By BASHIR ADEFAKA
In their bid to join the Federal Government’s effort to achieve a crisis-free Nigeria that is alerted to promotion of justice, leaderships of the two major religious bodies, the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), under the auspices of Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), have urged the political class to use their platforms to sue for peace, unity and harmony as against deployment of same for making statements or comments capable of aggravating the already heated polity in the country.
NIREC, which condemned ‘in strongest terms’ statements that give impression that one religion is superior to other, affirmed that Nigeria is a multi-religious state under God and, so that, under no circumstances should any Muslim or Christian allow the manipulation of some self-based political elements affect his commitment to being true adherent of his religion either Islam or Christianity.
By implication, the country’s foremost inter-religious dialogue group for peace and harmony means that Nigeria is rather known as a multi-religious nation with no one as state religion, while calling on religious leaders to resist political manipulation of religion that could lead to anarchy.
The Council, which expressed its disturbance by what it termed the ugly trend occasioned by the hate speeches before and after the 2023 elections, said weaponising religion for selfish political gains is capable of causing religious conflict in Nigeria and must therefore be condemned in strongest terms.
According to the statement, “NIREC condemns statements that give the impression of religious dominance and superiority in the country. We wish however that every Nigerian could be a true Christian or a true Muslim as that would promote the religious values that could transform the nation.
“Given that most politicians in Nigeria practice one religion or the other, the Christian and Muslim politicians should proclaim the fear and love of God by caring for common good and welfare of the citizens,” it said.
The Nigerian Inter-Religious Council called on religious leaders to resist political manipulation of religion that could lead to anarchy.
“We condemn the antics of politicians whose main goal is to achieve their political interest by whatever means possible including using religion as a cover.
“NIREC calls on our political leaders to use their platforms to sue for peace, unity and harmony while also refraining from making statements or comments that are capable of aggravating the already heated polity in the nation.
“NIREC calls upon all Politicians to play politics with the fear of God, dignity, honour and decorum by eschewing the politics of division and sectionalism.
“NIREC appeals to the general public to note that the elections are over and various cases are in court challenging the outcome and must therefore give the judiciary the opportunity to do its work.”
It urged that Nigerians continue to be patriotic, law-abiding and peace-loving and must oppose all acts of machinations and manipulations by leaders who are using religion to tear the nation apart.
NIREC called for prayers for Nigeria, “a nation that will continue to promote justice and peaceful co-existence”, noting that “The task of building a prosperous Nigeria is the task of every citizen. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
