Nigeria’s unity at risk over religious extremism – Ohanaeze Youth Council

Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, National President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council, has cautioned that Nigeria's unity might be increasingly jeopardized if religious extremism persists in the nation's political discussions. During a speech in Owerri, Imo State, Igboayaka addressed remarks purportedly made by Sheikh Yahaya Jingir, who backed the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

Jingir reportedly declared Nigeria a Muslim nation, sparking debates about the country's diverse religious and ethnic makeup, and igniting calls for a referendum on Nigeria's political future.

Igboayaka emphasized that Nigerians should be worried about any political or religious narrative that suggests the country belongs exclusively to one faith. He argued that such a perspective could exacerbate mistrust among different religious and ethnic groups. According to Igboayaka, each group and region has the right to pursue its aspirations; however, Nigeria cannot legitimately be called a Muslim country due to its status as a multi-national and multi-religious state.

The Oyoaneeze Youth Council leader further contended that the controversy surrounding the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket should be considered within the broader context of national harmony, religious liberty, and citizens' constitutional rights. He believed that Jingir's reported remarks have reignited the pro-Biafra groups' demand for a referendum, which he saw as a potential peaceful method for determining the future political relationship among Nigeria's constituent peoples.

Igboayaka urged these self-determination advocates, including pro-Biafra organizations, to persist with their campaign for a referendum rather than adopting violent measures.

Sheikh Yahaya Jingir's statement, in Igboayaka's view, has lent weight and credibility to the call for restoring the Republican State of Biafra through a referendum. He urged these groups to pursue their demands through peaceful and democratic processes, stressing that a referendum would offer Nigerians a chance to express their views on the nation's political future.

Igboayaka also criticized what he deemed as the Federal Government's lack of response to the statement attributed to Jingir. He argued that the government's reaction to such inflammatory religious rhetoric is crucial for preserving faith in Nigeria's democratic institutions. The absence of adequate addressal, he claimed, could generate further suspicion among citizens and worsen existing divisions.

"The Federal Government's silence means consent," said Igboayaka, arguing that statements capable of heightening religious tension should be handled with caution by political leaders and public authorities.

Finally, Igboayaka called on Nigerians who find the Islamic cleric's assertion that Nigeria is a Muslim country troubling to back a peaceful referendum campaign. He suggested that a well-conducted referendum process, guided by constitutional and democratic safeguards, could provide a platform for addressing deep-rooted grievances and thwarting the further escalation of religious and ethnic tensions.