A group known as the Friends of Jagaban (FOJ) has called for religious tolerance among Nigerians in order to engender progress for the country, especially as the 2023 general elections approach.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Coordinator of the group, Engr Funsho Abdul, in a briefing in Abuja, urged Nigerians to eschew ethno-religious messages which are inimical to the development and peaceful co-existence of Nigeria.
Abdul said the nation is at crossroads especially as elections are fast approaching and therefore, yearning for tolerance and unity.
He said, “Religion holds a very special place in our lives first as human beings but particularly as Nigerians, and this is exemplified in our dedication, commitment, jealousy and indeed, untold protection of the values religion imbues in us.
“However, we all belong to different religious persuasions and in recent times, this has become a point of discord, distrust, and indeed, acrimony among us.
“This is notwithstanding the fact that we all belong together to one family, Nigeria and this familial connection should before any other thing be our uniting factor as this is the only way we can progress in our lifetimes and also leave a legacy of growth and development for our children, born and unborn. United it is said, we stand and divided, we fall. In order for us to continually stand strong in the comity of nations, we are in dire need of religious tolerance in this country. We have no better choice than to stick together as a nation, one great nation, Nigeria.
“We here in Nigeria have coexisted for a long in-spite of our diverse socio-cultural beliefs and religious backgrounds. It is evident that our nation is at crossroads especially as elections are fast approaching and therefore, yearning for tolerance and unity.”
“Today, our political atmosphere is shrouded with ethnoreligious differences which has become a threat to our harmonious coexistence but looking at our elites, their goal is the survival of a one Nigeria where they will continue to feast on the rich resources meaning that their interest is common and permanent. They unite at different levels to push for their class interests eg. National Assembly, Federal Executive Council, National Economic Council, Council of States, Nigerian Governors Forum, PDP Governors Forum, Progressive Governors Forum, Northern Governors Forum, Nigerian Speakers Forum, Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum among many fora where both Christians and Muslims adherents are membership of.
“You will be astonished to note that these groups of leaders have never in the history of this country fought within themselves on the basis of the religion they claim to profess. If Nigeria is to continue to exist after our generation, we must learn from our elites who keep Nigeria one and have enjoyed its existence to the letter.
“At this critical juncture, distinguished Nigerians, it is imperative for every Young Nigerian to think very deeply before making their choice of leaders. As a group, we, the “ Followers of Jagaban” are solidly behind Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his political sagacity which is evident across the length and breadth of our dear country. Human development and developmental achievements are his cores. He has been doing all these without ethic, cultural or religion biases, there are Muslims and Christians, even in his first family. We can be rest assured that we shall all be carried along.
“The Jagaban of Borgu is the only Presidential candidate with the widest acceptability within and outside the country. He is the only one who knows what to do to put an end to insecurity and stabilize the economy.
“We therefore urge other Supporters to focus on what candidates have to offer to salvage our dear country and eschew ethno- religious messages which is inimical to the development and peaceful co- existence of Nigeria.”
Also speaking, an executive committee member of the group and lawyer, Lookman Alawaye, urged that as the elections approach, Nigerians should not base the choice of their candidates on religion but on who can make the country better for everyone.