Nigeria’s unity depends on you, northern Christian elders tell Buhari

The Northern States Christian Elders Forum in the 19 Northern states and Abuja on Sunday told the President Muhammadu Buhari that the unity of the country depends on him.

The elders, argued that the much-desired unity of Nigerians, irrespective of religion and ethnicity, can only be achieved if the President dropped his nepotistic garb.

These were contained in a statement by the NOSCEF through its Chairman, Ejoga Inalegwu, released on Sunday in Kaduna.

They added that the President must start by not only basing his appointments on religion, relatives but competence.

The statement titled, ‘Northern States Christian Elders Forum message,’ partly read,  “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 from a circle. There are competent hands across religions, tribes 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.”

The organisation hailed the current onslaught against Boko Haram, ISWAP,  bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements across the country, especially in the North.