Former Chief of Staff to the immediate past Imo State Governor, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, has strongly condemned remarks attributed to a prominent Plateau-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, describing Christians as infidels.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Nwosu described Jingir’s “infidels” statement as “divisive and unacceptable.”
Nwosu said the cleric’s utterances were capable of creating unnecessary religious tension and undermining efforts to promote unity, peace and harmonious coexistence among Nigerians.
He stressed that Nigeria is a diverse nation made up of people from different regions, ethnic groups and religious backgrounds who have continued to live and work together.
“At a time when Nigerians are looking forward to greater unity and peaceful coexistence, it is unfortunate for anyone, particularly a religious leader, to make statements capable of setting one group against another.
“The remarks should be condemned outright. No individual should use religion as a platform to denigrate or label an entire faith community,” he stated.
He expressed concern that such utterances could deepen religious mistrust and create unnecessary divisions among citizens.
The former Chief of Staff urged religious leaders to recognise the influence they wield and use their platforms to promote tolerance, mutual respect, peace and understanding.
He also called on the Federal Government to take appropriate action against individuals whose public utterances are capable of threatening national unity and peaceful coexistence.
Nwosu said such action should be taken in accordance with the law, stressing that freedom of religion and expression should not be used to promote hatred or undermine the peaceful coexistence of Nigerians.
He appealed to Christians and Muslims across the country not to allow provocative statements by individuals to damage the longstanding relationship between the two faith communities.
Nwosu maintained that Nigeria needs responsible voices that will unite the country rather than deepen existing divisions, urging all citizens to work together for peace, stability and national development.
