CAN demands probe of Alkali, Agwam Adara’s killing

The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday met President Muhammadu Buhari, demanding the setting up of judicial panels of enquiry to probe the killing of Major General Idris Alkali (rtd) and the Agwam Adara, Maiwada Galadima.

Alkali was killed by a militia in Plateau State on his way to Bauchi State, while the body of the traditional ruler, Galadima, was found days after he was kidnapped in Kaduna State.

The association which was led to the State House Villa, Abuja by its president, Reverend (Dr.) Samson Ayokunle, urged the president to ensure that security agencies are non-partisan as the 2019 elections draw nearer and restore peace to troubled spots in the northern part of the country, especially in Garshish District of Plateau State.

It also called on the president to ensure that Nigeria does not return to recession, urgently resolve the issue of minimum wage and task the security agencies to ensure the release of Leah Sharibu and other girls still in captivity.

The CAN leadership lauded the president for his efforts against corruption, the initiatives to stem the tide of unemployment, the various efforts aimed at revamping the economy, the fight against Boko Haram terrorists and the implementation of the Bank Verification Number and Treasury Single Account.

Responding, Buhari said his vision and objectives for Nigeria were very clear and he was on course to achieving them.

He said he was doing his best to fulfill his electoral promises of securing the country, fighting corruption and resuscitating the economy.

Quoted in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, he said fighting corruption takes longer time, especially with the need to adhere to the rule of law.

Responding to the request of CAN for an overhaul of the intelligence gathering system , Buhari said the burden of intelligence gathering involves everyone, especially district heads, traditional rulers, opinion leaders and especially religious leaders that are very close to the grassroots.

He added that bandits who are operating in various communities live among the people and enjoined leaders of thought in various communities to avail security agencies of information about the criminals.

President Buhari also told the visitors that he had assurances from INEC that the 2019 elections would be free and fair as he had been victim of fraudulent elections and beneficiary of free and fair election in the past.