Dare Babalola
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has stated that it is wrong for Christians to be subjected to Sharia law or dragged before a Sharia court.
He made this statement on Wednesday at the opening of the 2025 triennial meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Abuja, themed “Collaboration of Inter-Religious Council with Government to Promote Peace in Nigeria.”
Abubakar emphasized that Sharia law is exclusively for Muslims, advising against making Christians adopt Muslim dress or prayer practices.
He noted that Nigeria is more of a multi-religious country than a secular state, with the government supporting the development of both Islam and Christianity without adopting either as a state religion.
Speaking against recent calls for the abolition of Sharia law, the Sultan said Nigeria allows the practice of all religions without external interference.
Also at the event, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, called for deeper collaboration between NIREC and the Federal Government to strengthen peace-building efforts and counter rising insecurity. He described the gathering as significant amid threats from violent extremists exploiting religious sentiments.
“It signifies the need for more synergy between the council and the government, and for concerted efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence between people of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds.
“I look forward to the actionable plans that the council will propose at this meeting, and promise legislative support for their implementation.
“We must challenge stereotypes and show that the negative narrative on inter-religious relations in our country, especially the story of genocide against members of a particular religion, is false and misleading,” he said.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, acknowledged the country’s challenges, including security issues, political rhetoric, and degraded trust.
He noted international pressure on Nigeria due to mischaracterizations of the security situation, assuring that the Federal Government would prioritize citizens’ welfare and security.
“We have survived past crises, including a grueling civil war and emerged with a renewed commitment to unity in diversity.
“Our independence and sovereignty are non-negotiable, and we cannot allow terror or division to sink the ship of state.
“It is precisely at times like this that NIREC, and indeed, all well-meaning Nigerians must come together to promote peace through collaboration,” he said.
The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, urged increased collaboration between faith-based organizations and the government to tackle insecurity. He described Nigeria’s situation as critical, with faith institutions holding potential for strengthening security and peace.
Earlier, NIREC’s Executive Secretary, Rev. Fr. Cornelius Omonokhua, stressed the importance of collaboration to defeat terrorism and banditry, saying every human life is precious. He prayed for leaders’ guidance, criminals’ repentance, and a shift to positive values among Nigerians.
