President Muhamadu Buhari on Thursday assured the Sultan Of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar that his administration would always promote religious harmony in the country.
Buhari made the submission when he hosted the leadership of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), led by the Sultan who were in the Aso Rock presidential villa on a courtesy visit to the President.
He assured that his administration won’t allow religious prejudice to affect its policies and operations or its constitutional responsibility to Nigerians.
Preaching unity and love, Buhari promised that his government “will continue to promote religious freedom as it is a constitutional responsibility. I must thank the Muslim ummah for promoting inter-religious dialogue in the country. It is self-evident that if the country must work, we must continue to work together in spite of our ethnic, religious and political differences because Nigeria is our collective project.”
“Accordingly, the Federal Government under my leadership does not and will not allow religious prejudice or partisanship to influence any of its decisions and policies. It is my solemn decision to be fair and just to all segments of society.”
Speaking on the insecurity in the nation, the President assured that all efforts are being deployed to ensure the challenges are brought to the barest minimum, noting that security is a long-term issue and called for the cooperation of all stakeholders in ensuring the success of the security forces.
“The Federal Government has worked tirelessly to combat insecurity and other challenges that are confronting the country. Security is a protracted problem but we are not relenting in our efforts. Not only are we equipping the military, we are also boosting their morale to perform their constitutional duties without undue interference. We are also encouraging locales to enhance their intelligence gathering and timely remitting to the security Agencies.”
“I acknowledge that security is the first responsibility of Government but Government cannot do it alone. It requires stakeholders, such as yourselves. Therefore, I urge you to lend your support to the security agencies by providing information that may stem the tide of crimes and insecurity in the society.”
On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto warned religious leaders against making incitive statements and urged the government to do more in dealing with insecurity in all parts of the country.
Earlier, President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday met with the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar.
The closed-door meeting took place in the Executive Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.
