Nigerian Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) has strongly condemned the recent inclusion of Nigeria in the Saudi Arabia-led coalition against terrorism.
The action according to them was a clear negation of the rights of Nigerians, as well as a lack of regard for the views of non-Muslim Nigerians who took part in bringing the new administration into power.
NCEF Chairman, Solomon Asemota while addressing newsmen in Abuja, said, “Including Nigeria in the Saudi Arabia Military coalition of Muslims/Arab nations would appear that the foreign policy thrust of the current administration is to make Nigeria a satellite state of Saudi Arabia.”
He also said, the inclusion of Nigeria in the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), as well as its recent inclusion in the Saudi-led coalition was an attempt by Muslim leaders to dominate the country, with the teachings of Islam.
“Any nation in which Islamists believe that they are sufficiently strong to exercise influence rarely experiences peace.
“Mr. President should kindly remember that over 50 per cent non-Muslims of Nigeria did not vote for the nation to become Sharia compliant.
“While Islam is a religion; Islamism, otherwise called political Islam, is a set of ideologies that hold that Islam is not a religion, but a political system meant to dominate the environment in which it is practised,” NCEF noted.
The group said some policies and decisions of the Buhari government has given Nigerians cause for concern.
While positing that the Buhari’s policies and decision has given Nigerians cause for concern, The group also stated that, “N900 billion was released as bailout to states without appropriation. International commitments are being made without recourse to the National Assembly.
“Attempt to fund deficit in the 2016 budget through issuance of Sukkuk loan which is a Sharia compliant loan”.
The NCEF expressed dismay at what it described as the Federal Government’s inaction to the carnage and destruction perpetrated by the Fulani Herdsmen.
“According to media reports over 300 Nigerians were allegedly massacred by the Fulani Herdsmen. Till today, there has been no prosecution of any of them,” it stated.
The NCEF also decried the decision of government to establish grazing reserves across the nation, saying the proposal is a deceptive attempt to appropriate the land of indigenous ethnic groups for Fulani Herdsmen to spread terror across the nation.
It called on the government to convene a Council of State meeting to enable past presidents of Nigeria assess the developments in the country, and make suggestions that will lead to the creation of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission – a commission which should follow an enactment of law, among other things, study the problem of terror in Nigeria and ensure the prosecution of culprits.
The Christian body also frowned at decision of Kaduna State government to enact a law banning religious preaching, which contravenes section 38(1) of Nigeria’s 1999 constitution.