NIGERIA’S CHRISTIAN ELDERS SEEK BRITISH INTERVENTION OVER SECURITY CRISES PLAGUING THE COUNTRY

The Nigerian Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) has reportedly tabled a seven-point demand before the British government for the peaceful resolution of the entire sectarian crises threatening the stability and unity of Nigeria.

Vanguard reports that the demands were made when the elders visited the British high commission in Abuja as part of its efforts to provide solutions to the crisis in Nigeria.

The group reportedly accused the British government of skewing leadership advantage to the Islamists of northern Nigeria.

The report quoted a statement signed by the NCEF chairman, Elder Solomon Asemota, as saying the elders pleaded with the British government to understand the issues unfolding in the country.

It also wants the British government to assist in the establishment of a Nigeria that practises the “words of our Independence national anthem, ‘Though tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we stand’.”

The elders said they wanted urgently, a truth, peace and reconciliation commission to be set up as the basis for confession, forgiveness, healing and reconciliation in the country, and restructuring of the country.

They also want the country to conform to true federalism; remove of government sponsorship of religious pilgrimages and the making of section 10 of the constitution justiciable.

Apart from these, they demanded for the immediate inventory, assessment and payment of compensation for lives and property lost to insurgency and Jihad in the country. They requested for an urgent intervention of the British government to secure the release of Leah Sharibu as well as the remaining Chibok girls still in captivity of the insurgents.

Furthermore, they called for the “abolition of Nigerian Inter-religious Council (NIREC) and its replacement with Nigerian Charter on Religious Rights and Freedom.”