He congratulated the Christian faithful on the completion of the 40-day lenten period, saying their prayers, during the period and beyond, would aid the continued actualisation of the laudable goals of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

In a goodwill message, signed by the Director of his Media Office, Ohiare Michael, on Saturday, the former governor emphasised the significance of the season, noting that the lessons “transcend religious and cultural boundaries and serve as the bedrock of harmonious coexistence.”

He specifically commended the harmonious relationship between Christians in Kogi State and adherents of other faiths, and urged the people of Kogi to continue to support the administration of his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, in delivering the dividends of democracy to everyone, irrespective of religion or ethnicity.

READ ALSO: Building collapse: Casualty figure increases, one more rescued

The former governor, who is widely commended for the legacy of promoting interfaith harmony and inclusivity during his tenure, exemplified by the construction of a chapel in the Kogi Government House, urged all Christians to be guided by the timeless values of peace, compassion and unity preached by the season.

He prayed for God’s continued guidance and protection over the nation and its leadership and urged Nigerians to work together towards a brighter future for all.

The former governor, Bello, enjoined Nigerians to continue to support the administration of President Tinubu, stating that “the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done a lot to turn the economy around in a very short period.”

“We must first recognise this as the administration consolidates on the gains and strives to achieve every aspect of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“I wish all Christians a joyous Easter celebration and pray for lasting peace and progress in our dear nation,” the former governor said.

The post Easter: Yahaya Bello rejoices with Christians, preaches peace appeared first on Frontpageng.

About four weeks ago, a video footage emerged showing a Muslim schoolgirl at St. Barnabas College Ilorin alighting from a motorcycle and quickly removing her hijaab and tucking same in her school bag. The bike man who took her there asked why she did so and the student said she is not allowed to wear the hijaab within the school compound. The bike man goaded the girl to wear her hijaab. The poor girl hearkened to the voice of the okada man and entered the school with her hijaab. True to her fears, a teacher ordered her to remove it, and there started a shouting match (between the bike man and the teacher). The domino effect of the St. Barnabas incident was quickly felt in far-away Baptist School in Surulere suburb of Ilorin. At the Baptist School, the Muslims in their hundreds said they have had enough of ‘this humiliation’ and the Christians insisted there was not going to be hijaab. Both sides stood their grounds. Tension was at fever pitch. Bloodshed was imminent. Myself, the Permanent Secretary (Education), and the two Special Assistants to the Governor on Religion (Islam and Christians) had a hard time convincing the Muslims to vacate the entrance of the Baptist College. They finally left with a condition: these schools will not open unless their children are allowed to use their hijaab as had been proclaimed by the court. Those who questioned government’s decision to shut down those schools a few weeks ago clearly missed this point or were playing cheap politics with a serious matter of state.

Nonetheless, the hijaab question had become a bad news that would never get better with time — and the recent tension has shown just that.

St. Barnabas and Baptist School are two of the schools acquired through the Yakubu Gowon Decree of 1974 and run by the state government. They have the same antecedents as the Ansarul Islam Secondary School Ilorin. Both had their roots in faith-based organisations. However, both, like others in their categories, are categorised as public schools and are subject to the laws of Kwara State. Per the judgments of the two courts of record, their names do not, in the law of Kwara State, suggest ownership. Rather, the names keep the fond memories of their founders. So the education law of Kwara State makes them (public schools) pluralistic in nature, mandated to admit students and have teachers from various backgrounds. They are ordinarily disallowed from having discriminatory rules. Their teachers are recruited, promoted, disciplined, and paid pensions and gratuities by the government. Yet these schools had certain rules that are deemed inconsistent with the law, fuelling resentments and pent-up anger as the two incidents above typified. One of those (informal) rules dating back to 2008 is the one implicitly banning hijaab. A major takeaway in the Lagos hijaab judgment was the position of the judges (including three Christians) that no government rules or circular shall supersede the provisions of the Nigerian constitutions.

