President Muhammadu Buhari has once more swore that he is committed to the freedom of religion in Nigeria.He made it clear that apart from constitutional guarantee for the freedom of religion, he is personally committed to the idea of every citizen being free to practice any religion of his or her choice, saying that under no circumstance will any religion or faith be imposed on the nation.
President Buhari spoke through a statement by the senior special assistant on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement today, July 18, while congratulating Imam Abubakar Abdullahi of Nigeria, who received the International Religious Freedom Award conferred him by the U.S. Department of State.
The President said that Imam Abubakar well-deserved the honour, recalling that the recognition bestowed on the 83-year old Muslim cleric is towering and befitting for the patriot who risked his own life and that of his family on June 23, 2018 to save the lives of hundreds of Christians, fleeing from attacks by suspected bandits in Yelwan Gidin Akwati, Swei and Nghar villages in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
“Like Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said, on May 30, 2019 at the State House Abuja when he received the Imam, the Village Head, Damafulul Mangai; community leaders and a delegation from the US, UK and European Union, the cleric ‘‘has done so much to promote peace by his singular act than most politicians could do and deserve all the commendation and high honour.’’
President Buhari expressed delight that a Nigerian national has written his name in gold in the international arena and his deeds will resonate wherever and whenever there are discussions on religious tolerance, cordiality between Christians and Muslims in the country and around the world.
He recommended the sterling virtues of Imam Abdullahi to all clerics, in particular, and Nigerians in general.
