The Southeast Muslims of Nigeria (SEMON) has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing Christians of Northern Nigeria into positions of trust, an attitude that the group says has proved the fairness, justice and equity with which the President relates with all Nigerians.
The latest in the list of such appointments are Boss Gida Mustapha from Adamawa as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Edward Lametek Adamu from Gombe state as the deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Boss replaced Babashir Lawal who was also a Christian from Adamawa State while Edward Lametek, a Christian, replaced Suleiman Barau, a Muslim.
The group also conducted a special prayer session for the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria at the end of its general meeting in Kubwa at the weekend.
A statement signed by the chairman and secretary of SEMON, Muhammad Obiahu Ajah and Abdurrahman Sidiq Urama respectively lauded President Buhari for doing his best to fulfil his promises to Nigerians and for appointing seasoned and trustworthy Nigerians as the SGF and deputy governor of the CBN, among other appointments he has made in consideration of the multi-religious nature of Nigeria.
“These appointments are well deserved. The appointees are Nigerians, though they are from the minorities of the states. The President has proven that all Nigerians are his subjects. This is real democracy. This government means well for the country. We appeal to those who are bent on distracting the government to give peace a chance. We are sure that the government is working and requires concentration to deliver all its promises to our people.”
“With the gesture, we appeal to President Buhari to grant Igbo Muslims appointments as he has done to the Christians of the North. Because he has done well, we hope that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) will support our cause. Their silence over our political marginalization at the state and Federal governments is too golden. We have qualified Muslim patriots of Igbo origin who can work in any capacity for the country.”
“The appointment of Alhaji Mustapha as SGF is a testimony that our President means well for the country because handling the engine room of the federal government is a very onerous task that need a seasoned technocrat. The position is very sensitive and Mustapha is the round peg for the round hole. With Mustapha in that position, Nigerians can heave a sigh of relief that governance at the federal level has been repositioned to function maximally as dividends of democracy will be delivered to the Nigerian people with seriousness and patriotism.”
“Prayer is the key to success. It is required for individual and general successes. The great improvements in the governance of Nigeria cannot be unconnected to the prayers which sincere and patriotic Nigerians are openly and secretly offering to God Almighty for guidance and protection for our leaders and especially our President Buhari who has acknowledged in many fora that the prayers of Nigerians are working for him and for the nation. Praying for Nigeria should be a continuous event in our daily lives, not only on Fridays and Sundays.”
“We will continue to pray for Nigeria. We seek President Buhari to involve us in government activities to contribute our own quota in any form that is required to add value to good governance.”
In attendance at the general meeting were state representatives and members of the organization from across the country.
SEMON is formed to promote equity, national integration, understanding and tolerance in Nigeria.
