President Goodluck Jonathan has called on all Nigerians, irrespective of their creed or status, to desist from making inciting and inflammatory statements capable of causing disharmony and breach of the peace in the country.
The president made this call on Monday, in Abuja, when he declared open a two-day roundtable with Special Advisers on Religious Affairs from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT.)
The meeting with the theme: ‘‘Towards Synergising and Interfacing in the Religious Sectors for National Development,’’ was organised by the offices of the Senior Special Assistants to the President on Islamic and Christian Matters.
Accordingly, he said, “We should continue to assist government with prayers and positive counselling and desist from making inciting statements and comments capable of causing disharmony and breach of the peace. It should be noted that, by the teaching of our faiths, we shall all account for our deeds in the hereafter. I, therefore, admonish you to live by example always and to do good for the development of our country and humanity.”
The president, represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, noted that without peace, there would be no meaningful development. He also stressed that his administration would not be deterred by the lawless acts of insurgents.
“We are working round-the-clock to transform all facets of our socio-economic and political lives. Let me reiterate that we remain resolute in our quest to provide positive development to Nigerians, anchored on peace and harmony. We equally remain unwavering in our commitment to bringing an end to the security challenges confronting our dear nation,” he said.
President Jonathan said in recognition of the importance of religion in national development, his administration had accorded it its rightful place at the highest level of government by creating the two offices of the Senior Special assistants on Islamic and Christian Affairs.
“Religion is a guide to mankind. We must, therefore, apply it as a guiding light against the backdrop of all the problems surrounding us. Religion must bring out the best in us. We must use it toward conflict resolution, sustainable peace and the establishment of a just and egalitarian society.”
The president, while lauding his two assistants for spearheading the conference, called on the participants to “strive towards promoting inter-religious harmony and dialogue at all times for peace and development to thrive.
Source: Tribune
