By Lukman Olabiyi
Ahead of the forthcoming general election, a socio-political group, Agenda for Greater Nigeria, (AGN), has advised Nigerians not to use religion as yardstick in choosing their preferred candidate but to consider competence.
The group, in a statement signed by its President and General Secretary, Izacc Koleosho and Gidado Kawu respectively, stated that the controversies trailing the choice of running mate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu , was unwarranted.
AGN described  Tinubu choice of the former Governor of Borno Sate, Senator Kashim Shettima as running mate as the best choice, saying that the choice  was a clear indication that Tinubu Presidency would take tough decisions to better the lots of Nigerians and reposition the country on the path of prosperity.
The group held  that the challenges in the nation are too numerous for the nation to pay attention to ethnic or religious considerations, adding that what Nigeria needs in 2023 is a team that has what it takes to fix the country’ s challenges.
According to the group, “ That APC presidential flag bearer picked   Senator Kashim Shettima against all odds and after wide consultations show that Nigerians should watch out for a well thought-out strategies to turnaround the fortune of the country. It shows that Tinubu-led federal  is determined to move the nation forward and tackle the economic and security challenges.”
AGN said that Senator Shettima has similar progressive traits as Asiwaju Tinubu, saying that the duo would not only take the nation out of the current challenges but also lay a solid and progressive foundation for unity and prosperity for the generation to come where competence and good governance will be the hallmarks and criteria for the election of future leaders.
“As Asiwaju laid a solid and progressive foundation in Lagos which his successors are following till date, it is on record that Senator Shettima has also done similar things in Borno State which his successor, Professor Zulum is following till date.Even as Boko Haram wrecked havoc in the state,Shittima was able to start many infrastructural projects that the current governor is building on just Like Lagos”.
“We also believe that Senator Shettima is a committed democrat and progressive. He was a member of the All Nigerians People’s Party, ANPP, part of the blocs that formed the All Progressive Congress. He has unblemished record of performance and the capacity to  break barriers in order to move Nigeria forward.”