Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State on Thursday in Gombe inaugurated the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Guest House, assuring the community of his continued support.
The inauguration of the project came on the heels of recent accusations that the governor is promoting Islamic agenda, following his decision not to approve the choice of a Christian, Musa Maiyamba as Mai Tangale (traditional ruler of Tangale) .
An elderstateman and Gombe State Chairman of Middle Belt Forum, Keftin Amuga, had criticised the governor, saying his actions showed he might be pursuing an Islamic agenda.
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“From the feelers I have I am very suspicious of the motive Governor Inuwa has against our people, because anything which has to do with our people, he tries to bring in element of religion.
“I am suspicious and to even start believing he is an Islamist governor. Last year, when there was a vacant seat of a district head, though it is a predominantly Christian area, Hudu Kwaya, he went to appoint a Muslim there.
“When there was the time for him to constitute his administration after been swore in, by the constitution our local government suppose to be represented by our people, he now took up a settler in Tangale land and a Muslim.
“And this is the third time again, our people voted and this is an area that is 90 percent Christians, our people voted for a king, of the nine kingmakers five voted for Dr Idris Musa Maiyamba, who is a very strong Christian and the two that came far behind him are Muslims….
“Is the governor really an Islamist and being discriminating against our Tangale people because we are Christians or what? What offence have we committed?” the elder stateman queried.
But speaking at the commissioning of the CAN edifice which consist of eight rooms, four self-contained, two executive wings and presidential suits, the governor acknowledged the role played by religious leaders in the state in peace development.
He described the building as a very important milestone in the development of the association.
He assured the Christian community in Gombe of his continued support, adding that the essence of leadership is to serve humanity.
Yahaya said the state would continue to cherish and maintain the relationship that existed between the two major faithful in the state.
“Gombe state cannot be complete without acknowledging all, regardless of religious beliefs and ethnic backgrounds,” he said.
Rev. Sunday Congo, the state CAN Chairman, thanked Yahaya for donating N25 million to the centre for the construction of the edifice.
He said the building was constructed with the sole aim of raising income for the association.
Congo said the gesture was a clear indication of the governor’s love for the Christian community in the state.
newly selected Mai Tangale, Dr Musa Maiyamba, is a strong Christian while Governor Inuwa Yahaya, a Muslim, is alleged to have preference for another candidate of same faith to fill the vacant stool.
