THE Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has berated the House of Representatives over the way it handled explanation on the planned introduction of Islamic banking in the country by the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, saying rather than ask fundamental questions regarding the controversial issue, the lawmakers indulged in clapping.
CAN spoke as the Bishop of the Niger Province (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev Owen Nwokolo, urged President Goodluck Jonathan and Sanusi to shelve the vexed issue of Islamic banking and the enlisting of Nigeria as full member of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) in the interest of peace.
Sanusi had won the lawmakers' praise on the introduction of the Islamic banking and cash withdrawal limits when he appeared before them last week.
However, one member, Bitrus Kaze, representing Jos East Federal Constituency, placed a full page advertorial in a national newspaper yesterday, alleging that the Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ehedioha deliberately prevented members from asking the CBN Governor questions.
For about two hours, the CBN governor explained the two contentious initiatives that had generated fiery debates along religious and ethnic lines, and ended up receiving clapping from the lawmakers who summoned him over the twin proposals.
But CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, while speaking with journalists at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos yesterday shortly after his return from an overseas trip, said: "This is a very serious moment for us as a nation. It's a time everyone must think seriously before doing anything or saying anything.
"The way forward is for the governor of CBN to clarify to the public that things have been mixed up and revert to the lay down laws and principles guiding the Act of the Central Bank.
"What happened at the House of Representatives was a shock to most well-meaning Nigerians. On an issue that has generated so much controversies, you invited a man, and whatever he explained to you, that is his job, he is supposed to explain. After his explanation, we would have thought that a House of Representatives, which is expected to be representing a people, if you are actually representing the people, behaved as if their people have no views about this matter."
Oritsejafor continued: "A man just explained himself and you clapped for him and say it is over and he walked out. Does it then mean that you understood everything and they are clear to you? We are waiting to hear clearly from the leadership of the House of Representatives. Let them defend what happened. I appeal to social activists and well-meaning Nigerians not to be quiet.
"They may think this is an issue they are not too interested in, but tomorrow, another issue is still going to come that they will be interested in. If this issue can be treated like this in the House of Representatives, then, they should be prepared for greater things that are going to happen in the House. I am highly disappointed."
The Guardian