Muslim and Christian leaders meet in Abuja over hate speeches (photos)
- Some religious clerics on Wednesday, February 8, met in Abuja to discuss the rise in hate speech among Nigerians
- The clerics urged Nigerians to pray for the country and her leaders
- The group also resolved to hold an inter faith praise concert to celebrate the achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari’s led administration
Some religious clerics on Wednesday, February 8, met in Abuja to discuss the rise in hate speech among Nigerians.
The clerics – Muslims and Christians – urged Nigerians to pray for the country and her leaders.
The group said patriotism is the key to the survival of nationhood.
After the meeting the group - Christian/Muslim Intellectual Forum (CMIF) – led by a civil society organization, Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJECT), resolved to hold an inter faith praise concert to celebrate the achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari’s led administration.
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The group said the concert will serve a threat against terrorism and corruption which has ravaged the country.
A communiqué signed by Reverend Steven Onwu, the chairman, communiqué drafting committee; secretary, Garba Shehu and Dan Enyi said the sustained frosty relationship between followers of different faith is unhealthy.
The communiqué read in part: "The young intellectuals of both faiths accepted and elected upon themselves to become vanguards and crusaders of mutual inter-faith relations in their respective communities and places of worship through enlightenment campaigns and conduct opposed to the exacerbation of religious issues/tensions throughout the country."
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It said: "The youths of Christianity and Islam in Nigeria agreed to start action to begin a joint annual national religious feast/carnival where worshipers of both faiths would intermingle to collectively beseech God Almighty in prayers, songs and dances for the peace and development of Nigeria.
The gathering will also offer a platform for interactions, dialogues and discussions of issues/problems afflicting the practice of both religions and proffer solutions. With time, the scope could be expanded to include quarterly joint conferences and seminars to discuss emerging religious issues, affairs or trends.
See photos from the meeting below:
"The Muslim and Christian youths reached a consensus that henceforth matters of religion shall not reflect in our social interactions, workplace, homes and anywhere Nigerians converge. And that the practice of religion shall be perceived more as something very personal to the believer or worshiper and shall never be reason for strained relationships, unnecessary politicization and incitement to anarchy.
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"The forum also condemned in strong terms the penchant of some clerics for hate speeches; inflammatory or inciting sermons and resolved from now onwards not to tolerate preachments. Instead, preachers who undermine the essence of love, peace and unity, which are the cardinal values of all religions shall be deserted."
Source: Legit.ng
