How religions can solve Nigeria’s problems — Cleric

The vice president, northern region of the Ahmadiyyah Muslim Jama’at Nigeria (AMJN) Dr Yekeen Habeeb has urged Nigerians to tolerate the views of each others’ religions for peaceful co-existence in the country.

He said the crisis bedevilling a multi-religious country like Nigeria was because the views of other religious groups were not respected.

Habeeb spoke yesterday in Abuja at the AMJN second annual National Peace Symposium themed: “Religious Cooperation and Mutual Respect: Pathway to National Unity, Peace and Prosperity and the 5th Northern Region Jalsa Tarbiya.

“Until we start to listen to the positive side of other religions, and respect the views of others, and respect the founders and leaders of other religions, peace may still elude us,” he said.

While urging Nigerians to stop blaming the crises in the country to religion as most have political connotations, he said that no religion condones killing under any guise except the court ruled otherwise.

He said: “Most of these crises are not religious but political. There are people who want to take the advantage of poverty of the people for their selfish interest,” he said.

Also, the Amir of the AMJN, Dr Mashhud Adenrele Fashola said that religion should be the least to be blamed for lack of unity, peace and prosperity in the country.

The Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) FCT Chapter, Rev Jonah Samson said for Nigeria to enjoy prosperity, peace and unity, Nigerians must imbibe the culture of tolerance, forbearance and patience, and the desire for progress.