No demolition order for Katsina church –Gov Shema

The protracted dispute between the Christian Association of
Nigeria (CAN) and Matazu community in Katsina State over
alleged official moves to demolish a 100-year-old church in
the community may soon be resolved.
This is because the state governor, Ibrahim Shema, yesterday
dispelled fears that there was an order for the demolition of
the church.
Speaking shortly after receiving the report of Katsina Interfaith
Committee mediating on the dispute, Shema decried a report
that quoted CAN as saying that he ordered the demolition of a
church.
“It is very unfair and I am not happy with it,” the governor,
who expressed shock over the incident, told the Christian
body, adding: “It is not impossible to continue to live in peace
and harmony with each other.
“They (Katsina Interfaith Committee) are suggesting that
government should construct the fence for the two separate
compounds with a provision for pedestrian gates to be located
at the sides of the compound. I have no problem with that.
Government will easily direct the relevant department to go
and erect walls to protect the two property (of the church).”
Shema, who emphasized his acceptance of the recommenda­
tions of the committee, said his administration would continue
to protect the interest of every member of the society irrespec­
tive of his language or religion.
“There is no reason why a government that has worked in
harmonious relationship with Christian community in the state
for seven and a half years to urge that any untold action or
activity should be taken against any group.
“It is not in our record, it is not in our character and it is not
in my style of leadership. Leadership from God means that you
have to be fair and equitable to all that you lead regardless of
their faith, colour or tribe or language. That is what we have
been trying to do in Katsina State,” the governor said.
Earlier, Chairman of Katsina Interfaith Committee, Isah Dodo, a
retired Grand Khadi of the state, urged the state government
to implement the recommendations of the committee as soon
as possible for continued peaceful co-existence in the state.