claims that individuals who murder innocent people while yelling “Allahu Akbar” will burn in hell.
CAN promotes religious literacy as essential to maintaining national unity.
ABUJA — Yesterday, Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, responded to concerns about a religious agenda in Nigeria by stating that Muslims had no intention of eradicating Christians, while religious and political figures demanded a change in the nation’s perception of its issues.
He claims that a large portion of the violence that is frequently labeled as religious is misinterpreted, which increases mistrust and suspicion.
“Today, as I stand here, I want to affirm that Muslims are not in a hurry and are not planning anything like decimating the population of Christians in Nigeria,” the Sultan declared.
“We have no authority to expel Christians from Nigeria. No, it isn’t feasible.
While cautioning against linking religion to criminal activity, he emphasized that both religions must coexist in a setting of stability, mutual respect, and understanding. He also asked Nigerians to reconsider how insecurity was defined.
“Let’s tell the story correctly; it has nothing to do with religion. Let’s refrain from discussing religion. We should refer to them as criminals rather than Muslim bandits, terrorists, or criminals. The Sultan declared, “What someone does is against Islam, even if they claim to be Muslim.”
He blamed ignorance for the issue and cautioned against making false claims to religious authority, saying that “the fact that you understand Arabic does not make you a Sheikh.” Arabic is merely a language. Thus, literacy is crucial.
The Sultan frequently urged discussion to resume, stating that it was the only practical course of action.
What more can you do if you don’t believe me? You are unable to see what’s inside my heart. We have to have faith in each other.
“Someone can go to the market, blow himself or herself up, kill people, and shout ‘Allahu Akbar,'” he remarked in reference to those who commit acts of violence in the name of Islam. Indeed, God is wonderful, but you will burn in hell. They will pay a price for killing innocent people.
Daniel Okoh, President of CAN, warned against reducing religion to stereotypes earlier in his speech, framing the discussion around education and understanding.
“The academic comprehension of concepts or rites is not the only aspect of religious literacy. According to Archbishop Okoh, it is the development of understanding, sensitivity, and respect for other people’s traditions and beliefs.
“Across various parts of our nation, we continue to witness tensions that are sometimes framed along religious lines, even when their root causes may be social, economic, or political,” the CAN president stated, acknowledging that many tensions were incorrectly labeled.
According to the Christian leader, NIREC has continued to show that interfaith cooperation is possible.
Archbishop Okoh stated, “Through NIREC, we have shown that despite our differences in religion, we share common values of peace, justice, human dignity, and the well-being of our nation.”
George Akume, the SGF, made a direct connection between understanding and national stability in his speech.
“Suspicion can grow where there is ignorance. Conflict can occur when there is miscommunication. However, trust can grow when there is empathy and information, according to George Akume.
He urged greater institutional support, especially through education, while cautioning against polarizing narratives.
“Education plays an important role,” he stated. Teaching about religions and worldviews in a way that is accurate and inclusive must be a top priority for schools, colleges, and community organizations. We need to question our presumptions and oppose narratives that aim to split us apart.
“We must do everything as a government to ensure that the terrorists who kidnap children who are willing to study must come to an end,” he continued in reference to security and education.
