The association described the presence of the clerics at the unveiling as a media stunt and desperation for monetary gains.
Drama has followed the unveiling of Kashim Shettima as the vice presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress following the presence of some unknown clergymen.
Reacting, the Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association described the presence of the clerics at the unveiling as a media stunt and desperation for monetary gains.
According to ACIPA Chairman, Rev. Luke Shehu, none of the Bishops at the event on Wednesday belongs to a registered church.
The statement released by the group read, “The attention of Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association have been drawn to the sacrilegious act of some who claim to be Christian Clerics in other to appease and launder desperate politicians.
“We recall that in the past, aspersions were cast when some hirelings visited Aso Rock as Northern (Arewa) Christian Clerics. For the sake of clarity and avoidance of doubt, ACIPA has found out that none of the so-called Bishops or Pastors at the unveiling of the Vice Presidential candidate from the North has or belongs to a registered Church as a Bishop in the hierarchy or order of Ecclesiastical or Apostolic ranking.
“ACIPA regrets the unfortunate desperation of some to make ends meet while appealing to politicians and a media stunt. However, we wish to advise charlatans and hirelings to desist from denigrating the honourable office of the Clergy and bringing the titles to disrepute and dishonour.
“We have since taken over and declared that God shall reign again above any other throne and man in the affairs and leadership of Nigeria.”