NHRC, groups partner to tackle religious extremism

The National Human Rights Commission and other faith-based groups in the country, on Tuesday, came together to set an agenda on how to tackle religious extremism and enhance the rights of beliefs and worship of all citizens.

The NHRC in partnership with The Kukah Centre and NASFAT, at a project tagged “Freedom of religion and belief in Nigeria” which was held in Abuja, called for peaceful coexistence and reduction of hate among the two major religions in the country- Christianity and Islam.

In his remarks, the NHRC Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu (SAN), said religion was a sensitive and sacred matter in the country that should be handled with utmost respect and profound regard for the adherents.

He noted that the major religions practised in Nigeria preach peace and love which makes it unexplainable when cases of religious violence and attacks arise.

He called for religious tolerance and the beliefs of others as anything contrary to that would be inimical to peaceful coexistence and by extension, national development.

Ojukwu said, “Interestingly, the two major religions in Nigeria Islam and Christianity preach peace, togetherness, and love for one’s neighbors and fellow citizens and I do not think that it is different with the traditional worshippers.

“One therefore wonders why our dear country has continued to witness avoidable cases of religious intolerance, which in some cases led to the killing of innocent citizens and the destruction of valuable properties with reckless abandon.

“In the light of the above, the National Human Rights Commission as the custodian of all human rights in Nigeria which encompasses the right to freedom of religion and belief is using this opportunity to once again appeal to the conscience of citizens, that there is no gain in fanning the embers of discrimination and hatred for any religion.”

The Executive Director of the Kukah Centre, Reverend Dr. Hassan Kukah, reiterated the need to promote the fundamental human right of freedom of religion and beliefs in Nigeria.

He noted that there is work to be done in achieving this feat.

He stressed the urgent need to address the challenge of perceived injustice to pave the way for a peaceful and tolerant society.

The chairman of the NASFAT society, FCT Zone, Dr Nasiru Mustapha, represented by the vice-chairman, Lateef Yusuf, noted that violations of religions in Nigeria must be avoided, identified or mitigated before they become a monster item of visibility in the country.

He also stressed that extremism in religion must be guided against.

Also speaking, the country representative for the International Dialogue Centre, Dr Joseph Akpan, called for research and investigation into the root causes of religious violence and discrimination.

He said this would help to understand the sociological, economic, and historical factors contributing to religious conflict which will in turn give a deeper understanding essential for creating solutions and policies.

The president of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by Habeeb Ibrahim, called for acceptance and respect for other religions and cultures.

He explained that every man has been given free will by the creator which makes religion a matter of choice, emphasising that no religion is superior to another.

The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Arch Bishop David Okoh, said the diversity in beliefs, religion, and culture as we have it in Nigeria should be seen as a blessing rather than a minus.

He urged Nigerians to be tolerant of one another.

The event also marked the unveiling and public presentation of a survey report conducted by the Kukah Centre on freedom of Religion and belief in Nigeria.

Recommendations from the survey among others called for the need to promote dialogue of life and strength, constitutional provisions, and other institutions.

The survey also recommends enhanced community-led initiatives aimed at raising awareness to promote religious tolerance.