There are several theories about the intention of the unidentified bike man who stoke the fire at St. Barnabas. However, his action, the reaction of the teacher at the school, and the reverberating effects it had elsewhere in Ilorin pointed at a town waiting to explode unless an official position is taken. This is especially important in the light of recent court judgments concerning the hijaab. A coterie of former government officials have gloated about how they smoothly managed the hijaab situation without a rancour. A few clarifications: as of 2008, the Christians had not gone to the court to seek return of ‘missionary schools’ and ask that court should disallow hijaab in the schools. The Muslims, in principle, had no judgment to hang onto. In the case of former Governor Ahmed, there was a judgment of the High Court rejecting the position of the Christians on school ownership and declaring the hijaab as a fundamental human rights of the Muslim schoolgirl. The administration did nothing. It simply balked at the issue and postponed the evil day, of course fuelling anger. The matter went to the Appeal Court, which upheld the position of the lower court on school ownership and the hijaab right. The Muslim community felt the administration was being unfair and irresponsible to deny their children the enforcement of the judgment of the Appeal Court. They cited the declaratory nature of the hijaab judgment and a need for the government to implement the law, particularly in the face of the developments at St. Barnabas and Baptist School.

Precedents across Nigeria do not favour government refusing to take a position on the hijaab question. Contentions about status quo on the question of hijaab have since been resolved in the Lagos case. Despite having a pending appeal at the Supreme Court, the Lagos government had since approved the use of the hijaab in all its schools in compliance with the 2016 judgment of the Court of Appeal. In a circular referenced ED/DISTVI/CCST/HI/14/I/63 and issued by Tutor-General O.A. Olukoya, the Lagos State Government graciously stated: ‘Since the case of the use of hijaab in Lagos is still pending in the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the status quo should be maintained to avoid contempt of court. That is, students should be allowed to wear hijaab on school uniforms.’ So those asking the government to maintain the status quo are invited to note what it means on the hijaab.

The government is unhappy at the turn of events with tensions on both sides and our people almost having a go at one another. Nonetheless, the hijaab question had become a bad news that would never get better with time — and the recent tension has shown just that. Pretending it does not exist or it does not matter is simply postponing the evil day. The difficult decision of the administration to allow the hijaab for any willing Muslim girl child is a matter of law, human rights, diversity, personal choice, and mutual respect. Anything short of that is simply playing the ostrich. It is only a matter of time before the bubble bursts.

The hijaab decision was definitely not an easy one for the government to take. It was taken after weeks of peace talks, stakeholders’ meetings with all the sides, and daily consultations with religious and interest groups hosted by the Governor himself.

The reopening of the school on Wednesday was a necessity for our children not to miss out on the registration for the external West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). The deadline is Friday March 18, although the government has now written to the WAEC to grant it extension. This was made clear to all the stakeholders, with appeals made for them to consider the children.

Notwithstanding its two court victories on the ownership of the schools, the government has similarly acknowledged the request of the Christian leaders for a return of schools acquired in 1974. In the statement announcing approval of the hijaab for any willing Muslim schoolgirl, the government said it would set up a panel to consider the request alongside different models adopted elsewhere and then weigh same against Kwara peculiarities before a decision is reached. That option is sincerely still on the table and a win-win outcome is always within reach, while the government continues its peace talks with all the sides.

The hijaab decision was definitely not an easy one for the government to take. It was taken after weeks of peace talks, stakeholders’ meetings with all the sides, and daily consultations with religious and interest groups hosted by the Governor himself. This position was taken with the long-term interest of all of our people fully considered and to disallow a conflagration that will not discriminate between Christians and Muslims. This is why the government continues to appeal to every side to see the bigger picture and not fight over personal choice. And as far as this is concerned, there is no victor or vanquished.

• Ajakaye is Chief Press Secretary, CPS, to the Governor of Kwara State

The post Hijaab in Kwara: Bad news doesn’t get better with time, By Rafiu Ajakaye appeared first on Frontpageng.

He pointed out that ensuring security remained a segment of his administration’s three point agenda.

The president made the commitment on Thursday in a message to Nigerians on the occasion of Christmas.

He appealed to Nigerians to give the military and other security agencies more time, cooperation and support by volunteering credible intelligence/information on activities of armed bandits, insurgents and other criminal elements within their communities in order to put an end to the state of security.

He also spoke about the need for Nigerians to strictly adhere to COVID-19 protocols in order to prevent the spread of the disease.

Below is the full statement of the president.

PRESIDENT BUHARI’S 2020 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE TO NIGERIANS

I felicitate with our Christian brothers and sisters in particular and all Nigerians in general on this joyous occasion of Christmas 2020, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.

In Christendom, Christmas season represents joy, peace, hope, love, goodwill and imminent salvation. These worthy values which Jesus’ Advent symbolize, are very much needed in our country at this time when we are confronted with diverse challenges like rising spate of armed banditry, kidnappings, insurgency, economic recession and upsurge of COVID-19 infections.

