Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and the President-General of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs or NSCIA has insisted that the harmonious relationship between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria should not be sacrificed for politicians.
The Sultan in an Easter letter to the Christian Association of Nigeria or CAN said there is a need to stop religious preachers, Imams and pastors, from using their platforms to spread hate.
In the letter addressed to Rev. Daniel Okoh, the president of CAN, the Sultan insisted that both religions have a history of peaceful coexistence, and it is that message that should be carried on.
The letter signed by Prof. Salisu Shehu, NSCIA Deputy Secretary-General, reads: “As a people of faith united by our father, Abraham, the recent history of our dear nation and faith communities are being threatened by the machinations of politicians. These digressions can only be attributed to the handiwork of the devil, whose guile is ultimately weak indeed (Qur’an 4:47).”
He described Easter as another opportunity to redirect national attention to shared values and ideals of fasting, love, prayer, penance, and cooperation.
“The Nigerian Muslim Ummah, under the leadership of the President-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, mni, CFR, wishes to congratulate you on the auspicious occasion of Easter.
“As a religious festival commemorating a significant landmark in Christianity, Easter serves as a springboard for spiritual renewal, religious re-awakening, and general rebirth. It is our hope and prayer that this spirit of re-awakening and rebirth will continue to define our national course especially as we look forward to new leadership in Nigeria.”
The Sultan asked CAN “to partner with the NSCIA to guide, admonish and discourage our Pastors and Imams, from desecrating their pulpits with political partisanship and hate-speech.
“The Nigerian Muslim Ummah wishes you many happy returns of the seasons. We also wish you and ourselves a renewed commitment to holiness and righteousness to the glory of God and the greatness of our beloved country”, Sultan added.
