“Let me advise all of us to be careful about politicians who are so desperate to get power. “Be careful of politicians who can do anything just because of power. It’s not everything you read in social media that is correct. Try and ask questions.”
These were the words of caution by the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeson Wike, when he had separate audience with the leaders of both Muslims and Christians in his office yesterday, October 25.
Wike advised the religious leaders to be wary of the divisive antics of some politicians who are bent on using religion to create disharmony in the country in order to promote their political ambitions.
The Minister said that some politicians who lost in the last elections have resorted to spreading hate on the social media and urged religious leaders to be circumspect about whatever message they read and preach to their congregation.
Speaking against the backdrop of recent false information on social media regarding the National Mosque, Wike called on the public to always verify information and seek clarification from the Administration, especially on policies and actions of government.
“I’m seated here as the Minister of FCT. If there is anything you hear that the FCT is trying to do, do not hesitate to also ask if it is correct so that we will be able to defend the government and defend ourselves.”
He asked religious leaders to be very careful to avoid falling into the trap of those who might want to use them to spread hate and religious mistrust in the country, urging them to rather pray for the success of the government in power.
“When a leader has emerged, whether you like it or not, a leader has emerged. So, when a leader has emerged, leave your own personal views and pray for him because if he fails, the country has failed.
“Pray for him so that he will succeed. When he succeeds, the country will succeed.”
The minister, who stressed that all his actions are guided by national interest and would therefore not be distracted by unfounded social media attacks, pledged commitment of the FCT Administration for the continuous maintenance of the National Christian Center and Abuja National Mosque which have been declared as national monuments.
On the current economic challenges in the country, the Minister said that difficult decisions had to be made by the government to correct the wrongs of the past and called for patience and understanding from members of the public.
Speaking earlier, the President of CAN, Most Reverend Daniel Okoh, congratulated the FCT Minister on his appointment and expressed confidence that he would bring positive transformations in the FCT.
He declared the support of the association for the success of the Wike-led FCT Administration.
He assured that the CAN would not only work for Christian unity but also for the peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians, regardless of their religion, or ethnic background.
On his part, the Chairman, Committee of the League of Imams Initiative, Imam Tajudeen Adigun explained that the organization was formed to foster the unity of the Muslim Umah and peaceful coexistence between various Islamic sects and with members of other faiths across the country.
He said that the organization, in its 19 years of existence, has enjoyed utmost respect and cordial working relationship with various levels of government, including the security agencies and traditional rulers
Describing Wike as a true Nigerian, Imam Adigun pledged the readiness of the League of Imams to work with him and will continue to disregard disinformation designed to cause disharmony in the society.
