Muslims, Christians must work together in Nigeria – Osinbajo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says with huge population of Muslims and Christians, the adherents of the two major religions in the country must work together to promote peaceful coexistence.

Osinbajo said this on Friday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, while receiving a delegation from the World Methodist Council led by its President, Rev. Dr. Jong Chun Park, and the Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Most Rev. Samuel Uche.

The Vice President underscored the need for collaboration between government and other stakeholders in promoting harmonious coexistence in Nigeria.

He said the responsibility to ensure harmony amongst people of different religious and ethnic backgrounds in Nigeria and elsewhere depends largely on the contributions and sacrifices of faith leaders.

He said the Methodist Church in Nigeria had played an important role in maintaining harmony in the country.

“We should try and bring our communities together. We have a large Muslim and large Christian populations, and we can’t do anything without collaboration. Religious leaders can’t wish that away.

“Our Constitution guarantees religious freedom not just in words but in practice in Nigeria, again it is a duty that we accept this reality.

“Despite all the various challenges that we face as a country, we are all resolved that this country is one that is fair for all, that there is justice, equity and that we give everyone a chance to realize the objectives that they set for themselves,” he said in a statement issued yesterday by his spokesman Laolu Akande.

Earlier in his remark, Rev. Park commended the role played by the Vice President in promoting religious harmony through his numerous engagements and activities across the country.

The World Methodist Council leader said both President Muhammadu Buhari and the Vice President had demonstrated commendable and harmonious governance by working together.