Rivalry between Muslims, Christians risky for Nigeria —ASONWA

Bible and Quran
THE rivalry between the two main religions in the country – Islam and Christianity – is unhealthy and uncalled-for, the Alasalatu Society of Nigeria and West Africa (ASONWA), Abeokuta, Ogun State, has said.



The group advised religious institutions and groups to justify their relevance in the body politic by being proactive in addressing the multiple challenges facing the nation rather than complicating them.

ASONWA, in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Alhaji Kamaldeen Akintunde, noted that Islam and Christianity advocate love, peace, harmony and unity and as such, the adherents should imbibe the teachings of their holy books.
According to the group, doctrinal differences should not cause disaffection between the followers of the two religions as no citizen, in Nigeria’s legal system, is under any compulsion to practice a particular faith.

ASONWA described fairness, justice, equity, honesty, and righteousness as critical to the achievement of peaceful coexistence and then urged the political leaders to ensure good governance and national unity.

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The government, it said, should take more drastic actions against hate speech, separatist tendencies and all forms of hostility which might constitute a threat to the next general election.

It enjoined regional interest groups to pursue pragmatic, realistic, genuine and national-oriented goals rather than parochial motives capable of undermining Nigeria’s unity and progress.

ASONWA urged insurgent groups in the country to embrace dialogue, just as it implored the Federal Government to address genuine concerns about restructuring as a way to achieve a united Nigeria.