Despite widespread insecurity and killings across the nation, the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has assured that the rights of all Nigerians, regardless of their religious and ethnic beliefs, will be protected under the current administration.
This is even as President General of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijjaniyya) and 14th Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi II, implored Nigerians to file behind the Tinubu administration to move the country forward.
In a move aimed at promoting unity and tolerance in the country’s diverse society, the vice president emphasised the importance of inclusivity and respect for religious freedom in a nation with a population of over 200 million people divided along religious and ethnic lines.
Mr Shettima made the pledge in Lagos on Saturday during a special prayer organised by the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya of Nigeria in honour of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
The VP assured the gathering that President Bola Tinubu is guided by the message of the day, and is committed to protecting the rights and freedom of all Nigerians, regardless of their beliefs.
“The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) serve as a compass guiding us through the complexities of a multicultural world. He left us a template to manage a diverse society fairly. He taught us ways to build peace and resolve conflicts through dialogue, through kindness and through tolerance,” he stated.
Delivering his keynote address on the theme, “Searching For A Compass In A Multicultural World,” the vice president expressed gratitude to secretary general of the Tijjaniyya International and the president of the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya for their exemplary guidance and dedication to preserving moral values.
He called for accountability in deeds and actions, urging all individuals to uphold the Prophet’s message of fairness and inclusivity in their daily interactions.
“The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) offer a beacon of light navigating the complexities of our multicultural world,” VP Shettima noted, adding that the Holy Prophet left behind “a roadmap for managing diversity with fairness, building peace through dialogue, and resolving conflicts with kindness and tolerance.”
Addressing the challenges faced by the nation, Mr Shettima acknowledged the burden of trust bestowed on President Tinubu by the Nigerian people.
He called for reflection and prayer for the president and other leaders, urging all citizens to remember their purpose in a world filled with trials and distractions.
On behalf of the president and Nigeria’s over 200 million people, the VP expressed deep appreciation for the special prayer session held by the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya, where the Quran was recited 4,444 times for Nigeria and its leader.
“In our diverse nation, it is our duty to ensure every Nigerian can practice their religion freely without fear or discrimination. We extend a hand of friendship to the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya, commending your efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence among different religious communities,” he stated.
VP Shettima also spoke about the importance of internal transformation as a prerequisite for societal change, saying “as Allah instructed in the Qur’an, we can only guarantee change in our condition if we change that which is within us.”
He urged all Nigerians to lead by example, recognizing their intellectual, spiritual and moral capabilities.
His words: “We are all in search of our roads to redemption. Here, we are offering to build a nation that upholds the dignity of each person, recognises the rights of each group, and emphasizes the essence of tolerance.”
The vice president called for collective action, stressing the need to build a nation with the bricks of compassion, justice and fairness.
He implored Nigerians to join hands in the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood in fulfilling the nation’s obligations to its people and embracing the Prophet’s timeless teachings.
“Our road to the place of hope is strewn with our commitment to building a nation with the bricks of compassion, justice, and fairness. The miracle of this dream rests on our adherence to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, and I urge all Nigerians to join us in the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood on our long walk to fulfil our obligations to the people,” Mr Shettima said.
Earlier, Mr Sanusi implored Nigerians to file behind the Tinubu administration to move the country forward.
Specifically, the 14th Emir of Kano and Khalifa of Tijjaniyya in Nigeria called on politicians, the business community, religious scholars and traditional rulers to focus on Project Nigeria, and work towards rebuilding the nation.
“We are aware that you have taken over this country in a very difficult time, and at this time all Nigerians need to come behind you to end politics and face governance and move Nigeria forward.
“Every year on this occasion we try to complete at least 4,444 recitation of the Qur’an, with the sole intention of praying for the peace and stability of our country, for the protection of our leaders and our people.
“On behalf of the members of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen I must recognise and acknowledge all the cooperation and support we have been receiving from the federal government, the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and President Bola Tinubu.
Mr Sanusi particularly thanked the president and the vice president for the donation of an edifice to the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijjaniyya) in Abuja.
“We will not forget it. We pray to Allah to guide our leaders to give good direction so that they are able to implement policies that, as a nation, will move us forward,” he said.
Also, the International Secretary of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijjaniyya) Worldwide, Mohammed Inyass, stressed the need for unity among the Muslim community, adding that Islam commands all Muslims to honour humanity irrespective of tribe or religion.
According to him, a true Muslim is a brother to his fellow Muslim, irrespective of their sect or whatever understanding.
Dignitaries who attended the event include Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; National Secretary of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijjaniyya), Saiyadi Al-Qasim, former Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Mukhtar Mohammed; Siraj Inyass; Maulud Murtania; Buba Inyass, Tijjani Auwal and Danlami Agege.
Others are Adenekan Khulafa (South West), Ibrahim Bayero, Dan Madamin Kano, Faruq Almiskinubillah, Mushri Murtania, Abdullahi Uwais, Aminubillah Akoshole, Nuruddeen Inyass and Shehi Maihula.
Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications
(Office of The Vice President)
13th January, 2024
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