The on-going subtle war between the Islamic Council and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over claims of marginalisation of Muslims in the distribution of appointments and civil service promotions under the Darius led administration may be taking a disturbing dimension with the consistency and uncompromising posture of the two religious bodies to disengage from the media campaign and battle.
Many have expressed fear of possible escalation of the feud in the state especially with the Muslim Rights Concerns ( MURIC) now joining in the media campaign and the perceived plot to establish Boko Haram and ISWAP Camps in some parts of the state.
MURIC and the Islamic Council have both raised allegations of muslim marginalisation in appointments and Civil Service promotions, a development that stimulated the reaction of CAN in the state to join issues with the two islamic bodies.
Major stakeholders from both religious divides who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity stressed the need for the religious bodies to sheath their swords and embrace peace to avoid dragging the state into a religious war.
They noted that the state had enjoyed relative peace and religious harmony in the past, emphasizing that there was no justification for the religious bodies flexing muscles over nothing at the expense of the peaceful coexistence of the state.
Earlier in a response to MURIC and Islamic Council’s claim of marginalisation against Muslims,the Chairman of CAN in the state, Rev (Dr) Isaiah Magaji Jirapye during a press conference held in the State recently, expressed suprise over their claims and described their assertions as untrue, baseless, ill motivated and a product of misguided sentiments and inherent hatred and mischief.
He said that Taraba State as one of the predominantly Christian states in Northern Nigeria has been fair to Muslims in the distribution of appointments and promotions, emphasizing that as a mark of fairness, the governor had supported Muslims significantly in Taraba North and South senatorial zones above christian candidates who constitute the majority within the zones.
CAN further argued that the first two past Vice Chancellors of the Taraba State University, Jalingo were Muslims appointed by Christian Governor. He questioned the sincerity of the Islamic Council and MURIC for raising false alarm and keeping mute over genuine issues of marginalisation against christians such as the replacement of christian deputy governors of Kaduna and Niger with their muslim counterparts.
PIONEER NEWS 