The Federal Government has urged Christians in the country to stop living in fear of being Islamized by Muslims in the country, but should rather set their own agenda.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, stated this on Monday during a two-day peace summit organized by the northern region of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) with the theme: ‘Sustainable Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria as a Panacea for Development.’
Mustapha disagreed with the claim that the Buhari led government has any intention to Islamize Nigeria. He therefore advised Christians to adhere to Christ’s instruction to love and preach to all nations including Muslims.
In his words, “where is our agenda as Christians, let’s have a Christian agenda that will promote love, including loving the Muslims. We should go out and make disciples of all nations and stop operating under the siege mentality.
“I must correct the dummy being sold by some rumor mongers about the issue of Islamizing Nigeria. Nobody can. On the current insecurity facing the country, Mustapha said the Federal Government remains committed in tackling the menace.
“I want the Church to know that nobody can kill the gospel; let’s continue to be our brothers’ keepers at all times and continue to preach peace,” Mustapha concluded.
The Plateau state Governor, Simon Lalong, in his opening address said the last one month has seen government put more efforts at establishing strategies towards driving the peace process in the state through diverse approaches which will help to consolidate on the gains of peace made so far.
“Today we are further making a resolve to add value to the commitment of government in being part of the solution that will promote peaceful existence and religious harmony beyond Plateau,” he said.
“The theme of this summit is no doubt apt and draws to mind the essentiality of peace and security as panacea for sustainable development beyond our state.
“We remain resolute in our commitment to building an enduring legacy of peace beyond Plateau and we shall not relent in exploring all avenues that will help us in the sustenance of peace and security.”
Speaking earlier in his welcome address, the Northern CAN chairman, Rev Yakubu Pam said “as Christian leaders we are expected to play critical roles in the development of our societies, States and countries.”
By Samuel Mayowa
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