The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) has emphasised the constitutional secularity of the country, stating that no religion holds superiority over the other.

The council made this assertion in a joint statement issued by its co-chairmen, Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, and Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar, President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.

NIREC, recognizing Nigeria as a multi-religious state under the divine guidance, urged religious leaders to resist any attempts to exploit religion for political purposes, as such actions can potentially lead to anarchy and social unrest.

Expressing their concerns over the recent surge in hate speeches before and after the 2023 elections, the co-chairmen of NIREC called attention to the disturbing trend and its potential consequences. They emphasized the importance of promoting peace, harmony, and tolerance among different religious communities in Nigeria.

“Weaponising religion for selfish, political gains is capable of causing religious conflict in Nigeria. NIREC therefore condemns, in strongest terms, the statements that give the impression that one religion is superior to the other. NIREC affirms that Nigeria is a multi-religious state under God.

“NIREC condemns statements that give the impression of religious dominance and superiority in the country. We wish however that every Nigerian could be a true Christian or a true Muslim as that would promote the religious values that could transform the nation. Given that most politicians in Nigeria practice one religion or the other, the Christian and Muslim politicians should proclaim the fear and love of God by caring for the common good and welfare of the citizens,” the statement read

NIREC called on religious leaders in the country to resist political manipulation of religion that could lead to anarchy.

“We condemn the antics of politicians whose main goal is to achieve their political interest by whatever means possible, including using religion as a cover. NIREC calls on our political leaders to use their platforms to sue for peace, unity and harmony while also refraining from making statements or comments that are capable of aggravating the already heated polity in the nation.

“NIREC calls upon all politicians to play politics with the fear of God, dignity, honour and decorum by eschewing the politics of division and sectionalism. NIREC appeals to the general public to note that the elections are over and various cases are in court challenging the outcome and must therefore give the judiciary the opportunity to do its work,” NIREC added.