By: Mayen Etim
KADUNA, North-West, Nigeria – Former minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung, on Tuesday led a delegation of Christian clerics to the house of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi in Kaduna for breaking of Ramadan interfaith fast.
This is to strengthen Christian -Muslim relationships by encouraging religious tolerance, better understanding, and also promote peaceful coexistence in the region.
Addressing Journalists shortly after breaking of the fast (Iftar), Barrister Dalung, said it has become imperative that Christians and Muslims live together as one family since they serve one God.
According to him, this marks the tenth time he would be at Sheikh Bauchi’s house with other Islamic scholars to promote peace, unity, forgiveness, better understanding among different faith based organizations across the 19 Northern States.
He emphasized that it is only when adherents of the two major faiths coexist that sustainable peace could be achieved in the country.
The former minister said, he came this time with many national issues disturbing peace stability in the country and believe that if Sheikh Bauchi could speak to those in authorities they would surely listen to him.
He expressed fear that Nigeria is facing tough times due to the internal problems bedeviling it, and there is need to join hands with stakeholders to save her.
“We are appealing that you (Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi) speak to the elders and other stakeholders in the region, to end the worries facing the zone as a result of continuous Boko Haram, bandits’ attacks and other criminal activities bedeviling the entire region,” he said.
Barr. Dalung explained that the coming together of Christians and muslims scholars for Interfaith Iftar (breaking of fast) is a sign of peace and unity of the country and such gesture most be sustained at all times.
Also speaking, Genetal Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, Pastor Yohanna Buru, described Sheikh Bauchi as an agent of peace and unity in the country; and urged the Muslim faithfuls to sustained the prayers for peace and stability in the country as well as for security men and women currently at battle field with insurgents.
The Cleric added that they used the Ramadan season to boost inter-religious harmony and preach the message of peace and unity among Christians and Muslims.
Responding, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi,
expressed optimism that in spite of the various challenges, Nigeria will remain one indivisible entity.
He called on scholars from the two faiths to pray for peace and unity of the country, as well as for leaders to succeed in the discharge of their responsibilities.
He thanked Barr. Dalung for mobilizing Christian clerics from various states to join him in breaking Ramadan fast with other Muslim scholars.