The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged Christians and Muslims to co-exist peacefully in the interest of national unity. Pastor Ayo Oristejafor, the President of the association made the call during a one day interactive session with religious leaders, political parties and security agencies in Abuja. Reports state that the event was organised by “Think Nigeria Christian-Muslim Movement’’, an NGO.
Oristejafor said thelections,gospel newse two main religious bodies should ensure that their members were guaranteed protection in the country. “ We must make a commitment to each other publicly, that Christians are safe in Muslim-dominated areas and Muslims are also safe in Christian-dominated areas. “ Muslims and Christians must resolve to live together and protect one another at all times in order to build a peaceful country.
“Both Christian and Muslim preachers should begin to preach and change the psyche of their members against violence.’’ He said that nobody should be victimised based on religious leaning during the forthcoming general elections. In his remarks, Sheikh Mohammed Nuraiyni, the President-General, Supreme Council of the Islamic Preachers in Nigeria (SCIPIN), said peace was sacred and divine, adding that the two religions had similar teachings. “ We, the Supreme Council of Islamic Preachers of Nigeria are strongly concerned about the future of this great country.
“This is because Nigeria is not only the pride of Africa, but also the leader of the continent with limitless potentialities.’’ He said that the process of fusing together several tribes and ethnicities into a single social entity was not a one-stop-shop but rather a continuous journey through numerous pathways. According to Nuraiyni, the organisation, with a large followership, no longer believes it is tenable to remain at the back burner when issues of citizenship and development of Nigeria is at the centre stage.
He said that the two major problems currently threatening the corporate existence of the Nigerian nation were religious extremism and intolerance. “ The process of bringing several tribes and ethnicities into a single society is not a one-stop-shop but a continuous journey through numerous pathways.’’
The Islamic leader said peace remained the recipe for sustainable development of the country and urged Nigerians to unite toward achieving peaceful general elections in the country.
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