The National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) met the leadership of the All Progressives Party (APC), led by Chief John Oyegun, at the National Secretariat of the Party at Abuja on Tuesday 26th September, 2017.
This is in continuation of the initiative of the NCEF to meet as many political parties as possible in its aim of encouraging Politics of Nationalism in Nigeria to replace the current debilitating politics of religion and ethnicity that has retarded the progress of the nation and divided the people.
The NCEF presented its earlier paper on NEED FOR POLITICS OF NATIONALISM (earlier circulated) to the APC leadership. In addition, NCEF presented to the ruling Party a 28 page pape NIGERIA: THE IMPERATIVE OF TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION.
In the paper, NCEF called for the setting up of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address all issues of contention in the country and form the basis for future relationship amongst all the federating units as well as the ethnic nationalities that make up Nigeria. NCEF insists that there are serious issues that have occurred in Nigeria and such issues are too weighty to be swept under the carpet. Nigerians need a platform to address grievances, injustices and cases of unfairness in order to provide healing for the nation. Without a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the proposed Restructuring in the nation may not produce the full desired effect.
The Chairman of APC was given two copies of both papers by the Chairman of the NCEF, Mr. Solomon Asemota, SAN, with request that a copy each should be given to the Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.
NCEF believes that the ruling Party should be in the best position to present this request to the Federal Government.
The Chairman of APC thanked the NCEF delegation for the visit and the concern of the Christian Elders for the nation. He gave the assurance that APC shall study both documents and deliver the copies meant for the Vice President. He reiterated the commitment of APC to restructure the Nation by reminding the Christian Elders that Restructuring is an integral part of the Constitution of the APC.
The document on NIGERIA: THE IMPERATIVE OF TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION can be downloaded at www.csmnigeria.org
Secretary
NCEF
26th September, 2017