Retired Christian Generals attack Islam as problem of Nigeria, as Danjuma, Dongoyaro, Zamani Lekwot warn against another war

*Imagine retired Muslim Generals behaving like Danjuma, Dongoyaro, Lekwot – Angry Respondents speak as Nigeriams throngs social media replying Danjuma

*”Danjuma one of owners of blocks militants blame North for, now separating self from North by religion”

RETIRED military generals and other Christian elders under the aegis of National Christian Elders Forum, NCEF, have expressed sadness that Nigeria was drifting towards a needless conflict that could culminate in another war, if not well managed.
Vanguard Newspaper reported this on Friday.

According to the report, the retired Christian Generals stated this rising from a meeting in Abuja, where it reviewed unfolding events in the country. The NCEF, a group of eminent Christian elders, including Elder Solomon Asemota, Gen. Joshua Dogonyaro (retd), Gen. Zamani Lekwot (retd), Elder Moses Ihonde, Gen. T. Y. Danjuma (retd), Elder Shyngle Wigwe, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, called on Nigerian leaders to tread softly to avoid a pending implosion.

In a statement issued after the meeting, signed by its chairman, Elder Solomon Asemota, SAN, NCEF noted with concern the budding constitutional crisis in the country, and said the threat of another major ethnic conflict, occasioned by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) call for secession and the response of Arewa Northern Youths for the eviction of the Igbo from the North, the agitations for fiscal federalism and resource control, among many other regional agitations, could set the country on the path of war the nation could not afford at present.

The group also observed that “conflicting signals emanating from the Presidency and the Senate as well as the unrelenting attacks of Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen,”have not helped the situation, noting that the Presidency appeared to be at war with itself and at conflict with the National Assembly.

It said: ‘’It’s preposterous that with the wide expanse of land available in the North, government is sponsoring grazing reserves for Fulani herdsmen across the nation.

‘’Apart from the injustice of government promoting one trade over and above other business interest groups in the country, the NCEF cannot understand the rationale behind the action of some state governors who are willing to release the ancestral land of their people as grazing reserve.

“If grazing reserve is a must for the Fulani herdsmen, instead of ranching which is the international best practice, NCEF recommends that Sambisa Forest should be given to the Fulani herdsmen.”

NCEF contended that while the economy was stagnating, Nigerians were losing their jobs in millions, as insecurity in the form of insurgency, kidnapping, armed robbery, as well as cyber crime continue to ravage the land.

“To add to the problems of Nigeria, the President has been on medical vacation for some time now. Nigeria seems to be going through its worst crisis since it became an independent nation,” the statement noted, even as the group joined all well meaning Nigerians to pray for the health of  the President. Noting that the nation appeared more ill than the President, the Christian Elders urged that more prayers and intercession be made to the Almighty God for Nigeria.

“As distressing as the situation is, it would appear that many Nigerians are still unaware of the real issues at stake. The NCEF wants Nigerians to be alert and focus on the reality of what is actually occurring in Nigeria.

Jihad

“The real problem with the country is that JIHAD has been launched in Nigeria and Islamists that have been interfering in the governance of the country using “Taqiyya” (approved deception) as “Stealth/Civilization Jihad” and Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen as violent Jihad, are relentless in their pursuit of eradicating democracy in Nigeria.

“The objective of the Islamists (Political Islam) is to supplant the constitution of Nigeria with Sharia ideology as the source of legislation in the nation. The conflict between democracy as national ideology and Sharia as a usurping ideology is responsible for the crisis unfolding in Nigeria. The nation is in the throes of Jihad,” it stated.

The Christian elders considered it imperative in the interest of the over 389 ethnic nationalities in Nigeria and the over 180 million citizens that the conflict be resolved in favour of democracy in place of deliberate violations of the Constitution and Rule of Law as well as judgments of courts.

According to the Christian elders, one key indicator of the tension between democracy and Sharia is the conflicting signals emanating from the Presidency.

