Trump’s Invasion Threat Has Nothing To Do With Religion – Governor Sule

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has dismissed claims of genocide against persons of Christian faith as a reason for America’s planned invasion of Nigeria.

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, hosted by the Non-Denominational Christian Choir Association of Nigeria, in Lafia.

The governor, who used the opportunity to address the recent warning from American President Donald Trump, stated that, having studied and worked in the USA, he can confirm that America acts only in defence of its own interests.

He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu knows that America only act when its interests are 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 primarily concerned with its own interests. Whenever an American interest is 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 buttress his point.

The governor blamed the religious tension that the country often experienced on politicians who whipped up sentiments across the divides for their parochial interests.

He pointed out that politicians only remember religion when they are seeking votes, but abandon such discussions afterwards.

“It is only when we are interested in an election that we introduce religion. Don’t be misled. Leave politicians alone. When sharing money, they refrain from discussing religion. When they share other things, they refrain from discussing religion. They only discuss religion when they want votes. That is why, in Nasarawa State, we made up our minds that we would 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 is committed to being a government for all.

He thanked the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for choosing Nasarawa State for the gathering, adding that the choice, especially at a time of national challenge related to religion, confirms the state’s reputation as a place of accommodation and mutual respect.

The Governor emphasised that the peace in Nasarawa State is 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 calm because we love each other. It is not only the Muslims who 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, Buddhists, 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.