0
0
Dear Esteemed Members,
I write to you today as the Archbishop Designate and Founder/Presiding Bishop of God First Ministries International, also known as Illumination Assembly, and a Christian cleric who served as a running mate to Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in the 2023 presidential election under the platform of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
I am compelled to express my deep concern and disappointment regarding the recent visa ban bill proposing to include Sen. Kwankwaso. I strongly believe this decision is based on inaccurate information about his person and achievements.
As a former running mate, I attest to Sen. Kwankwaso’s commitment to public service and inclusive governance. As Governor of Kano State,
A seasoned politician, Sen. Kwankwaso has served as a former Deputy Speaker, two-term Governor, Minister, Senator, and Presidential candidate. Notably, he has never been involved or linked to religious extremism, killings, or riots whatsoever, either as a public servant or in his private life. Also, Kwankwaso has never been associated with any group regarded as an extremist movement within and outside Nigeria. He promotes interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
I must emphasize that I would not have accepted to serve as his running mate if Sen. Kwankwaso held extremist views or was involved in any form of violence or intolerance. Throughout our 2023 campaign, Sen. Kwankwaso never made comments that would threaten or exacerbate religious tensions. His message was democracy, unity, development, and growth, focusing on the welfare of all Nigerians regardless of faith or ethnicity.
In 2003, during the Sharia debate under Pres. Olusegun Obasanjo, Sen. Kwankwaso worked for President Obasanjo, a Christian, against his kin Late Pres. Muhammadu Buhari, a Muslim Hausa/Fulani. This decision cost him re-election as Governor of Kano State, demonstrating his commitment to national unity over personal interests.
Sen. Kwankwaso’s views on security were cautious, urging our government to take security seriously. This doesn’t portray him as an extremist, but as an elder statesman committed to Nigerians’ safety and well-being.
The majority of Nigerians are shocked by this decision. I urge the American Congress to revisit this and clear Sen. Kwankwaso’s name. I condemn those behind the petitions against him without proper knowledge of his character and achievements. Sen. Kwankwaso is one of Nigeria’s finest liberal politicians; this action is a gross injustice not only to Sen. Kwankwaso but also to his family,political and business associates.
I request the Congress reviews this decision to ensure accuracy and fairness. Otherwise, it may undermine their channels of information gatheeing and genuine intentions to help the country.
Thank you for your attention.
Sincerely,
Archbishop Designate Isaac Idahosa
Founder/Presiding Bishop, God First Ministries International (Illumination Assembly)
Lagos, Nigeria
SB E-news.
About the Author
