By Bayero Ade
The National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) has expressed strong criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s participation in the Arab-Islamic Summit held in Saudi Arabia in November 2024, arguing that the move undermines Nigeria’s constitutional status as a secular state.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Dr. Samuel Danjuma Gani, Chairman of the NCEF, described the President’s attendance at the summit—organised by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to address the Middle East crisis—as deeply concerning. The event, a follow-up to the 2023 Riyadh meeting, featured leaders from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States.
While at the summit, President Tinubu called for an end to Israeli aggression in Gaza. However, Dr. Gani underscored that Section 10 of the Nigerian Constitution prohibits the government from adopting any religion as a state religion.
“Nigeria is neither an Arab country nor an Islamic state,” Gani said. “The President’s participation in this summit sends a concerning message that undermines the country’s secular identity and risks further deepening religious divisions.”
The NCEF also raised alarms over religious discrimination, particularly in northern Nigeria, where extremist groups often stifle religious freedom. The forum urged the government to uphold Nigeria’s secular constitution and refrain from actions that could exacerbate religious tensions.
The group further criticised the Tinubu administration for what it described as poor governance, rampant corruption, and ongoing attacks on farmers by insurgents. Dr. Gani also condemned the illegal extortion of money by security agents from individuals transporting foodstuffs, a practice he blamed for contributing to rising food prices.
The NCEF did not spare the administration’s economic policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies, which it said has led to severe inflation and worsened the economic plight of Nigerians. The forum called on President Tinubu to review the fuel pricing regime and prioritise measures to alleviate the struggles of ordinary citizens.
“Leadership must prioritise the welfare of the people and take actions that foster national unity and stability,” Gani concluded.
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