Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike has urged Christian and Muslin leaders to be wary of the divisive antics of some politicians who are bent on using religion to create disharmony in the country in order to promote their political ambitions.
The FCT Minister said this when he received a delegation of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by His Eminence, Most Reverend Daniel Okoh and the Committee of League of Imams Initiative, led by its Chairman, Imam Tajudeen Adigun on separate courtesy visits to the FCTA on Wednesday.
Wike said that all his actions as minister are guided by national interest and he will not be distracted by unfounded social media attacks.
Speaking against the backdrop of recent false information on social media regarding the National Mosque, Wike called on the public to always verify information and seek clarification from the Administration, especially on policies and actions of the government.
He said, “I’m seated here as the Minister of FCT. If there is anything you hear that the FCT is trying to do, do not hesitate to also ask if it is correct so that we will be able to defend the government and defend ourselves.”
The Minister said some politicians who lost in the last elections have resorted to spreading hate on social media and urged religious leaders to be circumspect about whatever message they read and preach to their congregation.
He said religious leaders must be very careful to avoid falling into the trap of those who might want to use them to spread hate and religious mistrust in the country, urging them to rather pray for the success of the government in power, regardless of their personal views
“Let me advise all of us to be careful about politicians who are so desperate to get power. Be careful of politicians who can do anything just because of power. It’s not everything you read in social media that is correct. Try and ask questions.
“When a leader has emerged, whether you like it or not, a leader has emerged. So, when a leader has emerged, leave your own personal views and pray for him because if he fails, the country has failed. Pray for him so that he will succeed. When he succeeds, the country will succeed”, he said.
The Minister also pledged commitment of the FCT Administration for the continuous maintenance of the National Christian Center and Abuja National Mosque which have been declared as national monuments.
On the current economic challenges in the country, the Minister said difficult decisions had to be made by the government to correct the wrongs of the past and called for patience and understanding from members of the public.
Speaking earlier, the President of CAN, His Eminence, Most Reverend Daniel Okoh, congratulated the FCT Minister on his appointment and expressed confidence that the Minister would bring positive transformations in the FCT. He also declared the support of the association for the success of the Wike-led FCT Administration.
He assured that the CAN would not only work for Christian unity but also for the peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians, regardless of their religion, or ethnic background.
On his part, the Chairman, Committee, League of Imams Initiative, Imam Tajudeen Adigun explained that the organization was formed to foster the unity of the Muslim Umah and peaceful coexistence between various Islamic sects and with members of other faiths across the country.
He said the organization in its 19 years of existence has enjoyed utmost respect and cordial working relationship with various levels of government, including the security agencies and traditional rulers
Describing Barrister Wike as a true Nigerian, Imam Adigun pledged the readiness of the League of Imams to work with him and will continue to disregard disinformation designed to cause disharmony in the society.