“The Buhari/Osinbajo Presidency is the result of a democratic process. The subtle attempts to undermine the office of the Acting President, as evidenced by an unguarded statement recently by a government functionary, is an indication of a competing ideology which is conflicting with democracy.

“Our founding fathers signed on in Nigeria as a democratic country in order to guarantee justice, equality and fairness for all citizens. They did not sign on for a Sharia ideology that promotes discrimination, persecution, division and oppression on the basis of religious belief and sectional ethnic identity. This is not the dream of our founding fathers; neither is it our aspiration.

“Therefore, the NCEF is calling on all Nigerians, at home and abroad, to join in the call for the supremacy of the Nigerian Constitution. Every action of the present administration that violates the Constitution, particularly Section 10, Section 38 (1) and Section 14 (3) which specifically relates to the principle of federal character in appointments should be reversed and all cases of injustice, inequality and unfairness in government appointments should be redressed forthwith,” it further stated.

The Forum noted that almost every key position in security and education is held by Muslims from the North, arguing that such “is a flagrant violation of Section 14 (3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

It stated:  ‘’Meanwhile, the Security forces are unable to arrest and prosecute the Fulani herdsmen while Boko Haram operates unabated. We demand compliance with the constitution.

“The NCEF is alarmed at the audacity and impunity of the Islamists in Nigeria to attempt to forcibly transform Nigeria from a democratic nation into an Islamic theocratic state. The NCEF wishes to alert Nigerians that all the sectional appointments in security and education are not mistakes but intentionally designs to place Islamists only in strategic positions in Nigeria.

“This brazen attempt at Islamization of Nigeria has extended to the introduction of  Religion and National Values subject which denigrates Christianity and promotes Islam.

‘’The NCEF joins in the demand that Christian Religious Knowledge, CRK and Islamic Religious Knowledge, IRK, revert to the original status as stand alone subjects.

“Nigerians should be ready to prevent a situation in which a group of people not voted for by the citizens wrest control of governance from duly elected government officials. The Buhari/Osinbajo Presidency is a joint ticket and the holders of the ticket must be equally respected, either as President or Acting President,” the statement added.

The elders also urged Nigerians to sustain the clarion call for restructuring of the nation for true fiscal federalism, noting that the ongoing debate on restructuring was healthy and hoped that it would quickly resolve the choice between regions or states as federating units.

The Christian elders gave thumps up for the demand of the South West Zone and other well meaning Nigerians for a new Constitution for Nigeria to replace the current 1999 Constitution which is plagued with a dual, conflicting ideology. They argued that after 57 years of independence, “Nigerians want to live together in peace so that they can make progress.’’

It appealed to the Islamists that want to take over Nigeria to leave Nigerians alone to run the nation according to the dreams and aspirations of the founding fathers. Our nation is a democratic nation and it shall remain so,’’ the Christian leaders vowed.

While Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, said it would not comment on religious matters, efforts to reach the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, JNI, proved abortive, as several calls pulled through the telephone of spokesman of the group elicited no response.

Vanguard presented this position by the retired Christian Generals of Northern Nigeria and other politicians of Eastern Nigeria in the report.

Imagine retired Muslim Generals behaving like Danjuma, Dongoyaro, Lekwot – Angry Respondents

In his Facenook response titled “These Christian leaders and their Generals!” Prince Bashir Adefaka (PBA) said:

“I was not worried but was only amused that a group called National Christian Elders rising from a meeting (I don’t know reason for the meeting) in Abuja fueled further the existing problems in the country by misplacing blames.

“They said the real problem of Nigeria is that “Jihad has been launched in Nigeria” by Islamists in government using Boko Haram, herdsmen to eradicate democracy in Nigeria.

“They also reportedly accused the Presidency of being at conflict with itself and with the National Assembly.

“It is sad to know that these came from a group of Christian leaders particularly of the calibal of Generals TY Danjuma, Dongoyaro, Zamani Lekwot and others like Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife.

