President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Abuja said that his administration did not have any hidden religious agenda. The President also called on religious leaders to work towards the broader goal of building a strong and unified nation and avoid insinuations that could divide the populace, especially along religious lines.
Speaking while receiving a delegation of the Arewa Pastors Non-Denominational Initiative for Peace in Nigeria led by Bishop John Abu Richard, President Buhari said religious leaders have the responsibility of creating an enabling environment for peace and development to thrive.
According to Vanguard, The President in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu said,
“Some voices, for political or ethnic reasons are making unguarded statements accusing the government and myself in particular of religious bias.
Let me assure you, honourable clergymen that this is far from the truth. In my career as a soldier, administrator, and politician, I have never veered from my oath of office.
When I had the honour to lead a Military Government there were more Christians than Muslims in the Federal Executive Council and the Supreme Military Council.
This was not by design but I appointed people on their merit without the slightest bias. The present Federal Executive Council is also evenly balanced; again not by design but by respecting and rewarding individual qualities.”
He said he was delighted at the proposition to hold a one-day prayer and fasting meeting for the nation, April 26, 2018, assuring that he would direct the Inspector General of Police to provide adequate security for the gathering.
President Muhammadu Buhari also congratulated Sierra Leone’s opposition candidate, Mr Julius Bio on his appointment as the new President of Sierra Leone, following the presidential election run-off on March 31.
President Buhari’s congratulatory message is contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina in Abuja today.
He commended the people of Sierra Leone on the successful conduct of the presidential election run-off, as well as the parliamentary and local council elections, held on March 7.
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