The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for the release of the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, and others who have been granted bail by competent courts.
CAN President, Reverend Samson Ayokunle, made the request on Friday when he led a delegation of the Christian body to pay a courtesy visit to President Muhammadu Buhari.
Reverend Ayokunle pleaded with the President to ensure total adherence to the rule of law as it is entrenched in Nigeria’s constitution and full-blown democracy.
Ayokunle urged the number one citizen to ensure that those whose bails have been granted by competent courts are released from detention to enjoy their freedom.
He said, in doing so, the tension in the land would ease and the country would be respected by international communities.
The clergy thereafter commended the anti-corruption fight of the federal government which he said deserved some accolades.
According to the CAN President, this has led to the recovery of huge sums of money from those who have looted the nation’s resources.
On the other hand, he asked the President to ensure that his government is unbiased in the fight against corruption, saying it should be extended to serving public holders within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He said, “It is reprehensible that elected officials have seized opportunities of being in public office to loot the treasury,” the religious leader decried.
“Like we categorically noted here during our last visit, the wish of the people is for the war against corruption to be total and without discrimination.
“Not a few believe that the ruling party is becoming a safe haven to some corrupt politicians in their bid to escape the trap of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).”
Responding, President Buhari said that fighting corruption takes longer time, especially with the need to adhere to the rule of law.
“It is on record that some cases initiated by the anti-graft bodies since 2003 are yet to be concluded. We will, however, not be discouraged. Where monies have been recovered, such monies will not find their way back to the looters as I have directed EFCC to account for every money it has recovered and put them in a dedicated account,” he said.
On farmers and herders clashes, President Buhari told the visitors that the government was working towards finding a lasting solution to it.