“I hope Nigerians still remember the Kafanchan massacre of Muslims. Then ask who is Zamani Lekwot. The same Christians kicked that justice should not be brought against him during Babangida regime when it occurred. He now joined in accusing Nigerian Muslims of being the problem of the nation for launching Jiham using Boko Haram.

“Now, on Jihad launch, if Islamists in government launched Jihad with Boko Haram, how can you connect that with a christian being President and instead of using $2.1b approved to fight the do called jihadists in Boko Haram rather shared it among mostly his Christian people in government like Pastor Femi Fani-Kayode (N850m), Pastor Ayodele Fayose ($35m), Chief Deacon Olu Falae (N100m, Deacon Diezani Alison-Madueke ($115m and others), NIA loot ($50m) for which DG Ayodele Oke was sacked? Etc. Yes, some Muslims like Sabo Dasuki who said he shared the money as directed by Jonathan.

“But now that a Muslim is President, he approved money for fighting the Islamist Jihadists created by Christian President but these Christian leaders can’t appreciate good job of patriotism? The Federal Government must act in this. Instead of him sharing money to APC leaders like Jonathan shared to PDP leaders mostly Christians known to these same Generals and others, he has used the money judiciously to defeat Boko Haram. Or are Chridtian leaders of Nigeria actually in competition and opposition with and to the Muhammadu Buhari Government? If not, why support corruption of NASS and impunity of PDP only to misplace blames?

“What moral justification do these Christian leaders have therefore to make their latest declaration saying Muslims are cause of Nigerian problem? Some if them Generals?!

“Again, so in the glaringness of NASS corruption tendencies deliberately being in conflict with Buhari’s Presidency, these Christian leaders could not properly place who is in conflict with who?

“It’s alright!

“Thank God Muslim leadership refuse to talk yet. They may talk later.

“Commenting on the post on Facebook, a participant, talking about the retired Christian Generals, said: “They invented so many hate words and language to stereotype islam and muslims.”

“In his own reaction, another social media activist, Lawal Garba, said, “They come in various subterfuge and guise, but the aim and goal are the same: to discredit and sabotage a government led by a Muslim. Remember, just about two weeks ago, thousands of Muslims were massacred by Christians in a well organised, premeditated genocide, in Sardauna LG, on Mambila plateau, Taraba state, but not a single person from among these so-called elders, including Danjuma, in whose state the genocide took place, uttered a word in condemnation. It is an eye opener to all the discerning Muslims to see and understand the type of neighbours they are living with. However, no matter how powerful their evil plots, it is God’s will that must prevail.”

Jibreel Adebayo Olaniran, in his own response, said, “THERE IS NOT MUCH ADO,ALL IS ABOUT RELIGION-POLITICS…..2019 LOADING.
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Nigerians tagged “Politics as a dirty Game” because have and nurtured dirty minds towards Politics.
An average Politician is egocentric, and 100% selfish thinking about himself and immediate family, NOT about what they can offer their immediate Community, Society, Constituency and Nigeria at large.

“I am NOT surprised if an individual or group of individuals hide under Religion to foment troubles or play Politics with bitterness, as Religious sentiment is the singular and most widely abused Concept that cut across the length and breadth of this Country.

“Political sentiment is second to Religion in influencing the mindset of Nigerians, as seeking for daily breads in Politics has made Nigerians more fragmented than as observed in the Religion interplay; as you either speak for or have more lineage towards Religion A or B.

“Nigeria is a Religious Country, and Nigerians are too Religious to the levels that many things have been taken or misconceived to replace worshipping God; if NOT Nigeria by now is expected to have zero tolerance to Crimes or to record least Crime rate rather than having escalated Crime rates on daily basis.

“If I may ask,where are the Religions ? What are the Positive impacts of the Religions on the Citizens? What are the Elders, Nigeria Opinions and Religious Leaders doing to halt all the decaying moral values and virtues in the Society?

