NFF apologises to Tinubu, Nigerians over Super Falcons’ WAFCON setback

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Sultan of Sokoto Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar, and other leaders have urged Nigerians to unite against insecurity and other challenges facing the country. They made the call at the International Conference on National Security for Socio-economic Development held in Abuja. The conference, organized by Jama'atu Izalatil Bid'ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS Nigeria) in collaboration with the Muslim World League of Saudi Arabia, emphasized the importance of rising above religious, ethnic, and political differences.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, representing Tinubu, stated that the Federal Government is actively working to address security challenges and strengthen national unity. He emphasized that the conference was crucial at a time when Nigeria and other countries are confronting complex security threats. "This government is working very hard to ensure security in our nation and is also collaborating with other countries in the world to ensure global peace," Jibrin added.

The Sultan of Sokoto called upon Christians and Muslims to cease insulting each other, stressing that mutual respect and religious tolerance are essential for peaceful coexistence. He emphasized that all people are equal in the eyes of God and urged Nigerians to revive the culture of caring for their neighbors regardless of their religion or ethnicity.

The Sultan was concerned about the spread of false and disparaging statements on social media and warned against abuse that could undermine the fight against insecurity. Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris highlighted the diverse representation at the conference, urging Nigerians to unite regardless of their differences.

He stressed that allowing religious differences to influence the fight against insecurity would only exacerbate the problem. The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, urged Nigerians to view their diverse faiths, ethnicities, languages, cultures, and traditions as sources of strength rather than division.

He emphasized that the key question is not whether Christians and Muslims can coexist but what kind of nation they are building through their interactions. The Muslim World League's Secretary-General, Sheikh Dr Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, cautioned against extremism and warned that attempts to eliminate diversity through violence and conflict are futile, as diversity is part of God's creation.