The Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has advised Governor Nasir El-Rufai to desist from making “reckless” statements that could further divide the residents along religious and ethnic lines.
The governor, had while featuring on a live Channels TV morning programme, Sunrise Daily, allegedly stated that Muslims have population of 70 percent compared to Christian community of 30 percent.
Angered by the governor’s assertion, the Christian body on Thursday rejected the claim, adding that El-Rufai’s statement had shown he puts one religion ahead of others.
The Secretary of the CAN in Kaduna State, Rev. Sunday Ibrahim who spoke to journalists, noted that statistics had shown that Christians even have the higher population in the state by five percent.
He said: “It is very surprising to hear that coming from the Governor. What I know is that there are data that could be made available to whoever that cares to see.
“We are very surprised at the statement because the Christian and Muslim population is about 50/50. In fact, some data show that Christians are 55 percent and Muslim are 45 percent in terms of population.
“For the governor to say Muslims have 70 percent population of Kaduna State while Christians have 30 percent is shocking indeed. On what statistics did he base his submission?
“His handlers should have verified the claim and save him from the embarrassment he caused himself on a national television. We say NO to that very pronouncement; we don’t accept it to be true.
“His comment has the tendency of further dividing Kaduna along religious line; it could bring cause more problems.
“We urge Governor El-Rufai to henceforth try to verify issues that are very sensitive before voicing such out,” the CAN scribe said.