“Lest I forget, Politicians and Politicians to be have realized one thing, that we are most fragmented along Ethnicities, Tribes,States and Regions; and it’s going to be futile efforts embarking on Politics as a Venture using them as Political working tools.  In Nigeria of Today,playing of Politics and the use of Religion have become two inseparable Twin Sisters or Brothers to get their well articulated selfish desires.

“Many Politicians or potential Politicians are too desperate, and are ready to shed the blood of the innocents so far they clinch the Power that’s ephemeral.

“All should remember that we are Shepherds, and each Shepherd will be accountable to God for his/her deeds and misdeeds irrespective of being rich or poor, religious or political inclination/affiliation. Just thinking aloud !”

Mr. Frank Taylor in his elderly view said, “Christian elders! Their influence n representation ends within the confines of their respective homes, …. only their homes, not even their churches! Most of them were partakers of the Gej election-cum gospel 7billion largese, n the bitterness still lingers.”

Hassan Omar said, “They only expressed their backing of the Makarfi supreme court victory in the usual PDP way. Nothing more. They can’t play real politics. The play draft on a chess board.”

Afolabi Keku reacting to Lawal Garba’s comment on the retired Christian General said, “Lawal Garba! You are very funny. How can you be calling a group of ritualists a Christian elders forum? Who among them has any character of Christ? Group of corrupt, greedy and selfish Elites. They are using religion as a platform to launch attack on the government because its not business as usual.”

Seun Abe responding the Facebook reaction by PBA said, “Your claim Is laughable, how can you say it was Christian that created boko harem. Has shekareu became a xtian overnight? Its a known fact that 99.9% of boko haram that had been arrested are Muslims, so how come it was a creation of xtain. Or you could have also said that herdsmen is also the creation of the Xtians. Nigeria is a secular state and it will remain as such. 

“When people like Danjuma is talking, I think it is better to sit down give it a second thought, you cannot know more than the likes of Danjuma n co. Your comment is far from it and lack merit.”

But in a swift reply, PBA said, “Seun Abe, my good friend, if I am never seen by sincere minds to be religiously biased, no friend of mine should be biased as Christian.

“Yes Shekau claimed to be Muslim but no Muslim in Nigeria and world ever supported him. More so, there are proofs Christian Jonathan and his lieutenants encouraged him for reason best known to them. Go back and read another Christian General Andrew Azazi on Boko Haram and Jonathan govt.

“If you are in doubt, find out who is now fighting Boko Haram led by Shekau? Christian President? How many Muslim cleric or retired Muslim Generals are attacking Buhari for fighting Boko Haram? Why are retired Christian Generals supporting massacre of Mambila? Think deep my friend. No sentiment!”

Barrister Abdulrafiu Barufa said, “Those retired generals who have control of oil Wells, chairman and board members of many corporate companies. Ask them where do they got money to buy shares and oil Wells, simply from the entitlements of their subordinates, money meant for weapons and for other projects. No Muslims and Christians when they are sharing, but when no corruption government comes… God punish them all.”

Media practitioner Henry Eduwaye also contributed saying, “Religion? Not worth my neighbors blood. Especially the Arab and European packages.” 

PBA then said to Henry in the Facebook discourse responding to the Christian Generals that, “Thank you boss, Mr. Henry Eduwaye, That is why you should blame Generals Danjuma, Zamani Lekwot and Dongoyaro for using attack on Islam as response to the massacre of 200 Muslims in their Mambila community of Taraba State. Or the blood of those masacred are not worth anything? They will claim Boko Haram is Muslim in govt agenda of Islamisation yet the govt of Boko Haram era was Christian. Recall Danjuma is one of reason Niger Delta say North own their oil blocks. He now must use religion to separate himself from the blame of North so that Igbo like Ezeife can join. Do we not see why these Generals must be condemned for misusing their privileges?”