I wish to, therefore, enjoin fellow compatriots to appropriate the hope that comes with Christmas and reinvest trust in this Administration’s determination and unwavering commitment to restore peace, security and prosperity to our dear country.

Under my watch, the Federal Government will continue to provide the needed support within available resources to the gallant members of our armed forces and security agencies as they confront threats to our citizens. While I commend them for their efforts so far, I urge them to do more to checkmate increasing incidents of security threats especially in the northern parts of the country as well as the entire nation in varying degrees. Their display of tact, camaraderie, and expertise that led to the recent return of abducted schoolboys of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, will remain a milestone in the annals of the country.

For me, providing security for all residents in the country remains an article of faith. It formed a vital segment of this Administration’s three-point agenda right from inception, and we must follow through with it.

I cannot in good conscience shirk this cardinal responsibility to secure lives and property. I feel pained each time a breach of peace and security occurs in any part of the nation. I am even more distressed when our youths, especially school children, are the targets and victims of mindless and malevolent elements in the society. As a parent, I share the emotional torture and agony parents and guardians go through whenever their children and wards fall into the cruel hands of these enemies of decency and good society.

I plead with fellow compatriots to give our military and other security agencies more time, cooperation and support by volunteering credible intelligence/information on activities of armed bandits, insurgents and other criminal elements within their communities in order to put an end to this blight on our security landscape.

To be sure, the problems are beyond the simplistic options being bandied around. We shall remain focused on following the complex, multi-dimensional route to reducing the incidents of insecurity to the barest minimum. Our people must be free to live and move without let or hindrance. This is crucial not only to enthroning an atmosphere of calm and social cohesion, but for the economy to grow.

Let us use this season of goodwill and joy to renew our faith in the ability of this Administration to make a lasting difference in the lives of our hard-working people. Our Social Intervention measures and other economic policies are already yielding positive results even at modest rates.

We shall deliberately target our youths so that they will not fall into the trap of unpatriotic elements to foment social disobedience leading to avoidable loss of lives and property.

Let me reiterate that while the right to peaceful association and protest is guaranteed under our laws, this Administration will not fold its arms and watch protests however well-intended, degenerate into wanton killings of law enforcement and other security personnel as well as destruction of private and national assets.

It is gladdening to note that the various schemes and components of the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) are being implemented faithfully to support micro-small businesses. I am particularly delighted that artisans, small-time transporters, traders and farmers are the main beneficiaries as we continue to provide safety nets to the most vulnerable members of our society as well as business owners to mitigate the harsh economic environment occasioned by COVID-19.

In spite of dwindling national revenue worsened by the pandemic, we will do all that is required to fully implement the 2021 Budget of Economic Recovery and Resilience. We are optimistic that all things being equal, we should be able to exit recession at the shortest possible time.

There is every indication that our country is already experiencing a second wave of COVID-19 infection. As we celebrate Christmas with families and friends, I urge all citizens and residents to adhere strictly to the non-pharmaceutical prevention guidelines of regular hand-washing, wearing masks and social/physical distancing with a view to mitigating the spread of this devastating virus. While national and state institutions are trying their best, we must take individual responsibility and resist the strong temptation of compliance-fatigue by following the recommended protocols put in place by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and beat the ravaging pandemic.

I have absolute confidence in the spirit of resilience of our people to do the needful and remain vigilant even as this festive season witnesses increased travels and celebrations. Staying alive to enjoy future festivals should be the watchword.

I wish all Nigerians divine protection and Merry Christmas.

Muhammadu Buhari

The post Buhari restates commitment to ensuring security, says Merry Christmas appeared first on Frontpageng.

The programmes co-ordinated by the president of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Dr. Samson Ayokunle, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar Mohammadu IV, is scheduled to run from Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 5, 2020.

It would be recalled that since April 30, 2020, the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council, NIREC, has been calling on all Christians and Muslims to take part in the national weekly prayer conducted online with zoom meeting every Thursday in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation, OSGF, and other stakeholders.

NIREC leadership said it appreciated the efforts of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 which had done all that was humanly possible to create awareness on how to keep safe from infection of the coronavirus.

It is in furtherance of the effort that the three days fasting and prayer session (July 3-5, 2020) for every Nigerian, has been called.

