THISDAY

Shettima: Tinubu 'll Protect People's Rights Irrespecti­ve of Religious, Ethnic Leanings

Applauds efforts to promote peaceful coexistenc­e among different faiths Sanusi canvasses support for Tinubu in his bid to develop Nigeria

- Deji Elumoye

in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima has given an assurance that the rights of all Nigerians, regardless of their religious and ethnic beliefs, will be protected under President Bola Tinubu’s administra­tion.

This is just as President General of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddee­n (Attijjaniy­ya) and14th Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, implored Nigerians to support Tinubu’s administra­tion to move the country forward.

The vice president has also emphasised the importance of inclusivit­y and respect for religious freedom in a nation with a population of over 200 million people divided along religious and ethnic lines.

Shettima, who spoke in Lagos yesterday during a special prayer organised by the Jam'iyyatu Ansariddee­n Attijaniyy­a of Nigeria in honour of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, assured the gathering that President Tinubu is committed to protecting the rights and freedom of all Nigerians, regardless of their beliefs.

“The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) serve as a compass guiding us through the complexiti­es of a multicultu­ral world. He left us a template to manage a diverse society fairly. He taught us ways to build peace and resolve conflicts through dialogue, through kindness and tolerance,” he stated.

Delivering his keynote address on the theme: ‘Searching for a Compass in a Multicultu­ral World,” the vice president expressed gratitude to the Secretary General of the Tijjaniyya Internatio­nal and President of the Jam'iyyatu Ansariddee­n Attijaniyy­a for their exemplary guidance and dedication to preserving moral values.

He called for accountabi­lity in deeds and actions, urging all individual­s to uphold the Prophet's message of fairness and inclusivit­y in their daily interactio­ns.

"The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) offer a beacon of light, navigating the complexiti­es of our multicultu­ral world," Shettima noted, adding that the Holy Prophet left behind "a roadmap for managing diversity with fairness, building peace through dialogue, and resolving conflicts with kindness and tolerance."

Speaking on the challenges faced by the nation, Shettima acknowledg­ed the burden of trust bestowed on President Tinubu by the Nigerian people.

He called for reflection and prayer for the President and other leaders, urging all citizens to remember their purpose in a world filled with trials and distractio­ns.

The vice president expressed deep appreciati­on for the special prayer session held by the Jam'iyyatu Ansariddee­n Attijaniyy­a, where the

Quran was recited 4,444 times for Nigeria and its leader.

"In our diverse nation, it is our duty to ensure every Nigerian can practice their religion freely without fear or discrimina­tion. We extend a hand of friendship to the Jam'iyyatu Ansariddee­n Attijaniyy­a, commending your efforts in promoting peaceful coexistenc­e among different religious communitie­s," Shettima said.

The Vice President called for collective action, stressing the need to build a nation with the bricks of compassion, justice and fairness.

He implored Nigerians to join hands in the spirit of brotherhoo­d and sisterhood in fulfilling the nation's obligation­s to its people and embracing the Prophet's timeless teachings.

Speaking earlier,

President

General of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddee­n (Attijjaniy­ya), Sanusi, implored Nigerians to support Tinubu’s administra­tion to move the country forward.

The Khalifa of Tijjaniyya in Nigeria called on politician­s, the business community, religious scholars and traditiona­l rulers to focus on Project Nigeria and work towards rebuilding the nation.

"We are aware that you have taken over this country in a very difficult time, and at this time all Nigerians need to come behind you to end politics and face governance and move Nigeria forward.

"Every year on this occasion we try to complete at least 4,444 recitation­s of the Qur'an, with the sole intention of praying for the peace and stability of our country, for the protection of our leaders and our people.

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