Clerics flay politicians for weaponising religions

Religious leaders on Wednesday said ample voters’ education would stop the use of religion as a weapon to sway voters during the election, pointing out that the religionisation of politics is responsible for the disunity in the country.

They gave the submission Wednesday during an interfaith engagement, themed: “Healing the Wounds of Religious Divisions from 2023 Election”, organised by Community Life Project (CLP) held in Lagos.

Speaking on “What does your faith say about religious tolerance and relationship with other faiths”, a catholic leader, Very Rev. Raymond Anoliefo said electoral candidates at the last election deployed religion as a tool to achieve personal ambitions.

From Islamic perspective, the Chief Imam, Ishagatedo Mosque, Alhaji Temitope Orebiyi, said religious leaders need to understand that their adherents are members of different political parties, hence the need to be careful not to canvass openly at religious centers for a particular party or candidate.

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Also, the President, International Council of Ifa Religion Worldwide, Oluwo Solagbade Popoola advised Nigerians to embrace humanity over tribalism.

The convener, Mrs. Ngozi Iwere said the programme was aimed at dousing the religious tensions which emerged after past elections.