Nigeria joined forces with fellow Islamic states to battle terrorism. This was announced by the President, Muhammadu Buhari. The announcement has put the Christian Association of Nigeria on their guard in what they see as a strategic move to Islamize the nation. The Christian Elders Forum, an arm of CAN believe the Federal Government has plans to impose Sharia Law on every state of the federation.
Chairman of the forum, Mr. Solomon Asemota, SAN, supported by Christian leaders like the Bishop of Kafanchan Diocese of Catholic Church, Joseph Bagobiri, among others, the elders told journalists at a press conference that the Islamic elements in the country were already working towards achieving the goal of making Nigeria a Sharia state.
“We are aware that there are Islamists in government preparing to execute the Islamisation agenda. Any nation in which Islamists believe that they are sufficiently strong to exercise influence rarely experience peaceful cohabitation among the divergent groups within it.
“This is the current situation in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and the Sudan. Islamism thrives on injustice, inequality and unfairness. We urge Nigerians to remain circumspect so that the Islamists do not drag the nation down the path of destruction
“In the build up to the 2015 elections, majority of Nigerians expressed great hope that there would be change in the nation. However, ten months after the new government was sworn into office, credible apprehension can be expressed given the policy direction of the new administration. We hope that the buildup to these policies do not result in full blown Sharia which President Muhammadu Buhari had promised Muslims in Nigeria,”
The Elders Forum have been led to believe that certain actions of the President point towards a plan to Islamize the nation.
Asemota noted on behalf of other elders.
Asemota said “The inclusion of Nigeria in the Saudi Arabia Military Coalition of “Muslim/Arab” nations would appear that the Foreign Policy thrust of the this administration is to make Nigeria a satellite state of Saudi Arabia. The strengthening of the nation’s democracy and security for all should remain the greatest priority of government.
“This we see to have been negated by the President’s fiat/ unilateral decision to enlist Nigeria in the 34 nations Muslim/ Arab coalition. Given the emotive and sensitive nature of this unilateral Executive decision, it should have been handled by Mr. President in line with our democratic culture through popular discussion and participation by the citizenry, or at the very least, through the National Assembly.”
The forum is ready to take steps to stand against any such plans