The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), under the leadership of the Co-Chairmen, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has hinted that weaponizing religion for selfish political gains is capable of causing religious conflict in Nigeria.
NIREC also 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.
NIREC, therefore, condemned in strongest terms the statements that give the impression that one religion is superior to the other, Saying, Nigeria is a multi-religious state under God.
The NIREC Co-Chairmen gave this hint in a joint statement signed and made available to newsmen in Abuja, saying, they are disturbed by the ugly trend occasioned by the hate speeches before and after the 2023 elections.
The statement reads: “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.
“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!”, the statement further stated.
