Outgoing
President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, in
an interview with Nosa Akenzua explains how former President Goodluck Jonathan
helped developed the country and wonders why Nigerians speak evil of him. To
him Jonathan his is son and did well while he ruled. He also spoke about Gov.
El-Rufai’s religious bill.
How
would you describe your relationship with former President Goodluck Jonathan?
I’m
often shocked to read on the pages of newspapers negative reports about him (Jonathan).
Goodluck Jonathan is my son and he is still my son. He meant well for the
nation and he did his best, but if critics say he was bad; I don’t know the
parameter they measured that with. It is unfortunate that Nigeria’s governance
speaks different processes, especially those termed to have failed. Nigerians
see that as an avenue to pour out their anger, insults and others. Goodluck
Jonathan did his best to fix Nigeria but sabotage swung into action to ensure
he did not succeed. It is laughable to read so many negative and unfounded
stories about him. However, he had played his role as President and the rest is
history. Our relationship is still cordial and as a leader of a church, I’m the
father of all.
What
is your take on the Kaduna State bill against public preaching?
Governor
Nasir el-Rufai has seemingly taken the wrong step. He should call a meeting of
all the stakeholders in that state with respect to religious activities before
rushing to the state Assembly for any bill. Be that as it may, we have to be
very careful if there is any bill intended to wear religious colouration. When
Sharia was introduced into this country we were lucky to have a Christian
President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who tamed it. Nigeria would have been
engulfed by the conflagration. Sharia would have been misunderstood. There are
already enough laws in the statue book that take care of what Governor El-Rufai
has in mind. I have no objection if he wants to curb noise pollution in the
name of religion. I quite agree if this is the basis. But in a situation where
it is meant to tackle extremism, libel, sedition, incitement and more, there
are enough laws in our statute book for this. Doing otherwise is not good for
him. I have tremendous respect for him for he was the person bold enough to say
that there should be no more street begging. Yes, that was a sensible thing
because even in the Islamic countries such is not allowed.
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