The Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has strongly reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the peace and unity of the country.
Imam Haroun Muhammad, the NSCIA’s Deputy National Legal Adviser, stated in Abuja that all Nigerians must work together to prevent religious intolerance from further exacerbating the nation's challenges.
Muhammad urged patriotism from all well-meaning Nigerians and international stakeholders in “Project Nigeria,” calling on them to avoid any actions capable of polarizing the polity.
Dispelling False Allegations
The NSCIA recently acknowledged the refutations by many Nigerians across religious lines, including members of the National Assembly, regarding a "false allegation circulating on some international platforms and social media."
These reports, Muhammad noted, alleged a "systematic genocidal campaign against Christians in Nigeria" and accused the Nigerian government of "facilitating the mass murder of Christians."
Muhammad cautioned that Nigeria must not fall prey to elements bent on mischief and hindering national progress. He accused these individuals of engaging in activities that "verge on treason" for "material gains," often exploiting religious friction for "global recognition and fame."
Lessons from the 2023 Election
Recalling the intrigues surrounding the 2023 presidential election, Muhammad stressed that similar scenarios must be prevented in future polls. He contended that these elements, who banked on external support to pit Nigerians against one another, "failed miserably."
According to the cleric, after their failure, they resorted to attempting to delegitimize the government by projecting a narrative of persecution and victimhood globally, even while being responsible for domestic insecurity.
Muhammad called for national unity, urging Nigerians to rise above religious sentiments, stating that fighting terrorism requires a collective effort.
He put on record the Council's decision to remain silent in the face of numerous attacks, innuendos, and insults against Nigerian Muslims, citing the paramount need to protect the nation's corporate existence.
A Call for Shared Responsibility
The Council noted with encouragement the response of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Director of National Issues and Social Welfare. Muhammad quoted the CAN official as saying that the Nigerian situation is "sometimes... being taken advantage of by groups who know what they benefit from foreign interests."
The CAN official continued: "Those foreign interests have a right to poke their nose into what’s going on in our system, but we also have a right to report things as they are.”
Muhammad reminded Nigerians that when terrorists strike, their bullets do not differentiate between Christian or Muslim. He cautioned citizens to recognize the "bigger picture," as these divisive actions are often intended to serve "inglorious purposes, including disproportionate dominance in the current political configuration."
He cited the Federal Government's May assertion that 62 per cent of presidential appointees are Christians as an attempt to dispel these misgivings.
Muhammad concluded by stressing that ordinary Nigerians would not benefit from the "deliberate misinformation and political interest by a few elements." He urged all levels of government to address policies and programmes that citizens perceive as running counter to their religious and cultural beliefs to foster peaceful coexistence and tolerance.
(NAN)
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