Kaduna train attack: Governors don’t have powers to invite mercenaries — CAN

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State chapter, has reacted to the recent declaration by Governor Nasir El-rufai that governors are thinking of inviting mercenaries to fight the terrorists in the region.

This was contained in a statement entitled, ‘What Mercenaries is Governor Elrufai Inviting?’ and signed by the state chairman, Reverend Joseph Hayab, on Saturday.

According to the statement: “The attention of CAN Kaduna State has been drawn to newspapers stories making rounds that Governor, Mallam Nasir Elrufai, threatens to deploy foreign mercenaries should the Federal Government fails to combat bandits and end terrorism.

“While CAN agrees that terrorists have had a field day, CAN reckons that if any other Nigerian had made or muted such an idea in public space, such would have been accused or arrested by the government for undermining the security agencies and the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces.

IN CASE YOU MISSED THESE FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

• ‘Officials initially offered to help but when the number of able-bodied citizens at the centre increased, they left us unattended to’
• Why Ogun Tops List Of ‘Yahoo Boys’ In Nigeria ― Governor Abiodun
• Police, Amotekun after criminals on Lagos-Ibadan expressway
• Suspected cannibal pays N500,000 for boy’s human organs, says ‘that’s my favourite meal, especially the throat’
• Court awards Nnamdi Kanu N1 billion over invasion of his home by military, asks FG to apologise

“Accordingly, CAN doubts if any section of the Nigerian Constitution allows any officeholder, apart from the C in C, to invite a foreign combatant into the country.

“Moreover, it was a similar strategy that El-rufai employed years back when he claimed to have compensated some herdsmen, which led to the escalation of the security situation, particularly in Kaduna state.

“For CAN, the approach to give gunmen money so that they would stop attacking the populace has backfired and Kaduna state is paying dearly for such a miscalculation at present.

“The federal government should, therefore, call El-rufai to order before his excesses lead Nigeria to a bigger problem especially since the general elections are around the corner.

“CAN acknowledges that what Nigeria needs currently is a sincerity of purpose from all stakeholders and the citizenry towards finding lasting solutions, not subjective statements that could further heighten the presence of bandits in Nigeria.

‘”CAN will continue to pray and urge citizens to be on the watch against any erroneous direction that could do this country no good but harm.”