The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigeria Supreme Council on Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) have joined forces to condemn the growing menace of terrorism and hardship in Nigeria.
The two religious organizations, representing the country’s Christian and Islamic populations, respectively, urged the Federal and State governments to take decisive action against those responsible for the mayhem.
Speaking at the fourth quarterly meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Abuja on Tuesday, CAN President Daniel Okoh and NSCIA President-General Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, who is also the Sultan of Sokoto, delivered separate remarks that echoed each other’s sentiments.
They emphasized the need for the government to identify and punish those behind the terrorist activities, regardless of their social status or influence.
Okoh lamented that Nigeria’s abundant natural resources, including oil, gas, and solid minerals, have become a curse rather than a blessing. “Instead of being a blessing, our natural resources have, in many instances, become sources of conflicts and insecurity,” he said.
“The mode of exploitation and greed in managing the resources has often led to strife, not only between different ethnic and regional groups but also within communities that vie for the control over these resources.”
The CAN president emphasized that religious leaders have a crucial role to play in addressing these issues. “Our faith teaches us the values of stewardship, sanctity of human life, compassion, and justice. We are called to be the voice for the voiceless, to advocate for equitable resource distribution, and to promote peace and reconciliation among our communities.”
Abubakar, echoing Okoh’s sentiments, stressed the need for Nigerians to return to God and plead for mercy.
He cautioned politicians against accumulating wealth at the expense of the people, reminding them that their wealth is temporary and will not benefit them in the afterlife.
“Let’s continue to remind ourselves that no matter what you have in this world, it doesn’t belong to you. God placed it in your hands momentarily so you can use it to better the lives of people around you,” he said.
The Sultan expressed gratitude to NIREC members and other stakeholders for their commitment to religious peace and tolerance in Nigeria. He prayed for the nation to enjoy peace and live in better days ahead.
“Undoubtedly, 2024 has been a tortuous year for Nigerians. It hasn’t been easy for people, financially and otherwise. Nevertheless, we must continue to keep our faith alive hoping that 2025 will be a better year.”
The joint call to action by CAN and NSCIA is a significant development in Nigeria’s quest for peace and stability. It highlights the need for collective action against terrorism and hardship, and serves as a reminder that religious leaders have a vital role to play in promoting peace and reconciliation.