A Christian leader in Plateau State, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo of COCIN, rejects remarks by Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir that Nigeria is a Muslim country. Dachomo says such claims are wrong and warns that they could deepen religious divisions between Muslims and Christians.
The comments Jingir makes occur during a programme in Kano State over the weekend. He argues that a Muslim-Muslim political arrangement should continue because Muslims are the majority, and he also characterizes Christians in a hostile way, suggesting they should leave Nigeria if they disagree. Dachomo responds in a statement on Tuesday, saying Nigeria is a multi-religious country in which both Muslims and Christians have historically participated in politics and helped develop the nation. He says leadership should be determined by competence, justice, good governance, and leaders’ ability to protect lives and property, rather than by claims of religious numerical superiority. Both outlets report that Dachomo cautions religious leaders to avoid politicized statements that could fuel hostility.
