TheCable

The National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) has raised an alarm over what it described as the “brazen” attempt at Islamising Nigeria by some Islamists and Jihadists.

It condemned such attempts done through the introduction of religion and national values subject “which denigrates Christianity and promotes Islam”.

The group made this known in a communique issued signed by Solomon Asemota, its chairman, after its meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

Those in attendance at the meeting included Theophilus Danjuma, a retired military general, as well as Chukwuemeka Ezeife, former governor of Anambra state.

While reviewing unfolding events in the country, the elders said Nigeria is drifting towards a needless conflict that can culminate in crises if not properly handled.

“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/Civilisation Jihad” and Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen as violent Jihad, are relentless in their pursuit of eradicating democracy in Nigeria,” the statement read.

“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.

“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.”

Reacting to the recent change of civic curriculums affecting the Christian Religious Knowledge as well as Islamic Religious Knowledge, the group said the two subjects should be reverted to their original status as stand-alone subjects.