The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) issued a joint statement on Friday, reaffirming the secular nature of the country and emphasizing that no religion holds superiority over others.
The council acknowledged Nigeria as a multi-religious state under God and urged religious leaders to reject any attempts to manipulate religion for political purposes, as such actions can lead to chaos and disorder.
In the statement, NIREC’s co-chairmen, President Daniel Okoh of the Christian Association of Nigeria and President-General Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, expressed concern over the disturbing rise in hate speech before and after the 2023 elections.
The council’s statement highlights the importance of maintaining harmony and unity among Nigeria’s diverse religious communities.
By affirming the secularity of the country and denouncing the politicization of religion, NIREC aims to promote peace, understanding, and tolerance among different faiths in Nigeria.
The statement said, “Weaponizing religion for selfish, political gains is capable of causing religious conflict in Nigeria. NIREC therefore condemns, in strongest terms, the statements that give the impression that one religion is superior to the other. NIREC affirms that Nigeria is a multi-religious state under God.
“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 the common good and welfare of the citizens.
“NIREC calls 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.
“Nigerians must 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. Let us pray for a nation that will continue to promote justice and peaceful co-existence. The task of building a prosperous Nigeria is the task of every citizen. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!”
