In a powerful display of unity, prominent Nigerian leaders, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Sultan of Sokoto, and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), have joined forces to advocate for religious tolerance as a cornerstone for Nigeria’s peace and progress. This call to action comes amidst ongoing challenges related to religious and ethnic divisions within the nation.
Key Takeaways: Nigeria’s Path to Unity
- Unified Message: Key religious and political figures are advocating for tolerance.
- Root Cause: Bad leadership is cited as a significant contributor to religious intolerance.
- Call to Action: Nigerians are urged to embrace love, respect, and understanding across religious divides.
- Shared Responsibility: Peace is a collective responsibility, not just for leaders but for every Nigerian.
Obasanjo, Sultan, and CAN President Unite for Peace
At a conference in Ibadan, organized by Honour 103.5 FM and Pan-af Publishers in collaboration with the United Nations, leaders emphasized that true love and tolerance are fundamental to achieving peace. Obasanjo stressed that fostering peace is a shared duty of all Nigerians.
Sultan of Sokoto’s Plea for Understanding
Represented by Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, the Sultan of Sokoto highlighted that many of Nigeria’s problems stem from a lack of understanding, particularly regarding religion and ethnicity. He urged Nigerians to set aside religious contradictions and embrace peace and love.
CAN President’s Call for Mutual Respect
Most Rev. Daniel Okoh, the CAN President, emphasized the timeliness of the event, reminding Nigerians to embrace love, compassion, and mutual respect. He called for collective efforts to build a future where peace and harmony prevail.
Dogara: Leadership and Responsibility
Former Speaker Yakubu Dogara, in a keynote address delivered by Hon. Timothy Golu, attributed religious intolerance and other challenges to a lack of leadership and the denial of personal responsibility. He urged Nigerians to strive for a society where every individual can live with dignity, pride, and respect.
The Role of Good Leadership
Dogara also highlighted that the crisis in Nigeria is majorly due to the lack of leadership in key positions. He said that for every society to thrive, there must be good leadership. “Everything rises and falls on leadership”.
Beyond Tolerance: The Path to a United Nigeria
Dogara emphasized that true unity goes beyond mere tolerance. Nigerians must actively fight for justice for all, regardless of religious beliefs.
Additional Insights
- Historical Context: Religious and ethnic tensions have been a persistent challenge in Nigeria’s history, often exploited by political actors.
- Economic Impact: Religious conflicts have significant economic consequences, disrupting business activities and discouraging investment.
- Global Examples: Countries like Indonesia and India, with diverse religious populations, offer lessons in managing religious diversity and promoting tolerance.
Moving Forward
The united call for religious tolerance by these prominent Nigerian leaders represents a crucial step towards fostering peace and unity. It is imperative for all Nigerians to heed this call, embrace understanding, and work together to build a more harmonious and prosperous nation.