The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor engaged in what it called ‘a contextual misinterpretation of relevant facts’ on the PDP National chairman, Dr.BamangaTukur’s statement on Boko Haram and peace in Northern Nigeria.
National Publicity Secretary, Chief OlisaMetuh, in a statement said Dr.Tukur as a foremost Nigerian has shown himself a true patriot that cannot be conceived in the mould of ethnic or religious bigotry.
“Over the decades, he has built bridges of friendship across religions and regions of Nigeria, etching his name as an African statesman. It is on record also, that since he was elected the National Chairman of our great Party, his message has been consistent on the imperative of unity, equity and justice for every Nigerian.
“He has never hidden his resolve and determination to use the historic opportunity offered by his leadership of the nation’s ruling Party to champion the ideals of the founding fathers of Nigeria that irrespective of our tongue , tribe and creed, Nigerians are one and that our diversity is our greatest strength.
“He has spared no effort in deploring the incidence of violence in the Northern part of the country. He has stated in no uncertain terms that no reason can justify terror attacks. But he has also charged that those involved in the violence and their sponsors are our brothers, and there is therefore a need for our collective efforts, Metuhsaid .”
While urging Christians to disregard the misinterpretation of divisiveness as alluded to by the CAN chairman on Bamanga’s statement, the party’s image maker said such tendencies remained alien to the PDP whose membership cuts across all religious inclination.
“There is abundant evidence that the issue of religious divisiveness in the manner the CAN President has interpreted our National Chairman, is non-existent in our great Party.