(http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/thumbnail.php?file=Rauf_Aregbesola_524138485.jpg&size=article_medium) Aregbesola
The Southwest chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has said Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola is a true lover of Christians and followers of other religions.
Leaders of the association spoke yesterday in Osogbo, the state capital, at a meeting with the governor.
Led by Archbishop Magnus Atilade, the Southwest CAN urged Aregbesola to canvass for a conference where the residents would sincerely discuss religion and custom.
Rev. Atilade noted that such a conference would ensure that things that unite the country, rather than those that allow it to be exploited by enemies, are emphasised.
He said: “The governor is for all of us, irrespective of our religious or political differences. We can confirm that he has the good spirit of a brother’s keeper and a person committed to the peaceful co-existence of members of different religions.
“Aregbesola is a peace-loving governor, who loves Christians. I can say that he is not pretending about his religious tolerance and he is a true friend of Christians.”
Aregbesola said genuine and responsible Yoruba would not have problems with other people’s faith.
He noted that there are 401 gods in the Yoruba traditional settings, where a child is not compelled to serve the god his parents are serving.
The governor said only charlatans, who don’t know their present, let alone the future, would manipulate the people by creating division for selfish gain.
According to him, there are 23 Christians in the 33-member State Executive Council (Exco).
Aregbesola said it is an indication that the allegation that he was attempting to Islamise the state was the imagination of weak minds.
He said: “Genuine and responsible Yorubas have no problem with faith. It was never an issue in Yoruba land. There are 401 gods in our traditional setting. There is nothing compelling a Yoruba to have the same god with his father. We have to say ‘no’ to mischievous people who want to create divisions within us.
“If the two predominant religions are of the belief that there is a Messiah and that the Messiah is coming back for the deliverance of believers, there is no basis for disunity and acrimony.”
The delegation presented an award of the Order of Friendship on the governor, in recognition of his outstanding performance in promoting universal brotherhood of man.
TheNation