On embracing religious tolerance

We should understand that as far as Nigeria is concerned, Nigeria belongs to the Muslims and Christians. That is how God wants it. No one has the right to remove anybody from office for no just reason at all or deny any one the right of being an indigene of any part of this country. […]

We should understand that as far as Nigeria is concerned, Nigeria belongs to the Muslims and Christians. That is how God wants it. No one has the right to remove anybody from office for no just reason at all or deny any one the right of being an indigene of any part of this country. If you go to Sokoto, the seat of caliphate, you will see a Christian indigene of that area and also if you go to Onitsha, where Samuel Ajayi Crowther found Christianity, you will see a Muslim indigene. Whatever problem of religion we are experiencing in this country is mostly caused by the interference of religious groups that would not tolerate others who embrace a different faith.

In the south east and south south where Christians are in the majority, you hardly see where they point an accusing finger on any non-Christian of the area. But it is hardly the case in the north. Any small thing in the north, religion would be brought into it.

The religion problem the north is experiencing is as a result of the intolerance of parochial religious groups. There are Christians and Muslims in the south west as it is the case in the north, but why are they not having the same problem like the north? Take the recent call by NOSCEF for the removal of Danbazau and Maina. What could have warranted such odious call?

 It is also a similar intolerance that is leveled against Sunusi Lamido the central bank governor by people who are not comfortable with his faith, often making the spurious allegations that he is trying to islamise the Nigerian banking sector. Such attitudes are a sad commentary about what Nigeria has become today. Every government institution in Nigeria can be headed by a Muslim or a Christian because this is in tune with the laws of our country and is enshrined in the federal character principle of our nation.

Enough sof using religion for cheap blackmail.

Suleiman I. Suleiman, Rimin Kebbe Qtrs. Kano