SULTAN WARNS AGAINST RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE, SAYS NIGERIA'S UNITY MUST BE PROTECTED

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has raised concerns over the growing spread of religious intolerance and hate speech, warning that both pose serious threats to Nigeria's peace and national unity.

The monarch made the remarks while receiving a delegation from the Vatican led by Paul Richard Gallagher in Abuja.

Speaking during the engagement, the Sultan stressed the need for mutual respect among people of different faiths, noting that Nigeria's strength lies in its diversity and long tradition of religious coexistence.

He warned that divisive rhetoric, intolerance, and inflammatory statements have the potential to deepen social tensions and undermine efforts aimed at fostering national cohesion.

The Sultan also called for continued dialogue between religious communities, urging faith leaders to promote peace, understanding, and tolerance among their followers.

The meeting highlighted the importance of interfaith cooperation in addressing contemporary challenges and building a more united society.

Observers say the Sultan's message comes at a time when concerns about religious and ethnic divisions continue to feature prominently in national conversations.

Quote

«"Religious intolerance and hate speech are among the greatest threats to our collective unity and peaceful coexistence."»

🇳🇬 Can Nigeria overcome religious and ethnic divisions through dialogue and tolerance?

#SultanOfSokoto #Nigeria #ReligiousTolerance #Peace #NationalUnity #NSCIA #InterfaithDialogue #SouthernReport