Fashola Thinks Jonathan Spends More Time In Church Than He Does Trying To Solve Nigeria's Problems

Democratic competition in Nigeria has become very robust with the merger of the largest opposition parties to form the APC. Perhaps for the first time since the advent of the Fourth Republic, we have a vibrant opposition that doesn't shy away from engaging the government on cogent national issues.

However, perhaps intoxicated by the euphoria of the approaching electioneering activities leading to the next general elections, some politicians on both sides of the political divide have made rather ‘unstatemanly’ religious slurs against their political rivals.

Not too long ago, Chief Olisa Metuh, PDP’s National Secretary, accused the APC of sponsoring the Boko Haram, labeling it as an Islamist party whose political ideology is akin to that of the Janjaweed.

Recently, Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, was reported to have accused President Jonathan of spending more time inside the church than in leading the country. 

Governor Fashola made this remark while speaking at the sixth Bola Tinubu Colloquium in Lagos, tagged ‘The Summit of the Common Man’. He was also quoted as saying, “You must pay critical attention to the people [who voted for you]. I know that we have employed somebody for the top job in this country but when we asked him about his qualifications and experience, he said he had no shoes. You must decide whether you want someone who spends most of his time in church or mosque, or the man who is ready to spend his time on the job.” 

As we approach the next general elections in 2015, politicians must endeavour to discard the religious card when they spar with each other. Dividing the country along religious lines will not bode well for anyone.