The Federal Government has called on religious clerics and Imams in the country to guard against inciting teachings capable of threatening the peaceful co-existence of the country.
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan made the call on Saturday in Sokoto at the opening of the International Conference on Islam and the Fundamentals of Peaceful Co-existence in Nigeria, organized by Sokoto State Government in conjunction with the Muslim World League.
Jonathan, who was represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, said: “Our young people must be shielded from teachings, which will take them down the path of violence and hatred, and must also guard against individuals who use faith as an excuse to emphasize our differences.”
He urged religious leaders to do everything in their powers to ensure that religion is neither misused nor abused to justify violence.
He added: “The conduct and teachings of clerics and Imams at the grassroot level where ever misguided doctrines and sectarian bias may be introduced deliberately, or in error, there should exist a monitoring or peer review mechanism by senior clerics, established organizations or well-meaning individuals, to rectify such deviations in time, without rancor.”
Jonathan noted that inter-religious dialogue is already playing an important role in the society as the Federal Government will continue to promote harmony by constantly engaging the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, jointly chaired by the Sultan of Sokoto and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, and taking seriously their advice.
He assured those present at the ceremony that government will continue to protect and defend the right of citizens to religious freedom as enshrined in the Constitution.
He said: “The fast expending indigent students programme, also known as the Almajiri Integrated Education Programme, the Federal Government, in partnership with state governments and Islamic organizations is making progress in providing quality education at grassroots.”
He added that through “the You Win programme, SURE-P, National Directorate of Employment scheme, the National Primary Healthcare scheme, Agricultural enhancement and others, the administration is creating wealth and employment opportunities for the youths and women.”
Jonathan commended the Sokoto State Government and the Muslim World League, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for organizing the conference, which, according to him, will foster peaceful co-existence in the country and stated that the assemblage of such scholars like Sheikh Sherrif Sale of Maiduguri, Bishop (Dr) Mathew Hassan Kukah, Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, Prince Bola Ajibola, Abdulllahi Bin Abduullmuhsin Al-Turkee from Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Ahmed Lemu and Chief Bishop of Alexandria, Egypt Dr. Bishop Radee Ada’Allah, will bring clarity and better understanding values in the communities at all times and in all situations in spite of our differences and diversities.
Earlier, the Secretary-General of Muslim World League, Dr. Adbullahi bin Abdul-Muhsin A-Turki, urged political leaders to ponder and adopt policies and principles that promote peaceful co-existence just as Moses in the holy scripture was used to bring the children of Israel from slavery in Egypt.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, said: “What is needed now is strong commitment to peace and peaceful co-existence between Muslim and non-muslim as well as keep away from evil things as forbidden by the holy books.”
Other speakers included the Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Magatakarda Wamako; Dr. Sheikh Taha al-Kabashee of Sudan; and the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Shehu Galadanci.
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