Amanze Chinonye
Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, Regional Leader of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), has accused the Tinubu-Shettima administration of marginalising Christians, describing the presence of both a Muslim President and Vice President as a “complete genocide” against Christians in Nigeria. The cleric made the comments on Monday during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, in response to questions about alleged attacks on Christians in the country.
“Shettima is a Muslim, the president is a Muslim. Is that not complete genocide to Christians in the political world? The way forward is to remove Shettima and I stand on it,” Dachomo said.
He accused the administration of pursuing an “Islamic agenda” aimed at controlling the entire country and warned that Christians must be vigilant:
Join our WhatsApp Channel“All Christians should wake up from their slumber and face the Bible because these people want to make every Christian to become Muslims by force. We cannot continue to stay quiet because I can’t hand over my grandchildren to Islam. There’s an agenda of these Islamic terrorists to take over the country and the nation is sleeping and doesn’t want to use those who want to help tackle this insecurity.”
Dachomo also highlighted growing insecurity in areas like Kwara State, claiming that violent incidents there are often misrepresented as reprisal killings, and reiterated his call for proactive measures to protect Christian communities.
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In response, Bashir Ahmad, former media aide to late President Muhammadu Buhari, rejected Dachomo’s assertions. He argued that Nigeria is a democratic country where religion should not determine political outcomes.
“Some people may hold an entirely different opinion, but I don’t think this argument stands. President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima followed all the democratic processes to earn their victory, so why should anyone accuse them on the basis of their religion?” Ahmad said.
He added that politics is about strategy and the popular will rather than emotional or religious manipulation:
“In politics, you only take the route that leads you to victory. If tomorrow a candidate realizes that the easiest and most effective path to winning an election is to run a Christian–Christian ticket, I am certain he would not hesitate to do so. This politics is about strategy and the will of the people, not emotional blackmail and not about inflaming religious sentiments.”
The report, published by Prime Business Africa, highlights ongoing tensions over religious representation and security in Nigeria, with Christian leaders calling for protection of vulnerable communities, while critics stress adherence to democratic principles and political strategy over religion.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