Muslims will begin on Friday, 3 July, 2020, by praying in the Abuja National Mosque while Christians will end the prayer on Sunday 5 July, 2020 at the National Christian Centre, Abuja at 3:00 p.m.

Selected Christian leaders are said to have been invited to participate in the programme.

The prayers will respect social distancing.

NIREC has asked everybody to seek the face of God in fasting and prayers for God to put an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.

NIREC, while saying everyone must take part in the prayers in their different homes, committed everyone “under the shelter of the wings of our Almighty God, who is able to keep you from falling, and present you faultless before His seat of Glory with exceeding joy in Jesus’ name!”

The post COVID-19: Christians, Muslims embark on 3-day fasting and prayers appeared first on Frontpageng.

He said the situation was unprecedented in living memory.

The president who made the remark on Friday in his Easter message to the nation however admonished Christians to rekindle their faith in Christ.

He also encouraged Nigerians that whatever the situation, they should make the most of the situation, and keep safe.

The president’s statement reads in full:

I rejoice with our Christian brothers and sisters as well as all Nigerians on the occasion of the celebration of this year’s Easter.

This year’s commemoration of Easter comes amid the grip with which Covid-19 has held the entire world.

Unprecedented in living memory, majority of Christians have found themselves marking Easter in a subdued manner, away from the usual congregation in churches. This is unusual and very unfortunate.

However, I wish to enjoin our Christian compatriots to rekindle their faith in Christ who overcame persecution, sufferings and displayed endurance, steadfastness and above all piety.

Jesus Christ represented man’s ability to withstand temporary pains in the hope of everlasting glory.

I urge you to imbibe and live the values of humility, discipline, perseverance, sacrifice and obedience which Jesus Christ demonstrated during His stay on earth.

There is no better opportunity than now for all Christians in particular, and Nigerians in general, to remain faithful and hopeful that with intensified prayers backed by personal and collective responsibility, the nation shall pull through this most difficult trial.

I have no doubt that if all stakeholders – individuals and groups – play their part to the fullest as advised by our scientists and medical experts in confronting Covid-19, the inherent resilience and determination of our people will enable us to pull through.

As I stated in my national broadcast on Sunday, March 29, 2020, since there is currently no known vaccine against the virus, “the best and most efficient way to avoid getting infected is through regular hygiene and sanitary practices as well as social distancing.”

May I use this opportunity to commend the encouraging containment and ameliorating strategies put in place by members of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19.

I am very much aware of the personal and collective inconveniences suffered by our people due to measures such as restriction of movements and closure of business premises. Being “a matter of life and death,” these sacrifices are in everybody’s interest to save our country from calamity.

The welfare of our people is paramount. Accordingly, the most economically vulnerable in our communities will continue to be uppermost in our plans, and efforts will be made to supply them with basic means of survival.

While we see the Covid-19 pandemic as a global challenge, this administration is not oblivious of the constant threat posed to our national security by terrorists and insurgents. They may take this opportunity to perpetrate attacks.  But our armed forces and other security and intelligence services will remain vigilant and continue to contain these threats and consolidate efforts to eradicate them completely.

As we mark this year’s Easter, whatever the circumstances, I encourage you to make the most of the situation, and to keep safe.

I wish you all a Happy Easter.

The post Easter: Celebrating in subdued manner unfortunate -Buhari appeared first on Frontpageng.

They also advised them to follow Christ’s lifestyle of purity, sacrifice, selfless service and act of forgiveness to humanity, and also abstain from sin, intensify prayers, fast and give alms during the period.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that these were the admonition of many religious leaders on Wednesday across the country during church services to commemorate the Ash Wednesday.

Ash Wednesday is one of the most popular and important holy days in the liturgical calendar which marks the beginning of Lent, a season of 40 days fasting and prayer.

It includes wearing of ashes on the head, which symbolises that “we are dust, and to dust we shall return.”

Ash Wednesday is however, mostly observed by Catholics, although many other Christians observe it too.

By observing Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days.

NAN also reports that a cross section of Nigerians interviewed said that this year’s Lent aptly presented an ample opportunity for Christians to pray for Nigeria.

They also said it was an occasion to solicit God’s intervention in efforts to calm the current challenges facing the country.

Most Rev. Emmannuel Badejo, Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, called on government at all levels, traditional, religious leaders and all stakeholders to speak against incessant killings in Nigeria.

