The Nigerian Muslim Ummah, under the leadership of the President-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has congratulated the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN His Eminence, Archbishop Daniel Okoh and all Nigerian Christians on the auspicious occasion of Easter.
CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO CAN ON EASTERhttps://t.co/qlo9CBDEYz
— NSCIA — Islamic Affairs (@NSCIAng) April 9, 2023
In a statement signed by the NSCIA’s Deputy Secretary-General, Professor Salisu Shehu, the council prayed that the Easter celebration serves as a springboard for spiritual renewal, religious re-awakening and general rebirth for Nigerian Christians
“As a religious festival commemorating a significant landmark in Christianity, Easter serves as a springboard for spiritual renewal, religious re-awakening and general rebirth. It is our hope and prayer that this spirit of re-awakening and rebirth will continue to define our national course especially as we look forward to a new leadership in Nigeria.”
NSCIA also called for cooperation between the two religions to admonish and discourage those religious leaders that are preaching hate to their followers.
“As a people of faith united by our father, Abraham, the recent history of our dear nation and faith communities are being threatened by the machinations of politicians. These digressions can only be attributed to the handiwork of the devil, whose guile is ultimately weak indeed (Qur’an 4:47). Easter serves as another opportunity to redirect our attention to our shared values and ideals of fasting, love, prayer, penance and cooperation.
Specifically, Your Eminence, the Nigerian Muslim Ummah would therefore appreciate that you leverage your committed leadership to partner with the NSCIA to guide, admonish and discourage our Pastors and Imams, from desecrating their pulpits with political partisanship and hate speech.
The Nigerian Muslim Ummah wishes you many happy returns of the seasons. We also wish you and ourselves a renewed commitment to holiness and righteousness to the glory of God and the greatness of our beloved country”.