By Luka Binniyat

ABUJA— More reactions, yesterday, trailed plans by the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, to get the Federal Executive Council, FEC, to approve the proposed National Board for Islamic Affairs, as the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in 19 northern states and Jamatu Nasri-Islam, JNI, expressed divergent views on the issue.

Also reacting, Christians under the aegis of Fulani Christian Foundation Network of Nigeria, said government should equally establish a similar board for them in the country, while Southern Kaduna Peoples Union, SOKAPU, said there were already too many government-sponsored Islamic bodies in Nigeria.

Speaking on the issue, yesterday, Public Relations Officer of CAN in  the 19 northern states, Rev. Joseph Hayab, said: “It is a pity that at this time when Nigerians are saddled with all kinds of pains and some of us are pushing for reconciliation among the two main religions, government would come up with a matter that will further polarise this country than unite it.

“For God’s sake, this minister knows that as soon as he brings in that kind of memo, it’s natural that non Muslims will kick against this board for the simple reason that we are a secular state.

“It would be like Christians also asking for Board of Greek and Christian Affairs or Board of Latin or French and Christian Affairs.

“CAN in 19 northern states thinks that this is divisive and diversionary from the failures of government to alleviate the problems of ordinary people.”

JNI’s reaction

On its part, the JNI said in a statement:  “We have observed that whenever something comes up in this country, as long as it does not benefit a certain section, then you see ethnic, religious and sectional sentiments read into it.

“I have read what opponents of this proposed board are saying and you can clearly see that they are religious bigots.

“If government is doing something to certain groups and you discover that your interest is not captured, then go and ask for another so that your interest can be captured.

Fulani Christian Foundation Network

On its part, Michael Adamu Jatau, National Secretary, Fulani Christian Foundation Network of Nigeria, said: “We support anything that will add positive education to society. The problem we have with this one is that this kind of education should not be driven by government.

“If at all there is anything that government should be spending money on, it should be a Board for Fulani and Hausa Christians Welfare in Northern Nigeria because of the serious deprivation that our enlightened members and societies have been facing among.

Southern Kaduna Peoples Union

In a similar vein, Dr. Musa Solomon Kaptain, President, Southern Kaduna Peoples Union, SOKAPU, said: “I don’t know why the demand for another Islamic Board. We already have Sharia courts, we have Arabic Langauge Village. There is a Board for Nomadic Education. There are plenty Quranic schools, all built by government, not a single Bible school for Christians.

‘’What has happened to the secular Nigeria state? Why should one religion be favoured over the other? What if traditional religious worshippers or other non-Christian/Muslim religions start asking for the establishment of special boards for their chosen religion?”