Badejo who made the call in an interview in Ibadan expressed dissatisfaction over the killing of innocent citizens, kidnappings, activities of Boko Haram, herdsmen and other social vices.

The cleric urged those in authority, Christian and Muslim leaders alike to do their best to forestall the vices and restore peace in the country.

“Catholics all over Nigeria today express their sorrow and disillusionment over the souls that had been killed in the country,” he said.

Badejo advised the state and Federal Governments to do their best to provide adequate security for the lives and property of the people and prosecute those who engaged in the social vices in the country.

“On Ash Wednesday, by the sign of the ashes we receive our penance, prayer and generosity to others, and then we try to return all glory to God who gave us life.

“We are all dust and unto dust we shall all return no matter who we may be, this is true of all irrespective of tribe or religion,” he said.

Sharing similar sentiments, Rev. Fr. John Akhidue, Associate Parish Priest, Catholic Church of the Annunciation, Festac, Lagos, urged Nigerians to use the lent period to pray for the unity of the country.

Akhidue gave the advice while speaking in Lagos on the importance of lent to the Christians.

He also advised Christians to use the period to beg for forgiveness from God.

He said repentance was about acknowledging sinful acts, adding that God was ready to forgive everyone “if we ask Him.”

“We begin the penance season with Ash Wednesday by putting ashes on our forehead to tell the world we are sharing in the period of repentance.

“When we repent, we are telling the people that we acknowledge our sinfulness and God who is merciful and loving will forgive us.

“Most especially, we need prayers for what we are experiencing in Nigeria and after asking for forgiveness from God, you follow it up with prayer,” he said.

The post Lent: Christians urged to pray for unity of Nigeria, imbibe Christ’s humility appeared first on Frontpageng.

It described the protest of the Christians as laudable, being “sensitizers to the need for ALL CITIZENS irrespective of faith, religion or language to accept their duty and role in law enforcement, to prevent crime in all its manifestations, be it corruption, theft, terrorism, banditry or kidnapping.”

The presidency said, “From the prayers and advocacy by CAN, citizens need to take an important lesson, which is, that our people must rally around the flag. Together, they rise to defeat the enemy and defend the state.”

It added:  “In Nigeria, some groups rally against the government instead of the enemy. This is not right. It has the effect of playing into the hands of the enemy of the state.”

The statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu reads:

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENCY ON THE PROTESTS BY THE CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (CAN)

The actions of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in recent days represent the peaceful right of all Nigerians to protest and express their views on matters of religion, ethics, politics and society.

The origination of their protests is the shocking, unacceptable death of Pastor Lawan Andimi at the hands of Boko Haram. The President feels their pain, and that of his family, for his loss.

The president believes, as does every member of his administration, both Christian and Muslim in the words of CAN’s placards: “All life is sacred.”

Whether you are Christian or Muslim, all Nigerians and their beliefs must be respected. The duty of all of us is to uphold the rights of others to worship according their faith – and to respect the rights of each other to do so freely in the spirit of brotherhood and respect – and without interference.

This means, however, that we must stop false claims that only serve to divide one community against the other. There is no place in Nigeria for those who politicise religion. This is the president’s message to both Muslim and Christian communities alike.

In the light of this, the CAN-inspired prayers and street enlightenment in our cities are much welcome as sensitizers to the need for ALL CITIZENS irrespective of faith, religion or language to accept their duty and role in law enforcement, to prevent crime in all its manifestations, be it corruption, theft, terrorism, banditry or kidnapping. Without citizen involvement, there is no miracle with which less than half-a-million policemen can effectively protect a population of 200 million.

CAN is right to arouse popular consciousness to this duty to the state.

One more thing is this: it is the added need for citizen-consciousness to stand up for nation. Nigerians, only Nigerians can defend their nation against these abhorrent killings and all sorts of crimes worrying us as a nation.

From the prayers and advocacy by CAN, citizens need to take an important lesson, which is, that our people must rally around the flag. Together, they rise to defeat the enemy and defend the state. In Nigeria, some groups rally against the government instead of the enemy. This is not right. It has the effect of playing into the hands of the enemy of the state.

We will not defeat the terrorists, nor speed the return for those citizens, young and old taken by them by division in our own ranks. To pull apart is to play into the hands of the terrorists: this is what they want.

The post Insecurity: Presidency reacts to Sunday protest by Christians appeared first on Frontpageng.

