Nigeria@60: Unite against religious extremism, intolerance — Buhari implores

President Muhammadu Buhari has urged religious leaders and the citizenry to be united in eradicating religious extremism and intolerance in the country.

He made the call on Friday in Abuja at the 60th Independence Day Public Lecture and Special Juma’at Prayer held at the Abuja National Mosque, with the theme “Together Nigeria at 60: The Imperative of Building a Nation Together.”

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According to him, the nation celebrating 60 anniversary, is a milestone and also a reminder of the great sacrifices of the founding fathers and leaders past who fought, unitedly and formidably, for the present generation to have a country which has remained the most prosperous black nation in the world, 60 years on.

“On this note, I am making a clarion call to our various religious communities and individuals to sue for peace and national unity.

“I am making this call because the ground solution to our challenges in the area of ethnic and religious intolerance, which is sometimes manifested in conflict, lies with individuals, you and I.

“I charge the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) to do more in eradicating religious extremism. As Muslims, let us continue to prove, through words and actions, that Islam is nothing but peace, as enshrined in the Glorious Quran,” Buhari, represented by Senate President Ahmed Lawan, said.

The president assured that the Federal Government was committed to entrenching sustainable peace as it intensifies the fight against insurgency, extremism and all forms of intolerance.

“As we ruminate on our journey so far, the great achievements and challenges, it is crucial to emphasise that Nigeria at 60 is indeed a celebration of that foundational unity, as well enunciated by the theme of the anniversary “Together”, and also a celebration of a renewed commitment to the same principle, ideology and national resolve.

“Together and only together can we attain the goal of building a vibrant Nigeria, one that is steadily on the path of growth and sustainable development and one that works for all and give potentials. And one that rewards hardworking and bolsters potentials to flourish beyond limitations and one that gives meaning to peaceful co-existence and unity in diversity,” he said.

President Buhari said that the nation’s ability to mobilise strength from unity and confront its challenges, together as Nigerians, is the essence of its independence and the ultimate symbolism of this anniversary.