The Christian Social Movement of Nigeria has strongly criticized the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs over its recent statement warning the Federal Government to address what it described as the “profiling and marginalization” of Muslims before adherents of the faith “run out of patience.”
In a statement issued on July 2 and signed by its Chief Executive Officer and Executive Secretary, Bosun Emmanuel, the Christian group described the NSCIA’s comments as “provocative” and “insensitive.”
The CSMN said it was surprised that the Islamic body chose to complain about alleged profiling instead of condemning years of violence perpetrated by extremist groups operating in Nigeria.
The statement also defended Ayo Oritsejafor following criticism by the NSCIA over remarks he made during a television interview on insecurity.
According to the CSMN, Pastor Oritsejafor’s comments were misrepresented. The group argued that the cleric spoke about those responsible for insecurity in Nigeria rather than making a blanket statement that Muslims are criminals.
The Christian organization maintained that terrorist groups operating in Nigeria are largely motivated by extremist interpretations of Islam and urged the NSCIA to focus on condemning violence rather than criticizing Christian leaders.
The CSMN also called on the President of the NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, to use his influence to speak out against violent groups and encourage peaceful coexistence.
Responding to the NSCIA’s claim that a suspect linked to the kidnapping of schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area was a Christian pastor, the CSMN questioned that assertion and argued that the demands reportedly made by the kidnappers were inconsistent with Christian teachings.
The group appealed to President Bola Tinubu to address insecurity and ensure that religious tensions are not inflamed by public statements from influential organizations.
The CSMN’s response follows an earlier statement by the NSCIA, published on June 29, in which the Islamic organization urged the Federal Government to act against what it described as increasing attacks and profiling of Muslims and expressed concern over comments made by Pastor Oritsejafor.