The execution said to be in revenge of the killing of ISIS leader, Abubakr Al-Baghdadi and its spokesman, Abul-Hassan Al-Muhaiir, is contained in a video released on Thursday, December 26, 2019.

MURIC, in a statement issued by its director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, declared that the action of the group was gruesome, coldblooded and barbaric.

“We reject the criminal antics of terrorists. This is definitely not Islam. It is the handiwork of misguided elements,” it said.

MURIC’s statement reads further:  “We have no doubt that it is part of an attempt to embarrass the Federal Government of Nigeria (FG) after the latter had successfully prevented any attack in other parts of Northern and central Nigeria, including Abuja, before during and after Christmas and the New Year for the past three or four years. We also note with pleasure that bomb attacks on churches have stopped completely while incidents of suicide bombing has been reduced to its barest minimum. We commend FG for this remarkable feat.

“Observers may wish to note that 135 innocent lives were lost in another terrorist attack in Burkino Fasso on Christmas day. We equally condemn the massacre in Burkino Fasso. It is callous, inhuman and despicable.

“Our hypothesis is that the terrorists may have intended to effect a double hit in Burkina Fasso and here in Nigeria. The Nigerian operation may have been called off after the planners saw the alertness and gallantry of the Nigerian security agencies. The execution of the Christian captives point to an act of frustration after the planned attack on Nigerian soil became mission impossible.

“It is noteworthy that there was no ultimatum or warning of any kind prior to the execution. This is quite unusual and this fact cements our hypothesis. The enemy may want to catch us off guard by striking during the New Year celebrations. We therefore call on the security agencies to be on alert during the end of the year and New Year celebrations to avert any planned attack. We also appeal to Nigerians generally to be security conscious. Security watch must not be left to those in uniform alone. We must be our nation’s eyes and ears.

“MURIC appeals to Nigerians to understand the mentality of terrorists and the anatomy of extremism. They (the terrorists) wish to create fear in our hearts so that nobody will confront them. But they have failed in this regard because the government has risen to the occasion and our gallant soldiers are giving the terrorists sleepless nights. They also intend to cause war between Nigerian Christians and their Muslim neighbours. In fact this is the primary objective. The ultimate aim is to enable them to sneak in behind the lines, seize the seat of power and begin a reign of terror in the whole country whereby both Christians and moderate Muslims will, willy-nilly, be at their beck and call.

“We therefore call upon our Christian neighbours to understand the humongous challenge which terrorism poses. The government needs the cooperation of all to overcome these challenges. We charge Imams and pastors to use the minbar and pulpit to preach patience and tolerance all the time. The Nigerian society is passing through a trying period. Religion in particular has been bastardised beyond Karl Max’s legendary opium. Religion has become another thing entirely in Nigeria. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a deradicalisation programme both in the churches and mosques.

“In summary, we strongly condemn the execution of Christian captives in Nigeria and the killing of 135 people in Burkina Fasso explosions. We appeal to religious leaders to forge a united front in the deradicalisation of religion in Nigeria. We appeal to Nigerians to be vigilant and to report suspicious persons and circumstances to the security agents. We also call on Nigerians to exhibit more tolerance, patience and love towards one another.”

The post MURIC condemns ISWA’s execution of Christian captives appeared first on Frontpageng.

He urged them to continue to live by example in matters relating to love, goodwill and peace.

Fayemi, in a Christmas message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yinka Oyebode, also called for the celebration of the essence of Christmas through practical demonstration of love and peaceful co-existence with one another.

The governor said the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ called for joy and felicitations among the people of God, urging Nigerians to make out time to make rejoice and celebrate with family and friends and renew themselves in the light of peace and joy that Christmas represents.

He urged Nigerians irrespective of their religious beliefs to open their hearts with love in relation to one another, celebrate and pray for the unity and progress of the country as well as a better tomorrow.

The governor said: “This is a season of joy. We must celebrate with one another and in doing that, spare some time for reflections and supplication to God who rules in the affairs of men.

“To every Christian, Christmas means liberation and salvation by the Almighty. It is also a time to reach out to fellow compatriots in love irrespective of religious leaning. Let us all walk in love, pray and work together for a greater country.”

Fayemi also urged the people to reflect on their individual contributions to the peace and progress of their immediate community and the state in general, during and after the festive season.

