He stated this on Wednesday at the opening of the 2025 triennial meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, NIREC, in Abuja.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has reaffirmed that Christians should not be subjected to Sharia law or any court processes intended exclusively 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.
1SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER NOW
Support MATAZ ARISING’ journalism of integrity and credibility.
Good journalism ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
We ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
TEXT AD: To advertise here – Email ad@matazarising.com
LATEST POSTS
-
Afrophobia: Should Nigeria ask South African companies to leave?
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Monday Lines 2 Afrophobia: Should Nigeria ask South African companies to leave? By Lasisi Olagunju (Published in the Nigerian Tribune on Monday, 6 July, 2026). Jacob Zuma was President of South Africa when he declared on October 21, 2013 that South Africa should not “think like Africans in Africa, generally.” The remark,…
-
Why I did not take Brazil’s penalty against Norway – Vinicius
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Brazil’s hopes of ending their long wait for World Cup glory came to a painful end after a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16, with Erling Haaland scoring twice to eliminate the five-time champions. The aftermath of the defeat was dominated by questions over why Vinicius Júnior did not…
-
Blatter questions ‘political power’ after Trump’s FIFA phone call
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Disgraced former FIFA president Sepp Blatter said on Monday he questioned the football governing body’s decision to suspend US striker Folarin Balogun’s red card ban. Sources told AFP US President Donald Trump had called FIFA’s current chief Gianni Infantino to ask FIFA to review Balogun’s automatic one-game suspension. The 25-year-old is now…
