The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, stressed that Sharia law should not be imposed on non‑Muslims in Nigeria, underscoring the need to respect the country’s multi‑religious character. Speaking at the 2025 triennial meeting of the Nigeria Inter‑Religious Council (NIREC) in Abuja, he affirmed that Sharia is intended solely for Muslims and must not be applied to non‑Muslims in any form, including dress or religious practice. He reminded the audience that Nigeria operates as a multi‑religious nation, with the government supporting the growth of both major religions without adopting any as a state religion.
Abubakar’s remarks came amid recent calls to abolish Sharia. He urged leaders to avoid actions that could inflame religious tension and emphasized that Nigerians are free to practice their faith without interference. The meeting, themed “Collaboration of Inter‑Religious Council with Government to Promote Peace in Nigeria,” also featured addresses from other prominent figures.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, called for 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, praised NIREC’s efforts in promoting harmony, and expressed the House’s readiness to support practical recommendations emerging from the meeting.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, highlighted the impact of internal security challenges and declining public trust, noting how distorted narratives about Nigeria’s security situation misrepresent the country abroad. He assured that the government would continue to prioritize citizens’ safety and urged religious and traditional leaders to work together to strengthen peace efforts.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described insecurity as a major threat to Nigeria’s coexistence and called for deeper cooperation between the government and faith‑based organizations. NIREC Executive Secretary, Rev. Fr. Cornelius Omonokhua, stressed the need for coordinated action against terrorism and banditry, emphasizing that every Nigerian life must be protected. He called for national unity, behavioral change, and a renewed commitment to shared values.
The gathering underscored the importance of inter‑religious collaboration and government support in promoting peace and security across Nigeria.
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