NIREC Warns Against Religious Division Ahead Of Elections

The Nigerian Inter-Religious Dialogue Council (NIREC), Adamawa State chapter, has condemned attempts by individuals and groups to exploit religion to create division and inflame sentiments in the State.

The council raised the concern over what it described as a growing trend of attempts to manipulate public opinion along religious lines, particularly on social media, as the country approaches another election period.

Co-Chairman of NIREC in Adamawa and Chairman of the State Muslim Council, Gambo Jika, made the remarks when the council’s delegation visited the Adamawa State Government.

Jika, who led the delegation, said both Christianity and Islam preached love, unity, peaceful coexistence and respect for one another.

He was accompanied by the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Adamawa State, Rev. Joel Manzo, who is also co-chairman of the inter-religious dialogue platform.

The religious leaders called on the government to take decisive action against individuals and groups deliberately exploiting religious sentiments to create tension.

They urged authorities to ensure that offenders faced the full weight of the law.

Receiving the delegation, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri warned that nobody was above the law and criticised individuals who, according to him, hide behind religion to pursue political ambitions.

The governor said his administration would not tolerate any attempt to undermine the peace and peaceful coexistence enjoyed in Adamawa State.

NIREC reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening understanding and dialogue between Christians and Muslims.

The council also urged citizens to reject inflammatory messages and divisive narratives, particularly those circulated on social media, as part of efforts to preserve peace and religious harmony in the state.