Christian elders in the 19 Northern states and Abuja on Sunday told President Muhammadu Buhari that the unity of the country depends on him.
The elders, under the aegis of the Northern States Christian Elders Forum, argued that the much-desired unity of Nigerians, irrespective of religion and ethnicity, can only be achieved if the President dropped his nepotistic garb.
They added that the President must start by not only basing his appointments on religion, relatives but competence.
These were contained in a statement by the NOSCEF through its Chairman, Ejoga Inalegwu, released on Sunday in Kaduna.
The religious group also noted that the President could not be preaching unity “when infrastructures are targeted at only those who voted for him.”
The NOSCEF recalled that past presidents, such as ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, appointed Nigerians across the country based on 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.
