President Goodluck Jonathan has
condemned the use of religion to
justify violence against Nigerians
saying that to consolidate growth and
prosperity as a nation, there is need for
dialogue, understanding as well as
appreciation of our differences.
Jonathan spoke in Sokoto yesterday at
an international conference on “Islam
and Fundamentals of Peaceful Co-
existence in Nigeria,”jointly organised
by the Sokoto State Government and
World Muslim League.

Jonathan who was represented on the
occasion by the Vice President,
Mohammed Namadi Sambo, spoke
against the backdrop of the violent
campaign by the Boko Haram Islamic
sect to impose Islam on the country
and introduce Sharia as a way of life for
the people.
This was just as the Sultan of Sokoto,
Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar 111 lamented
that, the problem in the country was
not because we were different set of
people but because we had deviated
from the true paths of such religions.
Jonathan said, “We must do everything
in our powers to ensure that religion is
neither misused nor abused to justify
violence. Our young people must be
shielded from teachings which will take
them down the path of violence and
hatred.
”We have grown to respect and
appreciate our faith and beliefs. We
have also grown to acknowledge that
our strength as individuals and as a
nation lies in understanding and
appreciating our differences. We
cannot now relent. We must also guard
against individuals who use faith as an
excuse to emphasise our differences.
Fundamental to this objective is the
conduct and teachings of clerics and
Imams at the grass root levels.
Wherever misguided doctrines and
sectarian bias may be introduced
deliberately or in error, there should
exist a monitoring or peer review
mechanism by senior clerics,
established organisations or well-
meaning individuals to rectify such
deviations in time without rancour.
”This is very important because the
local clerics exert influence, especially
on our children and the youth.”
He also said that the Federal
government had continued to promote
religious harmony “by constantly
engaging the Nigeria Inter-Religious
Council, NIREC, jointly chaired by the
Sultan of Sokoto and the President of
the Christian Association of Nigeria and
by taking their advice seriously.
”Through pragmatic ventures, such as
the fast expanding indigent children
programme, also known as the Almajiri
Integrated Education Programme, the
Federal Government, in partnership
with state governments and Islamic
organisations, is making progress in
providing quality education at the
grass-root and giving opportunity to
every Nigerian to have good education.
”I call on all believers to reject
religious-motivated violence, advance
tolerance and promote mutual
understanding. We must emphasise on
the imperatives of dialogue as the
bedrock of our efforts to sustain peace
and advance development. Religion
can and should be a fountain of
solutions rather than a source of
conflict,” he added.
Jonathan further stressed that
Nigerians as individuals should not
relent in understanding and
appreciating their differences, pointing
out that as a ,Nigerians had overcome
several challenges in the past and
moved forward with joint commitment
for a better future, adding that, to
consolidate growth and prosperity as a
nation, dialogue, religious
understanding and tolerance, rather
than confrontation, must continue to
guide citizens’ collective and corporate
existence.
The conference theme, he added, was
not only relevant but represented the
reinforcement of government’s
consistent efforts to promote inter-
religious dialogue and harmony.
”It also greatly underscores our
unwavering commitment to the
stability and unity of our nation in the
face of difficult security challenges in
some parts of our country, perpetrated
mostly under religious guise,” he
added, and commended Sokoto State
government and the World Muslim
League for the joint initiative.
In his speech, Governor Magatakarda
Wamakko stated that the conference
was aimed at discussing peaceful co-
existence in the country.
”The gathering vividly mirrors the
invaluable sacrifices by our forefathers
in the development of human
civilisation and ensuring peaceful
coexistence.
”We have no reason whatsoever to
adopt violence in advancing any
course. We both individually and
collectively have the duty of upholding
the tenets of our religion, which are all
opposed to violence at all times,”
Wamakko added, pointing out that
dialogue and not violence was
prescribed in the Qur’an and Bible for
both Muslims and Christians; and which
the two world’s most famous religions
propagate.
Also speaking, Sultan Abubakar
explained the reason for the
conference as being aimed at peaceful
co-existence between Christians and
Muslims in the country.
Abubakar further spoke of the need for
unity of Muslims regardless of sect.
“What we need is a strong purpose of
commitment to the ideals of our major
religions. As Muslims you must stand by
the tenets and teachings of Islam. Let
us do the right thing always.
”We have problems not because we
are a different set of people. We have
problems because we have deviated
from the true paths of our religions as
Muslims and Christians. We must go
back to our books and follow the
teachings of our leader and always do
the right thing,” he said, even as the
Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Shehu
Galadanchi stated that the conference
was timely in view of the need for
peaceful co-existence between
adherents of different religions.
“Islam promotes security and this
conference will find the best solution to
the problem of insecurity.”
Furthermore, the Secretary General of
the World Muslim League, Dr. Abdallah
Al-Mohsen Al-Turki asked leaders to
consider dealing with problems being
faced by the people.
”Leaders should ponder on the major
problems that are facing their followers
and shun decisions that could endanger
the lives of the people,” he said.
LINK:
www.vanguardngr.com/2013/03/jonathan-to-terrorists-stop-using-religion-to-justify-violence/

Enough warnings Mr. President. What we need is expedite their 'terrorist' soul to the great beyond so they can claim 77 fvcking virgins promised them by their religion of 'piss' leader....

Burger01: Enough warnings Mr. President. What we need is expedite their 'terrorist' soul to the great beyond so they can claim 77 fvcking virgins promised them by their religion of 'piss' leader....

lame where did you see 77 virgins in the holy qur'an?If you dont have anything 2 say,just shut ur poo mouth.

Abdul Adam56: lame where did you see 77 virgins in the holy qur'an?If you dont have anything 2 say,just shut ur poo mouth.

Oh my bad then. How many virgins were they promised?. Are you relating that 'book' with terrorism?..

72 virgins Their prick go pill