Vanguardngr:
Terrorism has nothing to do with Islam, says Jonathan
Abuja – President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday in Abuja
restated that the activities of terrorist groups across the world
had nothing to do with Islam.
The president stated this when a delegation of the Muslim
community led by Vice President Namadi Sambo paid him
Sallah homage at his official residence in the Presidential Villa.
Jonathan maintained that there was nothing Islamic about the
atrocities being perpetrated by Boko Haram in Nigeria or
Islamic State (ISIS) militants in Iraq who claimed to be fighting
for the propagation of Islam.
“What is happening
globally now has no
religious basis. Only
yesterday, a British aid
worker was slaughtered by
ISIS and that is not Islamic.
“Boko Haram killing
innocent children and
women in market places,
in mosques and schools
definitely has nothing to
do with religion,” he said.
The president noted that
this year’s Sallah
celebration was significant,
citing certain natural
coincidences which,
according to him, showed
that something good was
happening to Nigeria.
“This year is quite significant in terms of celebration of Sallah,
because the Day of Arafat coincided with a Friday, and from
what I was told it takes a long time to have that coincidence.
“And remembering the fact that 2014 is our centenary year, it
shows that something good is happening to this country.
“We may have our challenges as other nations, but when
things begin to happen in a particular way, I begin to see light
at the end of the tunnel.
“A number of things that have to do with our belief system
suppose to encourage us to see our neighbours as ourselves,’’
he said.
While congratulating Muslims all over the world, the president
urged them to use the period to seek God’s mercy for those
hiding behind religion to perpetrate evil.
He restated his belief in Nigeria, emphasising that the country
had a lot to offer not only to its citizens but also to the entire
world.
“Whatever obstacles we see are very ephemeral and part of
history of nation building.
“If you read the history of all nations, there is no nation that
does not pass through some challenges.
“But, they got over them and moved ahead; I think we are
getting over our problems,’’ he said.
Earlier, the vice president had prayed for peace and unity in
the country.
He also prayed that Allah would grant the president the
strength, wisdom and good health to lead the country out of
its current challenges.
Among the vice president’s entourage were the National
Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki; the Acting Inspector
General of Police, Mr Suleiman Abba, and former Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Bello Haliru.
Others included Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican
Communion), the Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh; former Speaker of
the House of Representatives, Alhaji Ghali Na’Abba, the
Deputy Chief Imam of Federal Capital Territory, Sheik Ahmed
Onilewura.
The Day of Arafat falls on the 2nd day of pilgrimage activities
in Saudi Arabia.
On this day, the pilgrims make their way from Mecca to a
nearby hillside, Arafat, to pray for peace.