Clerics canvass unity worship centres for Muslims, Christians

The National Inter-Faith Religious Organizations for Peace (NIFROP) has called on the Federal Government and well-meaning Nigerians to support the creation of unity worship centres for Muslims and Christians to co-inhabit.

This was part of the resolutions by 100 Inter-faith Clerics following the successful completion of the three-day National Thanksgiving and Salat Al-Shukur in celebration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s victory.

The Nigerian Unity Church and the Nigerian Unity Masjid for both religions to cement the evolving relationship of love and unity which the clerics have kick-started.

It is on this background that NIFROP has craved for such setting, especially after over 100 clergymen of different religions, denominations and sects in addition to hundreds of faithful took part in the recently concluded thanksgiving and Salat Al- Shukur.

This plea was contained in a communique signed by Musa Garuba and Muminu Ibrahim co-chairmen of NIFROP.

“ Clergymen under NIFROP had previously interceded to God on behalf of Nigeria leading to the revelation that President Buhari is the anointed divine leader who will deepen ongoing reforms in the country. This message was appropriately communicated to Nigerians before the election,” it read.

“Nigerians, in accordance with God’s will, voted to re-elect President Buhari in the presidential election held on Saturday February 23, 2019.

“President Buhari’s victory, even though ordained by God, is being challenged by opposition candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who lost the election. Several individuals and organizations have called on Alhaji Abubakar to respect God’s will and drop his challenge of President Buhari’s victory but he has remained adamant.

“There was need to take proactive steps in preventing ungodly persons from exploiting the religious and sectarian diversity of for selfish political gains.

“The election was condensed into a contest between the camps of those who, in accordance to the will of God, were committed to fighting corruption and those that want to re-institute corruption as a way of life for Nigerians in clear violation of the divine injunction for people to live honest lives.”

Among its resolutions, however, NIFROP vowed to “ continue to hold quarterly interdenominational intercessory prayers for Nigeria and the Government of President Buhari, with special emphasis on requesting God to purge tendency for corruption from the hearts of those that are bent on holding the country hostage.

“To dissuade Nigerians from further trying to discourage Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and the PDP from launching a challenge against their defeat by President Buhari since God does not require human intervention to execute what has been divinely ordained,” it said.

“NIFROP will continue to build a fellowship of unity across religious divides and sensitize Nigerians to overcome those exploiting the religious diversity that exists in the country to cause division and crisis for political gains.

“Participants will pursue the establishment of: (1) The Nigerian Unity Church and (2) The Nigerian Unity Masjid (Mosque), facilitated by NIFROP to promote unity and love between Nigerians of all faith across the country.

“The clergy, across religious and sectarian persuasions, should prioritize preaching against corruption. This should expand to the clergy discerning the sources of funds that the faithful donate to places of worship and to reject funds that are known to be proceeds of corruption.”