morganable politics/Governance
Tinubu also commended the Muslim World League for its partnership with JIBWIS and for choosing Nigeria as the first country to host the conference, describing the decision as a recognition of the country’s strategic importance in promoting peace and stability in West Africa.
KANO —
President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to remain committed to preserving the unity of the country despite ethnic, religious and political differences, stressing that dialogue remains the most effective tool for sustaining peace and national cohesion.
Tinubu made the appeal on Tuesday at the International Conference on Security and National Unity held in Abuja.
The event was organised by Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah in collaboration with the Muslim World League and brought together political leaders, religious figures, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
The President, who was represented by the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, said the Federal Government was determined to strengthen unity and address the security challenges confronting the nation through inclusive dialogue and collaboration.
“Not only that, the government is determined to make sure that we remain united as a country, despite our differences, whatever the differences may be. We should talk and remain in this country, and allow this country to remain a united nation, a united country,” Tinubu said.
He described the conference as timely, noting that both Nigeria and the global community were grappling with complex security challenges that required collective responses.
According to him, the deliberations at the conference would contribute meaningfully to ongoing efforts aimed at achieving sustainable peace at regional, continental and global levels.
Tinubu also commended the Muslim World League for its partnership with JIBWIS and for choosing Nigeria as the first country to host the conference, describing the decision as a recognition of the country’s strategic importance in promoting peace and stability in West Africa.
APC National Chairman Warns Against Exploiting Religion
Yilwatda emphasised that Nigeria’s diversity should serve as a source of strength rather than a fault line for conflict. He noted that religious and ethnic differences should not overshadow the shared humanity and common destiny of Nigerians.
Drawing from personal experience, Yilwatda recounted his time as a displaced person during a crisis in Bauchi State, saying the experience underscored the devastating impact of violence on all communities, regardless of faith or background.
“When violence comes, it does not ask whether you are a Christian or a Muslim before it destroys either your home, or your humanity, or your dignity,” he said.
He added that living in an internally displaced persons’ camp had reinforced the reality that Nigerians, despite their differences, share similar fears, aspirations and hopes for a better future.
“We may worship differently. Or we may suffer together. We dream together. We can build together. And ultimately, we can rise and fall together,” he stated.
The APC chairman urged political actors to prioritise national unity over short-term political victories, warning that the consequences of divisive politics could outlast any electoral gains.
“To our political leaders, let us resist the temptation to exploit religion or ethnicity for sentiments, and sentiments for temporary political advantage. No political victory is worth the permanent damage inflicted on our nation,” he said.
Yilwatda also called on religious leaders to play a more active role in promoting peace, urging them to use their platforms to foster reconciliation and responsible citizenship.
“You as religious leaders, let our mosques and our churches become centres of peace, of reconciliation, and responsible citizenship,” he said.
He further encouraged religious leaders to preach messages that promote tolerance and unity, urging them to avoid rhetoric that could incite division or violence.
“Preach faith without hatred, conviction without contempt, and truth without incitement,” he added, while also calling on traditional rulers to prioritise dialogue and reconciliation over retaliation in resolving conflicts.
The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council also lent its voice to the call for unity, urging Nigerians to reject attempts to weaponise religion, ethnicity and poverty for divisive purposes.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the council, Prof Cornelius Omonokhua, emphasised that humanity remains the strongest bond among Nigerians, regardless of religious affiliation.
“No one is created a Christian, and no one is created a Muslim. We are created as human beings; hence what binds us together is humanity,” he said.
Omonokhua stressed that both Christianity and Islam uphold the sanctity of human life and should never be used to justify violence or hatred.
“We should never allow anybody to weaponise religion or ethnicity or poverty to turn us against each other. May God give us security and may we continue to live in peace and harmony,” he added.
He noted that the council had continued to promote cooperation between Christians and Muslims in advancing human dignity, peace and national development.
Sultan Of Sokoto Urges Practical Implementation Of Agreement
Also speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto and Co-Chairman of NIREC, Sa’ad Abubakar III, highlighted the need for practical implementation of agreements reached at such conferences, noting that Nigeria already has enough ideas and solutions to address its challenges.
“We don’t lack solutions to our problems. What we lack is implementation. How to implement whatever we agree to do,” the Sultan said.
“Christians should stop insulting Muslims. Muslims should stop insulting Christians, and that’s how we live in peace,” he said.
The declaration seeks to establish a new alliance between Muslim and Christian leaders and create a framework for preventing religious tensions from escalating into violence in Nigeria and across West Africa.
Al-Issa, widely regarded as a leading voice for moderate Islam and interfaith dialogue, has played a significant role in fostering cooperation between religious groups globally.
The event drew participation from ministers of the Federal Government, state governors, traditional rulers, and various religious leaders, reflecting a broad consensus on the need for unity and peace in the country.
Analysts Urges Dialogue To Promote Unity
Analysts say the renewed emphasis on dialogue and unity comes at a critical time, as Nigeria continues to face security challenges, including insurgency, banditry, communal clashes and other forms of violence.
They note that sustained collaboration among political leaders, religious institutions and citizens will be essential in addressing these challenges and building a more cohesive society.
For many participants, the conference served as a reminder that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and that preserving unity requires continuous effort, mutual respect and a shared commitment to peace.
