Weeks after, FG yet to respond to CAN’s anger on Arabic in Police recruitment test
At a time the federal government had been on a speedy response to every comment bordering on factors capable of dividing Nigerians along ethnic or religious lines, Business Hilights Intelligence Unit (BHIU) has observed that government has remained mute on the observations of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over the compulsory Arabic language questions in the just-concluded Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Computer Based Test (CBT) for recruitment into the Nigeria Police.
Arabic language was made compulsory for both Muslims and Christians in the test organized by JAMB after President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered for the recruitment of additional 6,000 officers to beef up Police staff strength.
In line with the official silence of the government on the divisive matter, CAN is therefore demanding a published evidence of cancellation of the examination and fixing of new date for a retake within 72 hours of this notice otherwise the Christian community in Nigeria will have no choice than to embark on other measures to seek redress.
CAN in a statement in Abuja by the President, Rev. (Dr.) Samson Ayokunle, said the most appropriate action is to cancel the examination and conduct a fresh one devoid of any form of controversies especially religious.
Ayokunle said it would be wrong for the President of Nigeria who swore to defend both the Christians and Muslims alike to turn around and allow his appointees divide the nation through their actions.
In his submission, Ayokunle averred that “If the President can allow this affront now and he is still seeking the vote of Christians for a second term, we do not trust he will keep us alive if he ascends that throne for another four years.
“To many Christian youths who sat for that examination, the display of the Arabic language questions came as a rude shock. Many could not recover from the setback until JAMB logged them out of the CBT platform, obviously achieving the aim of the Islamic extremists who are hell bent on fostering their religion and culture on the Nigeria Police Force.
“While it is true that in some examination centres some officiating officers advised the candidates to ignore the Arabic language questions, this ran contrary to the examination instructions wherein a candidate was required to answer 180 questions viz – Use of English 60, Arabic language 40, Fine Arts 40 and Agriculture 40 hence summing up the 180 questions each candidate is required to answer. This deliberate attempt to undermine Christians in Nigeria leaves so many questions as to the unity of the nation.”
CAN made it clear that “making Arabic language compulsory for all was part of efforts to ensure that only Muslims find their way into strategic planning positions”.
The group therefore warned that Christians in Nigeria can no longer be taken for a ride, and demanded evidence of the withdrawal of Arabic language as a compulsory elective for management science studies in tertiary institutions from National Universities Commission (NUC).
Though efforts to reach the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed for comments failed at press time as CAN’s deadline ends tomorrow, it would be recalled that the minister is the driver of the ongoing federal government’s campaign of ‘Change begins With me’ created to deepen fight against corruption and divisive tendencies under the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
President Buahri has given a clear indication of seeking re-election in 2019 presidential elections.
