The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has reiterated that Sharia law applies exclusively to Muslims and should never be imposed on Christians.
Speaking in Abuja at the 2025 triennial meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), he emphasized that it was “totally wrong for Christians to be dragged or subjected to Sharia law or court,” adding that no Christian should be compelled to “dress or pray like Muslims.”
He reaffirmed that Nigeria was a multi-religious nation whose government supports both major faiths without discrimination.
During the gathering, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, called for stronger collaboration between NIREC and the Federal Government to deepen peace-building and address insecurity.
He warned that extremists were exploiting religion to sow division, commended NIREC’s role in fostering unity, and urged Nigerians to challenge stereotypes and reject inflammatory narratives.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, acknowledged the country’s internal security challenges, rising political tensions, and growing mistrust.
He assured participants that the government remained committed to protecting citizens and improving their welfare, while urging religious and traditional leaders to continue promoting national unity.
Meanwhile, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, stressed the need for stronger partnerships between faith institutions and the government, noting their influence in mobilising communities for peace.
NIREC Executive Secretary, Rev. Fr. Cornelius Omonokhua, described every human life as precious to God and called for collective action to defeat terrorism and banditry.
He further offered prayers for national renewal, wisdom for leaders, and the promotion of values that strengthen harmony.
