CAN, Sultan ask Nigerians to oppose political leaders using religion to cause division

Daniel Okoh, president of the Christian Associatiom of Nigeria (CAN), and Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, have called on political leaders to desist from using religion to cause conflict in the country.

In a joint statement on Friday by the religious leaders of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), they lamented that hate speeches are still being recorded after the 2023 elections.

The religious leaders raised concerns over the negative trend, adding that Nigeria is a multi-religious country and no religion is superior to the other.

“The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) is disturbed by the ugly trend occasioned by the hate speeches before and after the 2023 elections. Weaponizing religion for selfish political gains is capable of causing religious conflict in Nigeria,” the statement reads.

“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.”