July 16, 2010

Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar said Muslims and Christians must work together to establish an inter-faith regime that shall serve as a true model to the rest of the world.

Abubakar, who is also the President-General of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Co-Chairman, Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), said this at the quarterly meeting of NIREC in Owerri, Imo State.

He said, "Nothing is impossible with God's assistance and with the hard work, sincerity, perseverance and sacrifice of the nation's stakeholders." Sultan Abubakar said NIREC must not relent in its efforts to contribute its quota to the emergence of a peaceful, vibrant and prosperous Nigeria, stating that all Nigerians must toy with the need for peace, stability and mutual co-existence.

"We must take the bull by the horn and move forward with courage and determination, to build on the achievements we have recorded in the last few years and to continue to strengthen the bases of our collective existence.

"We must also endeavour to put the skeptics to shame and work together to establish an inter-faith regime," he said.

The Sultan, who used the occasion to hail the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for conducting its national elections in an atmosphere of peace, amity and cordiality, congratulated the new CAN President and Co-Chairman of NIREC Pastor Ayodele Joseph Oritsejafor.

He expressed hope that "the new CAN President will marshal his irrepressible energy, his incisive knowledge and his vast organizational experiences to sustain the current vigour and momentum in the inter-religious relations in Nigeria and to move NIREC to even greater heights." The Sultan also expressed gratitude to the former CAN President Archbishop John Onaiyekan for being ‘a leader of great honor and dignity, who is forthright in his views, honest and sincere in his commitment and who always stood on the side of truth and justice.'

He said the inter-religious group is looking forward to enjoying his wise counsels, invaluable contribution and active participation in NIREC, as it faces the challenges of peace, understanding and development for Nigerians. The NSCIA President praised Imo State Governor Ikedi Ohakim for his efforts to engender peace and progress and safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians wherever they may decide to reside in the legitimate pursuit of their socio-economic activities.

Islamic Society of North America