Sheikh Aremeyaw sends important message to Christians, Muslims

Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, the National Chairman of the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah, has called on Nigerians to respect each other’s religions and collaborate to safeguard the nation. Speaking at the Abuja international airport following the departure of the Muslim World League’s Secretary-General, Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Lau emphasized that Muslims and Christians share equal stakes in Nigeria and should live peacefully despite their religious differences.

The conference, organized by JIBWIS alongside the Muslim World League, focused on the theme “Diversity and Social Peace: A Partnership for a Promising Future.” Lau highlighted that the conference aimed to promote peace, harmony, and stability in Nigeria, West Africa, and the broader African region. He stressed that diversity should not deter Nigerians from achieving the common goal of peaceful coexistence.

Lau asserted that each individual should practice their own religion without compulsion and that no religion had the authority to expel others from Nigeria. He urged Nigerians to draw lessons from Prophet Muhammad, who lived harmoniously with people of other faiths in Medina. Additionally, Lau emphasized that the communique issued at the conference would not remain on paper, announcing the establishment of an implementation committee to oversee its execution.

He further stated that JIBWIS and the Muslim World League would form a joint forum to monitor the fulfillment of the commitments outlined in the communique, stressing that religious and spiritual leaders must abide by their words and actions to inspire others. Prior to Lau’s remarks, Sheikh Al-Issa cautioned against extremism and urged Nigerians to protect their shared humanity, rejecting attempts to use religion, ethnicity, or poverty to divide the country.

Al-Issa noted that diversity is a part of God’s creation and that efforts to eradicate it through violence and conflict are destined to fail. The conference concluded with the signing of the “Abuja Declaration” by religious leaders from diverse religions and sects, who agreed on a joint action plan involving government bodies, religious and Christian leaders, and civil society organizations.

The declaration also aimed to expand academic, training, and media programs to tackle threats to peace, coexistence, and social stability, while establishing stronger partnerships for conflict prevention and the preservation of Nigeria’s religious and ethnic diversity. A coordinating body for religious and civic leaders and institutions across West Africa was also formed to oversee the implementation of the action plan and regularly evaluate progress.