Christian elders want Tinubu to appoint special investigator to probe killings

A coalition of Christian’s elders across the country, under the aegis of National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) has urged President Bola Tinubu to appoint a special investigator to probe killings in the country since 2009.

They made the call on Thursday in Abuja at a state of the nation press conference.

Chairman of the Forum, Dr. Samuel Gani, who spoke on behalf of others also said that the perennial amendment of the 1999 constitution by the National Assembly should cease.

He said that rather, the lawmakers should start work on a new constitution for Nigeria that would work for all Nigerians.

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Gani, a former deputy governor of Taraba State, insisted that the ongoing killings in the country were not ignited by indigenous ethnic nationalities.

He said that the problem facing Nigeria is a complex one and it is evident that the country was facing an organised invasion by foreign elements and mercenaries, masquerading as religious extremists.

He said that even if the Buhari administration failed to act, what stopped the Tinubu administration from dismantling the camps of the terrorists?

“NCEF is calling on the indigenous Muslims in Nigeria to calmly examine these issues and take positions that will be in the long-term best interest of their ethnic groups. What is going on is more than religion.

“That enemy is a foreign invader. The killings going on in Nigeria were not motivated by the indigenous ethnic nationalities. Unfortunately, some of the local actors were manipulated into thinking they were pursuing a religious agenda, but the puppet masters have no religious goal in view,” he said.

The forum also urged President Tinubu to implement the report of the 2014 National Conference without any further delay.

Members of the forum include Dr. Saleh Hussaini, Vice Chairman (North); Elder Shyngle Wigwe, Vice Chairman (South); Osaretin Demuren, Prof. Joseph Otubu, Dr. Kate Okparaeke, Dr. Ayo Abifarin, and Gen. Zamani Lekwot (rtd).

Others are Hon. Justice James Ogebe (rtd), Elder Moses Ihonde, Hon. Justice Kalajine Anigbogu (rtd), Elder Nat Okoro, Solomon Asemota, SAN; Elder Matthew Owojaiye, DIG P. L. Dabup, Sir John W. Bagu, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, and Dame Priscilla Kuye.

Also part of the forum are Prof. Deborah Enilo Ajakaiye, HRM Oba Dokun Thompson, Dr. Taiwo Idemudia (Diaspora), Elder Minso Gadzama, Apostle Bulus Musa Kewa, Admiral Peter Adeniyi (Rtd), Hon. Justice Goddy Anunihu (Rtd.), Sir Ferdinand Anikwe PhD; and Pastor Bosun Emmanuel (Secretary).