TheCable

President Muhammadu Buhari says he appointed more Christians than Muslims in his days as a military ruler.

Buhari’s military regime was between December 1983 and August 1985.

Speaking when he played host to a delegation of the Arewa Pastors Non-Denominational Initiative for Peace in Nigeria  (APIPN) at the presidential villa in Abuja on Thursday, Buhari debunked reports that he has an Islamic agenda.

He called on religious leaders to work towards building a strong and unified nation, and avoid insinuations that could divide the populace, especially along religious lines.

“Some voices, for political or ethnic reasons, are making unguarded statements accusing the government and myself in particular of religious bias,” he said.

“Let me assure you, honourable clergymen that this is far from the truth. In my career as a soldier, administrator, and politician, I have never veered from my oath of office.

“When I had the honour to lead a military government there were more Christians than Muslims in the federal executive council (FEC) and the supreme military council (SMC).

“This was not by design but I appointed people on their merit without the slightest bias. The present federal executive council (FEC) is also evenly balanced; again not by design but by respecting and rewarding individual qualities.”

Buhari said religious leaders have the responsibility of creating an enabling environment for peace and development to thrive.