The Federal Government has said it would be decisive in applying the full weight of the law against those who masquerade under the disguise of religion or other pretenses to perpetrate crimes in the country.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Mr Boss Gida Mustapha gave the warning on Thursday in Abuja at the opening of the 2018 First Quarter Meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) meeting.
“Religion is an instrument for building national harmony and peaceful co-existence, and this government is committed to fairness to all, irrespective of their ethnic background or religious beliefs. At the same time it is important to state that government will be decisive in applying the full weight of the law against those who masquerade under the disguise of religion or any other pretense to perpetrate crimes,” Mustapha said.
He listed extremism and religious intolerance as one of the challenges facing the country and urged religious and traditional leaders as “Custodians of our tradition and moulders of public opinion, to help the government find solutions that will complement the on-going efforts of government. We urge you to speak up against actions and groups that threaten our peace and national unity”.
The Co-Chairmen of the Council, Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Dr Samson Olasupo Ayokunle urged Nigerians to be each other’s brothers’ keepers in the interest of national development.
While warning against religious intolerance and the need for government to tackle unemployment, the duo also urged Nigerians to shun apathy and be involved in the nations electoral activities by among others get their PVCs or registered for those that have not done so.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris said that security was the bedrock of the nation’s development.
Represented by Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of Finance and Administration Shuaibu Lawal Gambo the IGP urged religious and traditional rulers to ensure they promote peace in the country.
“The import of this meeting cannot be over emphasized as it gives our spiritual and royal fathers the opportunity to brainstorm on ways to enhance security in the country. I want to urge you to concentrate on messages and sermon that will build the bridge of love, tolerance forgiveness and peaceful co-existence as that will go a long way in ensuring unity and safety of lives in Nigeria,” Gambo said.
