President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Abuja assured Christian leaders in
the country of his commitment to leave Nigeria better than he met it in
2015.
Receiving the leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) led by
Rev Dr Samson Ayokunle, the President affirmed that his administration
will continue to address important national challenges including security,
economy and corruption.
CAN leadership was at State House to congratulate President Buhari on his
re-election, and the President told them the outcome of the just concluded
polls underscores the trust Nigerians have in the present leadership in
the country.
‘‘We will continue to strive for peaceful co-existence among all Nigerians
irrespective of their religious beliefs.
‘‘In the area of allocation of political offices, our focus will be on
merit and national spread such that every part of Nigeria will have a
sense of belonging.
‘‘We remain resolute in the fight against terrorism and insurgency, and
efforts to bring back all those in captivity and other victims of
kidnappings will be intensified,’’ the President said.
Commending the important roles religious bodies have played in the last
four years of the administration, President Buhari pledged to continue
supporting several programmes anchored by the Nigeria Inter-Religious
Council (NIREC), geared towards peace, tolerance, unity and harmony in our
country.
In his congratulatory message, the CAN president prayed God to grant
President Buhari ‘‘everything it takes to perform hundred times better
than’’ his first term, stressing that the organisation had the success of
this administration at heart.
Rev Ayokunle welcomed the President’s pledge to run an inclusive
government in a speech shortly after his re-election, noting that the
gesture would give all in the country a sense of belonging.
The leadership of the Christian body in Nigeria also called for ethnic and
religious balance in the selection of leadership of the ninth National
Assembly.
While appealing to the President to task security agencies to be more
proactive in their duties, the CAN leader made a passionate request for
deliberate and relentless efforts to free Leah Sharibu, other Chibok girls
and Nigerians in captivity of insurgents.