Fayemi said: “Christmas is the season of love, joy, generosity and forgiveness. While we celebrate with friends and family, we should also reflect on our individual contribution to the peace and progress of our immediate community and the larger society.

“That peaceful and prosperous state we all desire would be realised when we live in love and show consideration for others around us. We can achieve more if we stay united, extend hands of fellowship to one another and be law abiding,” he said.

The post Christmas: Fayemi greets Christians, preaches love appeared first on Frontpageng.

The Northern Christian Elders Forum had said the Muhammadu Buhari administration had been practising bigotry and alienating Christians.

The response by the Nigerian Government is contained in a letter to signed by Nigeria’s High Commissioner to UK, George Adetola Oguntade.

Two letters were addressed to Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen, a former secretary of the Church Missionary Society (CMS) and now Head, “Independent Review of Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Support of Persecuted Christians,” and Baroness Berridge, the Chair of “All Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion or Belief.”

In the correspondences, the Nigerian government strongly dismissed as inconceivable and outrightly false, allusions to the effect that the Boko Haram terrorism served a government agenda against Christians.

“It would be useful for me to engage with this process to ensure that you are thoroughly briefed on the situation in Nigeria,” High Commissioner Oguntade wrote in the correspondences.

Responding to the interim report on Foreign and Commonwealth Office Support for Persecuted Christians, Oguntade, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, told Rev. Mounstephen: “The safety and security of all Nigerians, whatever their faith, is a fundamental priority of the Buhari Government. The government knows that Nigeria can only achieve its potential if there is religious tolerance and cooperation.”

The High Commissioner explained that President Buhari’s deputy is a Pastor, adding that the President “has befriended Church leaders and church groups both within and outside Nigeria.”

He added that the President’s cabinet is balanced between Muslims and Christians, noting that he himself was a Chancellor of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

According to Justice Oguntade, Vice President Osinbajo has maintained regular contacts with Christian and Muslim leaders as part of efforts to build and sustain interfaith dialogue.

Stressing that the country’s security challenges had no ethnic and religious colourations, the High Commissioner said the farmers/herders clashes predated the Buhari administration, noting that such clashes bordered on the desire for pasture by the herders and the desire to protect crops from encroachment and destruction by the farmers.

Oguntade explained that these clashes had a long history and the Buhari administration is taking a major step to address the root cause of these crises and violent clashes pitting Muslim and Christian farmers alike against the herders.

According to the High Commissioner, “the issue of grazing routes is historically central to these conflicts and the Buhari administration is taking a holistic approach to the matter with a view to ending it once and for all, so that Nigerians can live in peace with one another.”

He, therefore, assured the international community that the Buhari Administration would ensure that “the competition over scarce land is resolved peacefully for the benefits of all parties.”

The Nigerian government also rejected attempts by the reporting group to link Boko Haram terrorism with official policy, stating clearly that these violent acts by the terrorist group predated the Buhari administration, like many others that were inherited on coming to office in 2015.

The Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK said criminal groups such as the Boko Haram terrorists who kill Muslims and Christians do not represent Muslims.

“Boko Haram is a murderous death cult whose savagery has destroyed thousands of lives.

“The Government is totally dedicated to eradicating their stain from our land.

“Since the Buhari administration has been in power, Boko Haram has been significantly degraded – with the support and assistance of the UK Government. We shall not rest until this mission is completed and the people of North East Nigeria – both Christians and Muslims – can live in peace again,” he said.

The two letters were each accompanied by a copy of an opinion article signed by the President and published on November 30, 2018, by London-based “Church Times,” entitled: DON’T POLITICISE RELIGION IN NIGERIA.

In the article, President Buhari, among other things, said Muslims and Christians could flourish together.

“These two great religions (Islam and Christianity) can not only peacefully coexist but flourish together. But we must first turn to one another in compassion. For as Amos teaches us: “Do two walk together unless they have agreed to meet?”

“We must resist the temptation to retreat into our communities because if we do, our palette of possibilities will remain primary. It is only when we mix them together that we can imagine new and greater possibilities.

“As our constitution spells out, politicising religion should have no place in Nigeria. However, it is all the more reprehensible when in doing so; it feeds fears and plays to man’s baser instincts.

“For it makes us turn away from one another; it makes us retreat into our communities and walk different paths; and it blinds us to each other’s God-given dignity,” the President said in the article published in Church Times.

The post FG writes British parliament, denies persecuting Christians appeared first on Frontpageng.