You’ve written your name in gold, Buhari congratulates imam on US award

President Muhammadu Buhari says Abdullahi Abubakar, an 83-year-old Muslim cleric, is well-deserving of the award conferred on him by the US. 

Abubakar had given refuge to over 200 people, including Christians, who were fleeing from an attack in Plateau state.

The US Department of State subsequently honoured Abubakar with its first-ever International Religious Freedom Award (IRFA).

Reacting to the development, Buhari urged other clerics and Nigerians in general to emulate Abubakar’s virtues.

The president said he was happy that “a Nigerian national has written his name in gold in the international arena”.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring freedom of religion and worship for all Nigerians.

“On behalf of the Federal Government, President Buhari heartily congratulates Imam Abubakar on the well-deserved honour by no less a credible and formidable government agency of the United States,” he said in a statement by Garba Shehu, his spokesman.

“The president believes the recognition bestowed on the 83-year-old Muslim cleric is towering and befitting for the patriot who risked his own life and that of his family on June 23, 2018 to save the lives of hundreds of Christians, fleeing from attacks by suspected bandits in Yelwan Gidin Akwati, Swei and Nghar villages in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

“Like Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said, on May 30, 2019 at the State House Abuja when he received the Imam, the Village Head, Damafulul Mangai; community leaders and a delegation from the US, UK and European Union, the cleric ‘has done so much to promote peace by his singular act than most politicians could do and deserve all the commendation and high honour.

“President Buhari is, therefore, elated that a Nigerian national has written his name in gold in the international arena and his deeds will resonate wherever and whenever there are discussions on religious tolerance, cordiality between Christians and Muslims in the country and around the world.

“The president recommends the sterling virtues of Imam Abdullahi to all clerics, in particular, and Nigerians in general.

“He also strongly affirms the commitment of this administration to freedom of religion and worship for all Nigerians, as guaranteed by the Constitution, stressing that under no circumstance will any religion or faith be imposed on the nation.”