Abuja: The Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has reiterated its dedication to promoting peace and unity across the nation. Imam Haroun Muhammad, the NSCIA Deputy National Legal Adviser, emphasized this commitment in a statement made in Abuja, urging collaborative efforts to prevent religious intolerance from exacerbating the country’s current challenges.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Muhammad called for patriotism from all Nigerians and foreign stakeholders involved in Project Nigeria to avoid actions that might polarize the country’s political landscape. He addressed recent false allegations circulating on international platforms and social media, which claimed that there was a systematic genocidal campaign against Christians in Nigeria, accusing the government of facilitating such acts.
Muhammad stressed that Nigeria should not fall prey to those intent on mischief and obstructing the progress made by the Federal Government. He highlighted the threat posed by individuals engaging
in activities that verge on treason for personal gain, exploiting religious tensions for global recognition.
Reflecting on the political climate during the 2023 presidential election, Muhammad warned against similar tactics in future elections, noting that those who attempted to incite division among Nigerians had failed, and subsequently sought to delegitimize the government by spreading false narratives.
The cleric urged Nigerians to unite beyond religious lines, emphasizing that the fight against terrorism required collective efforts. He expressed the Council’s decision to remain silent in the face of attacks against Muslims to preserve national unity, commending the response from the CAN Director of National Issues and Social Welfare, who acknowledged the exploitation of Nigeria’s situation by foreign interests.
Muhammad highlighted the indiscriminate nature of terrorist attacks, which do not differentiate between religious affiliations, and called for patriotic citizens to recognize the broader implic
ations of current challenges. He noted the Federal Government’s efforts to dispel misconceptions, citing that 62 percent of presidential appointees were Christians, and urged government attention to policies perceived as conflicting with religious and cultural beliefs to ensure peaceful coexistence.