Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar has said that attitude
of citizens towards one another and not diversity in religion
is responsible for Nigeria’s problems.
He warned that ‘Intolerance, extremism and bigotry, if
unchecked, could threaten peace and unity in any country.
Abubakar stated this in a message to mark the Eid-el-Kabir
celebration issued by his media office on Monday in Abuja,
advising that religion should be used as a means to advance
love among the people.
He urged Muslims across the country to promote and
spread love among fellow Nigerians in order to consolidate
the nation’s unity.
His statement read: “The common interests that unite
Nigerians are by far stronger than those petty factors that
divide us,diversity could be used to advantage.
“Intolerance, extremism and bigotry, if unchecked, could
threaten peace and unity in any country while peace and
unity are the greatest assets that should not be taken for
granted by Nigerians.
“Iinterfaith dialogue will not go far enough if bigotry was
allowed to defeat human reason and wisdom.
“All religions preach love of mankind, therefore Muslims
should promote the beauty of their faith through positive
personal conduct.
“Societies founded on hate and bigotry were always exposed
to conflicts, these negative emotions should only be
defeated by the power of love.”
While wishing Muslims successful Sallah celebration,
Abubakar advised the faithful to remain vigilant against the
influence of violent extremism which had been used by
misguided elements to portray Islam in bad light.
