The Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) has accused President Muhammadu Buhari of lopsided appointments in government,alleging that it has affected unity in Nigeria.
The Christian elders also said repentant Boko Haram insurgents should release the Chibok girls,Leah Sharibu and others still in captivity to prove to the nation that their repentance is genuine.
This was contained in a statement signed by the NOSCEF Chairman, Engr. Ejoga Oyinehi Inalegwu,issued in Kaduna on Sunday after their EXCO meeting.
The statement reads: “We greet our nation Nigeria on the occassion of our 61st independence anniversary marked on October 1.”
“We commend the war against insecurity being taken to the camps of the bandits and commend the officers and men of the Armed Forces for gallant strides being recorded.We encourage the ongoing onslaught against Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements in our society.”
“We join the president in appealing for a united, equitable, fair and just Nigeria to all, irrespective of religion, tribe, origin.We however, add that unity must first begin from the President himself.”
“Let him bring people together instead of appointing only trusted from a circle, not based on relationship with him by blood or religion or marriage but there are competent hands across religion tribe and geographical areas.”
“So we appeal to Mr. President to even trust the indigenous Christians from his own home state of Katsina to put in government positions, to promote a united nation across religious and tribal lines by appointing not just a section to key institutions (Customs, inland revenue, accountant general etc) or strategic ministries and parastatals so they can come together and work together and appreciate themselves because of their capabilities and not privileges derivable by their religion or their tribal connections to the president.”
“Same goes for the security outfits; the Police, Army, Air Force, Navy Prisons, Immigration, Civil Defence, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Interior, etc.
The president cannot preach unity and appoint a section of Nigerians to hold sensitive positions.”
