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DON'T GIVE BOKO HARAM CAUSE TO REJOICE, PRESIDENCY TELLS RELIGIOUS LEADER
The Presidency has urged religious leaders in the country to remain united and not subscribe to message of division by the Boko Haram terrorist group.
In a statement issued on Tuesday evening in Abuja by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity) said Boko Haram should be the happiest, seeing our religious leaders tearing at one another.
While noting that the federal government has condemned some of the appalling acts of terror, especially following the festive period, Shehu said to continue to see these happenings solely in religious terms – removed from social, economic and environmental factors – simplifies complexities that must be heeded.
“Not seeing them as they should be is exactly what Boko Haram and groups wish: they want Nigerians to see their beliefs as reason to turn against one another.”
He said majority of Nigerians, Christians and Muslims are united in their opposition to the terrorist group and the hatred for decency that the infamous group stands for and should cooperate with the government in its efforts to defeat the insurgents.
He said it is unfortunate that some leaders and politicians seek to make political capital from our religious differences.
“As we fight Boko Haram on the ground, so too must we tackle their beliefs: stability and unity in face of their hatred is itself a rejection of their worldview.”
He assured that the government will never tolerate religious intolerance and will support the freedom to practice whichever belief anyone wishes.
“The politicisation of religion – as forbidden by the constitution – has no place in Nigeria. What this country needs urgently at the moment is addressing rampant unemployment, alleviating poverty and delivering long-delayed infrastructure.
“We urgently need jobs, economic growth and relief from debilitating corruption. The President does not wish to be distracted from this major focus by divisive politics promoting religion and accusations and counter accusations on baseless religious issues.”
He said the security forces are working continuously to return those taken hostage by Boko Haram to their families, friends and communities and has full confidence in their ability to accomplish the task.
Christian and Muslim leaders have recently openly disagreed over the state of religious freedom in the country.
While the Christian Association of Nigeria insists that Christians are being persecuted in the North, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar lll, dismissed the claim.
The CAN Chairman in Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Lawan Andimi, who was kidnapped last Saturday by Boko Haram insurgents has urged government authorities to rescue him.
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