The Commandant-General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Muhammadu Gana, has called on Muslims and Christians to live in peace and harmony to ensure national development.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Mr Emmanuel Okeh, on Monday in Abuja.
It said Gana made the call when he hosted the Faith Watch Summit for the two religions – Islam and Christianity, held at the Civil Defence College Academy Hall, Sauka, Abuja.
He was represented by Acting Deputy Commandant-General, Critical Infrastructure, Dr Emmanuel Adeoye.
“As a Security Outfit of Government, We in the NSCDC owe it a duty to within the purview of the Law, do everything to ensure security, peace and harmony of the citizenry.
“This epoch making gathering is an eloquent testimony to this vision.
“Today, Nigeria as a nation is being plagued by several security threats such as terrorism, armed robbery and kidnapping, religious extremism, vandalism of National Assets and Infrastructure, corruption and impunity and other social vices,’’ he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit was convened at the instance of the Inter-religious organisations in conjunction with NSCDC to focus on ways to de-escalate the progression of conflicts brought about by religious intolerance, hate sermons and lack of mutual religious respect.
It said that the principal goal was to enhance the impact of religious understanding for national security and development.
Speaking at the Occasion, Rev. Yusufu Obaje said peaceful co-existence was a divine imperative planned by God himself.
“It is a divine decree of the Almighty God that all His creation should live together because the human nature warrants for we depend on each other.
“We need a culture of spiritual rebirth. God gave us these religions as a means to worship Him, but it should not be turned into tool of destruction,’’ he said.
Also speaking, Malam Ibrahim Jega, the Executive Secretary, National Mosque Management Board, said that once wrong acts were committed, it should not be attributed to either Islam or Christianity.
Jega said that those acts should be seen from the individual or groups perpetrating those nefarious acts, saying that Boko Haram and other terrorist organisations were all on their own.
“Understanding is key for Christians and Muslims to enable each other know why each behave the way they do, thus, leading to appreciating each other,’’ he said.
He urged media organisations to desist from sensational news reporting, and be objective in their reportage. (NAN)
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