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National Leader of Fulani Christian Association of Nigeria (FULCAN), Reverend Buba Aliyu, has advised the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government to be wary of activities of Arewa pastors.
He lamented that recent pronouncements of the Arewa pastors, a non-denominational initiative for peace, could have generated discord between the Federal Government and leaders of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), if the situation was not properly handled.
In a statement in Jos yesterday, Aliyu noted that leader of Arewa Pastors, Bishop Richard John’s recent utterances portrayed CAN leadership in bad light before President Buhari and the Federal Government.
He said the leadership of CAN had nothing against the Federal Government, as it only gives words of caution when necessary to promote peace in the country.
Aliyu also refuted claims that he was the Northeast Coordinator of Arewa Pastors, wondering why he would be linked with the group, which refused to operate under CAN, as the overall leadership of Christians in Nigeria.
“It a difficult time for both Christians and Muslims in the country. We should work together as our brothers’ keepers and cooperate with the Federal Government to bring about lasting peace in the North and other parts of the country.
“This is not a period for anybody to cause bad blood between the government and CAN leadership,” he stated.
He added that both Christian Fulani and their Muslim brothers have coexisted peacefully with their host communities in Plateau and Benue states for a long time, stressing that whatever was responsible for the recent disagreements and conflicts between them could be sorted out through dialogue.
Aliyu also noted that the much talked about RUGA policy should be handled with caution and wisdom, stressing that without peace, the policy would be an exercise in futility no matter how well intentioned, as the natives would reject it.
