The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has reiterated that Christians must not be subjected to Sharia law or court processes meant solely for Muslims.
He stated this on Wednesday at the opening of the 2025
triennial meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, NIREC, in Abuja.
The event, themed “Collaboration of Inter-Religious Council
with Government to Promote Peace in Nigeria,” brought together key religious
and political leaders.
Abubakar said Sharia is strictly for Muslims and should not
be imposed on non-Muslims in any form, including dress or religious practice.
He emphasised that Nigeria operates a multi-religious
country where government supports the growth of both major religions without
adopting any as a state religion.
Responding to recent calls for the abolition of Sharia, the
Sultan said Nigerians are free to practice their faith without interference and
urged leaders to avoid actions that could inflame religious tension.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen,
also addressed the gathering, urging stronger collaboration between NIREC and
the Federal Government to counter insecurity and rising extremism.
He warned that extremists continue to exploit religious
divisions to undermine national unity.
Tajudeen commended NIREC’s efforts in promoting harmony and
said the House is ready to support practical recommendations that emerge from
the meeting.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator
George Akume, highlighted the impact of internal security challenges and
declining public trust.
He said Nigeria also faces misrepresentation abroad, often
driven by distorted narratives about its security situation.
Akume assured that government would continue to prioritise
citizens’ safety, urging religious and traditional leaders to work together to
strengthen peace efforts.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described insecurity
as a major threat to Nigeria’s coexistence, calling for deeper cooperation
between government and faith-based organisations.
He said religious institutions have the reach and
credibility needed to support peace building across communities.
NIREC Executive Secretary, Rev. Fr. Cornelius Omonokhua,
stressed the need for coordinated action against terrorism and banditry, saying
every Nigerian life must be protected.
He called for national unity, behavioural change, and
renewed commitment to shared values.
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