The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State chapter, has come out in defense of the list of cabinet member-nominees put forward by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for screening by the Lagos State House of Assembly. The association emphasized that the nominations were based on merit, competence, and capabilities to achieve the government’s goals.
The CAN’s statement came in response to criticism from some Muslim groups, including the Joint Muslims Forum and Muslim Rights Concern, who expressed dissatisfaction with the nominations due to the perceived religious distribution of the nominees. The Muslim groups were concerned that only eight out of the 39 nominees were Muslims, while the rest were Christians.
Rev. Stephen Adegbite, the Chairman of CAN’s Lagos chapter, condemned these remarks and actions as distasteful, condescending, and divisive. He highlighted that the peaceful coexistence in Lagos, known for its religious and ethnic diversity, has been maintained through respect and commitment to principles of peaceful coexistence.
Adegbite reminded that Lagos’s success story is built on inclusivity, mutual respect, and tolerance for various faiths and beliefs. He emphasized that the religious composition of the cabinet nominees should not overshadow the state’s commitment to unity and harmony.