The National Christian Elders Forum has faulted what it described the unilateral decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to include Nigeria into the membership of the Saudi Arabia Military Coalition of “Muslim/Arab” nations, warning that he should pull out before it would be too late.
The organisation said such misleading action would send a wrong signal before the global community that the foreign policy thrust of the present administration is to make Nigeria a satellite state of Saudi Arabia.
The Chairman of NCEF, Solomon Asemota (SAN), gave the warning at press briefing on Friday in Abuja, entitled: “Conflict of ideologies as the greatest obstacle to peace,unity and development in Nigeria.”
Asemota also faulted attempt to fund deficit in the 2016 Budget through issuance of Sukkuk loan, which is a “Sharia compliant loan” and the consideration of establishing “free visa” arrangement with Islamic D8 nations: Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan, Turkey and Nigeria.
Key members of NCEF include General Joshua Dogonyaro (rtd), Prof. Joseph Otubu, General Zamani Lekwot (rtd), Dr. Kate Okpareke, Dr. Ayo Abifarin, Bishop Joseph Bagobiri, Archbishop Magnus Atilade, Elder Moses Ihonde, Elder Nat Okoro and Prof. Vincent Anigbogu.
Others are General Ishaku Dikko (rtd), Justice Kalajine Anigbogu (rtd), Elder Shyngle Wigwe, DIG P. L. Dabup, Sir John W. Bagu, Dr. Saleh Hussaini, Elder Mike Orobator, Chief Olaniwun Ajayi, Justice M. Ogebe (rtd), Priscilla Kuye, Chief Debo Omotosho, Dr. Musa Asake, Joseph Daramola, Pastor Olatunbosun Emmanuel (Secretary).
The text of Asemota’s address reads in part: “A few weeks ago, the National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) issued a statement titled THE NEED TO PRESERVE THE PEACE AND UNITY OF NIGERIA. Of concern to the Christian Elders is the deteriorating state of national security, the free fall state of the economy, the inflammation of religious tension through the misappropriation of state powers, a worrisome foreign policy that is evidently skewed in favor of Islamization, as well as the increasing impunity of the Fulani herdsmen, amongst many other issues.
“The National Christian Elders Forum was established by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to make statements in defense of Christianity in Nigeria, as well as promote peace and unity among Christians and Nigerians, as a whole. The NCEF is made up of Christian Elders.”
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