The federal government, through the Nigerian Police has been chided by the
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for allegedly making
Arabic
language compulsory in the aptitude test conducted last week for all
applicants shortlisted for recruitment into Nigeria Police Force,
Vanguard reports.
The organisation made its
position on the matter public, in a statement released by its national
president, Rev Samson Ayokunle, on Thursday, May 31.
CAN called for the cancellation of the aptitude
test which was organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board
(JAMB) in 156 centres nationwide.
According to
the association, it is a violation of the Constitution and the secular
nature of the country, to mandate both Christians and Muslims to answer
questions in Arabic language.
It stated:
“The just concluded Nigeria Police entrance examination
using JAMB Computer based test (CBT) where Arabic language (the official
Islamic language) was made compulsory for Muslims and Christians alike
is another dirty slap on the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“To many Christian youths who sat for that
examination, the display of the Arabic language questions came as a rude
shock. Many could not recover from the setback until JAMB logged them
out of the CBT platform; obviously achieving the aim of the Islamic
extremists who are hell bent on fostering their religion and culture on
the Nigeria Police Force.
“While it is
true that in some Police examination centers, some officiating officers
advised the candidates to ignore the Arabic language questions; but that
again ran contrary to the examination instructions wherein a candidate
was required to answer 180 questions viz- Use of English 60, Arabic
language 40, Fine Arts 40, and Agriculture 40 hence summing up the 180
questions each candidate is required to answer.
“This
deliberate attempt to undermine Christians in Nigeria leaves so many
questions as to the unity of the nation. The most appropriate action is
to cancel the exams and conduct a fresh one devoid of controversies.
“It
will be wrong for the president of Nigeria (who swore to defend both
the Christians and Muslims alike) to turn around to allow his appointees
seek to divide the nation through their actions.
“If
the president can allow this affront now and he is still seeking the
vote of Christians for a second term we do not trust he will keep us
alive if he ascends that throne for another four years.
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