America is only interested in American interest. Whenever there is an American interest that is being challenged, America will react.
“Our President also went to school in America. He has a good understanding of what America is,” he stated.
He said the President’s recourse to diplomacy in the handling of the issue was the best way out, as military conflict would only bring incalculable damage to the country.
He referenced the human losses and destruction of infrastructure and properties in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine to butress his point.
The governor blamed the religious tension that the country often experienced on politicians who wiped up sentiments across the divides for their parochial interest.
He pointed out that politicians only remember religion when they are seeking for votes, but abandon such discussions afterwards.
“It is only when we are interested in election that is when we introduce religion. Don’t be misled. Leave politicians alone. When are sharing money, they don’t discuss religion. When they are sharing other things, they don’t discuss religion. They only discuss religion when they want votes. That is why in Nasarawa State, we made up our mind that we will not be distracted by religion. We will welcome everybody,” he said.
Governor Sule, therefore, urged the people not to be misled by such tactics, stressing that his administration i
was committed to being a government for all.
He thanked the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for chosing Nasarawa State for the gathering, adding that the choice, especially at a time of national challenge that has to do with religion, confirmed the state’s reputation as a place of accommodation and mutual respect.
The governor emphasised that the peace in Nasarawa State was sustained because both Muslims and Christians have shown remarkable tolerance towards one another.
According to him, to lead a state such as Nasarawa State, one must be a leader for everyone, regardless of faith.
“Indeed, in Nasarawa State, we are peaceful because we are accommodating. We are peaceful because we love each other. It is not only the Muslims that have been tolerant. The Christians in Nasarawa State have also been tolerant.
“If you want to be the governor of Nasarawa State, for a state so mixed, you must be the governor of the Christians, Muslims, Jews, Buddhist, and everybody. If you do not make up your mind to be the governor for all, then you are not ready to be the governor of Nasarawa State,” he stated.
