2023: CAN, NSCIA sign pact on religious tolerance, conflict resolution

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) says it has signed a pact with the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) to promote peace in the country ahead of the 2023 elections.

According to a statement on Wednesday by Samson Ayokunle, immediate past president of CAN, the two organisations signed the accord at the international religious freedom summit, organised by the Global Peace Foundation and 70 international human rights and religious freedom groups in Washington DC.

At the summit which held in June, Saad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto and president-general of NSCIA, was represented by Yusuf Usman, former executive secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme.

Ayokunle said CAN and NSCIA agreed to encourage Muslims and Christians in the country to shun violence, embrace dialogue and remain committed to building resilient communities that are free from fear.

He said the religious bodies also promised to embrace a vision of common humanity and speak publicly on hope for Nigeria’s peaceful and bright future, and commended the sultan for his consistent advocacy on peaceful coexistence in the country.

“The declaration we signed lays out a number of principles that we believe all Nigerians can readily affirm. It states that all people are endowed by the Creator with inherent value and fundamental rights,” the statement reads.

“Regardless of nationality, ethnicity, culture, region or the many other differences that often divide us, the essential freedom and dignity of every person must be respected and protected.

“The declaration also calls for collaboration amongst the various traditions and faith communities in Nigeria, in order to advance the wellbeing of all and resolve conflicts peacefully.

“Certainly, individuals will have different opinions as to the causes of and solutions to all of these problems. But far more importantly, we must share a fundamental commitment to the unity of Nigeria and work collaboratively toward solutions through peaceful and respectful means.

“We call upon all religious and political leaders and all people of faith to develop and promote solutions that are grounded in the shared values of our common humanity.”