THE Christian Association of Nigeria ( CAN) has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on his re-election and urged him to consider inclusiveness and fairness in the next cabinet.
The request was made during the association’s meeting with Buhari at the Presidential Villa on Friday.
Apart from congratulating the president, CAN used the opportunity to advice the president on the appointment of his cabinet members, as well as to take his leadership beyond party politics.
The Christian body urged Buhari to appoint “worthy Nigerians to the headship and membership of critical agencies, boards and parastatals.
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“We were so happy listening to your speech after your re-election that you were going to run an all inclusive government,” Samson Ayokunle, CAN president. “Having been re-elected President, you have become the President of all. In view of this, we urge you to see yourself as father to all by embracing all.”
He said there are no ethnic or religious groups in Nigeria where the president would not find highly qualified men and women that he could engage to add value to his administration and help in moving the nation forward.
“This is the true and objective way in which you can give all in the country, a sense of belonging” he said.
The religious body said it recognised the importance of the National Assembly to the stability and growth of the Nigerian polity. Thus, in that regard, it called for ethnic and religious balance with depth in picking the leadership of “that great institution of democracy”.
CAN, also pointed out that the principle of separation of power be allowed to thrive as an intrinsic aspect of modern day democracy.
While the association promised to build peace and harmony in the country, it pleaded with the president to work deliberately to free Leah Sharibu and the remaining Chibok girls from Boko Haram’s captivity.
“Each passing day inflicts anguish in the hearts of the parents of this young girl, the rest of us who are parents, all Nigerians and others all over the world who love freedom and regret that Leah’s life is being wasted in captivity for no sin of hers other than for her religion,” Ayokunle said.
“Please and please, Mr. President, let Leah Sharibu and those in captivity of insurgents be freed to enjoy their lives.”
CAN also expressed worry over increasing spate of violence, killings and other security challenges across the country.
“Today, the Northwest of Nigeria which used to be peaceful is also witnessing violent activities. The unnecessary killings in Kaduna and the detention of some leaders of Ajara Chiefdom in Kaduna State since January should be addressed without delay to douse all tensions,” CAN said.
The religious leaders prayed for Buhari for God to grant him everything it would take to perform “hundred times” better than his first term. They also prayed that the new administration, which would be inaugurated on May 29, would bring Nigeria to become the “glory and pride of the nations in Africa”.
“Please count on this organization as one that has the success of your administration at heart. In that respect, we would not cease in praying for you and speaking out about what is expected to be done from time to time in keeping with the Bible, the word of God,” Ayokunle said.