President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday gave an insight to what his cabinet would look like during his second term in respect of appointments and security.
He assures that political appointments would be based on merit and national spread with a view to giving every part of the country a sense of belonging.
Buhari, who spoke when he received delegation of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, led by Reverend Samson Ayokunle, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja also pledged that his government would ensure harmony among Nigerians.
The Christian leaders also challenged the President to effect the release of Leah Sharibu and others held captive by insurgents.
Leader of the group, Rev Ayokunle, in his speech said: “Having been re-elected President, you have become the President of all. In view of this, we urge you to see yourself as father to all by embracing all.
”We solicit for inclusiveness and fairness as you constitute your cabinet and appoint worthy Nigerians to the headship and membership of critical agencies, boards and parastatals.
“This is the true and objective way in which you can give all in the country, a sense of belonging.
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“We from the Christian Association of Nigeria, recognise the importance of the National Assembly to the stability and growth of our polity.
“It is in this regard that we call for ethnic and religious balance with depth in picking the leadership of that great institution of democracy.
“To ensure that this happens is to remove any apprehension and suspicion harboured towards the leadership of this country.
“We equally solicit that the principle of separation of power as it is enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria would be allowed to thrive as an intrinsic aspect of modern day democracy.”
The body also made a renewed call for the release of Leah Sharibu and other Chibok girls from captivity saying: “We solicit passionately for deliberate and relentless effort to free Leah Sharibu and other Chibok girls from captivity.
“Each passing day inflicts anguish in the hearts of the parents of this young girl, the rest of us who are parents, all Nigerians and others all over the world who love freedom and regret that Leah’s life is being wasted in captivity for no sin of hers other than for her religion.
“Doing all within you to free Leah Sharibu and according it top priority, shall confer greater credibility on your government and on you as a person.
”Please and please, Mr. President, let Leah Sharibu and those in captivity of insurgents be freed to enjoy their lives.”
In his response, Buhari said: “We will continue to strive for peaceful co-existence among all Nigerians irrespective of their religious beliefs.
“In the area of allocation of political offices, our focus will be on merit and national spread such that every part of Nigeria will have a sense of belonging.
“We remain resolute in the fight against terrorism and insurgency, and efforts to bring back all those in captivity and other victims of kidnappings will be intensified.”
He commended religious bodies for the roles they have been playing in the country since he assumed office and promised to continue supporting several programmes anchored by the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, NIREC, geared towards peace, tolerance, unity and harmony in our country.
