The Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have signed a pact to de-escalate religious tension in the country ahead of the 2023 general election.

The accord was signed during the International Religious Freedom Summit organised by the Global Peace Foundation and 70 international human rights and religious freedom groups in Washington D.C., United States.

The immediate past President of CAN, Rev. Samson Ayokunle, made this known via a statement issued on Wednesday.

He noted that the Sultan of Sokoto, Dr Saad Abubakar, who doubles as the President-General of NSCIA, was represented by Prof. Yusuf Usman, former Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme, while CAN was represented by its former President, Ayokunle.

Ayokunle said the two organisations agreed to encourage Muslims and Christians in the country to shun violence, embrace dialogue, and remain committed to building resilient communities that are free from fear.

He added that the two religious bodies also promised to embrace a vision of common humanity and speak publicly on hope for Nigeria’s peaceful and bright future.

Ayokunle stated that the pact was part of the determination of religious leaders to work together and lead Nigerians out of all current crises in the country.

According to him, much of the crisis in Nigeria has religious context, as such, it is important to mobilise Muslims and Christians to ensure peaceful coexistence.

He commended the Sultan for his consistent advocacy for peaceful coexistence in the country.

According to him, the pact will help to build a stronger Nigeria that is able to tackle its challenges, including lack of security, accountability, and corruption.

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The ex-CAN President said: “The Declaration we signed lays out a number of principles that we believe all Nigerians can readily affirm.

“It states that all people are endowed by the Creator with inherent value and fundamental rights.

“Regardless of nationality, ethnicity, culture, region, or the many other differences that often divide us, the essential freedom and dignity of every person must be respected and protected.

“The Declaration also calls for collaboration amongst the various traditions and faith communities in Nigeria, in order to advance the wellbeing of all and resolve conflicts peacefully.”

Ayokunle noted that both NSCIA and CAN rejected and condemned the use of violence and coercion to spread political or religious views and identities or demean ethnic, regional, or tribal affiliation, adding that the pact demanded peaceful, free, and fair elections in 2023.

He added that both religious bodies agreed to push for more judicial integrity and fairness and engage leaders to tackle insecurity, reprisal attacks, kidnapping, sexual violence, and organised crime.

According to him, other areas of concern include food security, education, sustainable livestock production, hostile business environment, and unemployment.

Ayokunle said religious leaders have a duty to shepherd their communities in a way that promotes peace.

“We call upon all religious and political leaders and all people of faith to develop and promote solutions that are grounded in the shared values of our common humanity,” he added.

The Star