RE: ISLAMIC MILITARY ALLIANCE TO FIGHT TERRORISM (IMAFT)

 


RE: ISLAMIC MILITARY ALLIANCE TO FIGHT TERRORISM (IMAFT)
Consequent upon the admittance of our membership of the Islamic Military Alliance to Fight Terrorism by President Buhari and the reactions from various segments of the country, it is expedient to make some things publicly clear:
1. This is the objective of the Alliance as stated by Saudi Deputy Crown Prince and Defense Minister, Mohammed Bin Salman: "it's primary objective is to protect the Muslim countries from all terrorist organizations irrespective of their sect and name. The coalition has stated that it will fight terrorists in Iraq, Syria, Libya, Egypt and Afghanistan.
The Alliance has reaffirmed that it would operate in line with the United Nations and Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC)"

2. All the 34 members of the Alliance are also members of the Organization of Islamic Conference.
3. Nigeria became member of Organization of Islamic Conference in 1986 when the Ibrahim Babangida administration paid for the membership after the registration by the Buhari administration.
4. The ways and manners the Alliance intend to fight terrorism have not been articulated yet.
5. There are 57 member nations in the Organisation of Islamic countries but only 34 have confirmed membership of the Military Alliance.
The above facts have left many enlightened Christians and the members of the Christian Political Forum Nigeria worried. These are the pertinent questions craving urgent answers:
1. Does Mr President has the constitutional provisions to take such decisions as a democratically elected leader of our nation?
2. The objective of the organization is to protect Muslim nations from terrorism and doesn't that mean our President has surreptitiously re-registered us as Islamic Nation, his denial notwithstanding?
3. The insurgency and incessant interreligious violence started increasing after the 1986 registration of Nigeria into OIC; has Mr President not through this insensitive action motivated the Islamic fundamentalists?
4. Since it's an Islamic military Alliance, are the Christians in the various armed forces exempted from such deployments?
5. Was Mr President's recent allowance to visit the most sacred place of Muslim holy land not in consonance with readmission into the Islamic Nations' fold?
5. The manner of response of Mr President when interviewed by an international news broadcast, in anger at misunderstanding the gesture not suggestive of insensitivity and intolerance on the part of Mr President?
The Christian Political Forum Nigeria only wants to bring these issues to the consciousness of the public while we wait to harmonise our stand with those of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
By National Coordinator
Christian Political Forum Nigeria.

THE LOFTY PLACE OF PERSONAL RETREAT.

FRIDAY LEADERSHIP NUGGETS: THE LOFTY PLACE OF PERSONAL RETREAT.
I watch public office holders and political leaders claiming they are very busy and truly they are but often doing the right things at the wrong time. They are very busy, exhausted and stressed because they don't have time alone for meditation and revitalization. They frolic about in the nights and expect outstanding leadership performances during the day.
Great ideas and solutions come in the precious moments of separations, when we are alone and shut off from the outside world; when we have all the time to ponder on only a few things. Many political leaders write books in prison and come better inspired because the conferment forced them to meditate and think, they convert it into advantages. Leaders are supposed to be thinkers but many leaders nowadays are talkers. Great political leaders like Mandela and revolutionary leaders of the world only make the best of imprisonments and become better for it.

In our clime, Chief Awolowo made references to how he burned the midnight candles while his contemporaries flock from one social joint to clubs, wining, womanizing and having maximum pleasures. Though many of our current leaders claim to be Awoists but how many of them are solution providers like him. This set of leaders are sleepless but not because of the tasks of the state but because of the enjoyments the offices afford them. Many get to the offices around 11am with hangovers from previous social outings.
No perfect leader anywhere except the Lord Jesus Christ, but we can help ourselves to work towards perfection and increase our leadership capacity and performance. Jesus led and taught retreat and it is the place of renewal of strength, inspiration and solutions. Show me a leader that values personal retreat and I show you a leader with ideas and solutions to his generation problems; you can't be wandering about and still be a wonder in your generation.
Though common among religious leaders because it's the place of encounter with divinity and spiritual exploits; public public leaders too much have it regularly to have this extraordinary experiences that actually distinguish leaders from followers.
As President of my Faculty association on campus, I would wake very early and go to the school stadium where I prayed and meditate. My roommates knew and that was the main source of my campus politics success. Though I missed out on a lot of campus funs but I overcame many challenges that eventually made me standout.
Leaders are readers and good reading prompts deep thinking or meditation. When you're fired up like this, nothing catches you unawares and you're solution-loaded. Please friends, value personal retreat because it allows you to do great exploits, good for your health and stabilizes you emotionally.
Leadership Quote: Leadership Quote: Example is not the main thing in influencing others, it is the only thing. By Albert Schweitzer
Good morning friend.