Ayodele Olalere
A socio-political group, Agenda for Greater Nigeria, AGN, has called on Nigerians to shun religious considerations, saying that Tinubu/Shettima ticket portends a promising future for Nigeria.
The group described the choice of the former Governor of Borno Sate, Senator Kashim Shettima as the best choice, saying that the choice was a clear indication that Tinubu Presidency would take tough decisions to better the lot of Nigerians and reposition the country on the path of prosperity.
In a statement signed by its President and General Secretary, Izacc Koleosho and Gidado Kawu respectively, it urged Nigerians to shun religious sentiments while making decisions on the 2023 presidential poll, saying that considerations should be competence, innovation, compassion, integrity, fairness and adherence to excellence.
The group added that the challenges in the nation are too numerous for the nation to pay attention to ethnic or religious considerations, saying what Nigeria needs in 2023 is a team that has what it takes to fix the country’ s challenges.
AGN said that for Tinubu to pick a candidate in Northeast despite the fact that northwest has the highest voters, shows that the party’s presidential candidate places premium on capacity and most importantly at this stage,the need to win an election which comes first before giving dividends of democracy to Nigerians.
The AGN said that Senator Shettima has similar progressive traits as Asiwaju Tinubu, saying that the duo would not only take the nation out of the current challenges but also lay a solid and progressive foundation for unity and prosperity for the generation to come where competence and good governance will be the hallmarks and criteria for the election of future leaders.
It is recalled the APC presidential candidate, while justifying his choice, had said his decision required a bold but pragmatic approach, insisting “In selecting Senator Shettima I have committed myself to this path. I have made the hard choice because I believe it is the best choice.’
Tinubu said that Senator Kashim Shettima’s career in politics and beyond shows that he is eminently qualified not only to deliver that all-important electoral victory but, also, to step into the shoes of the Vice President.
“As a man with the talent, maturity, strength of character, and patriotism he has my implicit confidence and faith,” he said.