Government determined to keep Nigeria united – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu, accompanied by the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, addressed the International Conference on Security and National Unity on Tuesday. The event, organized by Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah in collaboration with the Muslim World League, aimed to promote unity among Nigerians despite their differences.

Tinubu emphasized the government's commitment to addressing the country's security challenges and promoting peace globally through collaboration with other nations. He reiterated the government's determination to keep Nigeria united, stating, "Not only that, the government is determined to make sure that we remain united as a country, despite our differences, any differences, that we should talk and remain in this country, and allow this country to remain as a united nation, a united country."

The conference was seen as timely due to the numerous security challenges faced by the world, and its deliberations were expected to contribute to achieving sustainable peace at regional, continental, and global levels. Tinubu also praised the Muslim World League for selecting Nigeria as the first country to host the conference.

In his remarks, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, cautioned political leaders against exploiting religion and ethnicity for political gain, warning that such actions could deepen divisions and cause lasting damage to the nation. Yilwatda, who experienced the Bauchi crisis as a displaced person, highlighted that violence impacts all Nigerians, regardless of their faith, and that the country's diversity should be a strength rather than a source of division.

The APC chairman urged politicians to refrain from weaponizing religion and ethnicity, emphasizing that temporary political gains could lead to permanent damage to the nation. He encouraged religious leaders to utilize their influence to promote peace and reconciliation, urging them to preach faith without hatred, conviction without contempt, and truth without incitement.

The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council called on Nigerians to reject attempts to weaponize religion, ethnicity, and poverty to create divisions, emphasizing that humanity is the common bond among citizens. They urged Christians and Muslims to promote mercy, compassion, love, and respect for human dignity, stating that religion must not be used to justify violence.

The Sultan of Sokoto, co-Chairman of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, advocated for the implementation of agreed-upon solutions to Nigeria's problems, urging Christians and Muslims to refrain from insulting one another and live in peace.