The National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) has faulted what it described as the unilateral decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to include Nigeria into the membership of the Saudi Arabia Military Coalition of “Muslim/Arab” nations, warning that he should pull out before it would be too late.
The organisation said such misleading action would send a wrong signal before the global community that the foreign policy thrust of the present administration is to make Nigeria a satellite state of Saudi Arabia.
The Chairman of NCEF, Mr. Solomon Asemota (SAN), gave the warning at a press briefing on Friday in Abuja.
He also faulted the attempt to fund the deficit in the 2016 Budget through the issuance of Sukkuk loan, which he described as a “Sharia compliant loan”. The NCEF Chairman also faulted the the moves to establish a “free visa” arrangement with Islamic D8 nations comprising Nigeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan and Turkey.
Key members of NCEF include Gen. Joshua Dogonyaro (rtd); Prof. Joseph Otubu, Gen. Zamani Lekwot (rtd), Dr. (Mrs) Kate Okpareke, Dr. Ayo Abifarin, Bishop Joseph Bagobiri, Archbishop Magnus Atilade, Elder Moses Ihonde, Elder Nat Okoro and Prof. Vincent Anigbogu.
Others are Gen. Ishaku Dikko (rtd), Justice Kalajine Anigbogu (rtd), Elder Shyngle Wigwe, DIG P. L. Dabup, Sir John W. Bagu, Dr. Saleh Hussaini, Elder Mike Orobator, Chief Olaniwun Ajayi, Justice M. Ogebe (rtd), Mrs. Priscilla Kuye, Chief Debo Omotosho, Dr. Musa Asake, Joseph Daramola, Pastor Olatunbosun Emmanuel. (News Express)