NIREC sues for peaceful co-existence in Lagos

Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) across the 20 Local Government and 37 Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State, have harped on the need to sustain the existing peaceful atmosphere in the state.

The group comprising Muslim and Christian clerics enjoined Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, to sustain the peaceful co-existence and harmonious relations of among the diverse groups and faiths in the state.

Speaking at the Meeting of Religious Leaders and Organizations in Lagos, Senior lecturer at the University of Lagos, Chief Imam University of Lagos Mosque and the Co-Chairman (NIREC-Muslim), Dr. Tajudeen Yusuf, appreciated the efforts of the state government on the infrastructure development in the state.He stressed that no religious crisis has ever been recorded in Lagos and this is a testimony that, the “State is under a man with a fear of God and love for his people”.

Yusuf urged Lagosians to continue to pray and work for peace while Muslims and Christians must consolidate their level of cooperation and collaboration to promote peace in the state,He advised them to desist from any action that could threaten the harmony of their communities.

President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Co-Chairman Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) Lagos Chapter, Alexander Bamgbola, said: “Lagos has never had it this good, and it had been prospering mostly because of this high level of peace and religious harmony in the state,”

He said further that if Nigeria as a country had initiated good policies of peace, collaboration among religious bodies and inclusive governance, there would have been fewer crises in the country.

A prominent Muslim leader, Dr. Ashiru Samiat in her remarks said that, “Lagos is the only state whose chapter of NIREC is functional and this shows the commitment of the governor to sustainable peace. She therefore called on women to do more in their capacity and promote growth and development even from their home fronts.

The Secretary of CAN in Lagos, Pastor Israel Akin Adewo, popularly called “Baba Aladura” expressed appreciation for the noble roles which the Honourable Commissioner, Hon. Dr. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, “has been playing in support of Governor Ambode’s administration” and specifically commended his crisis-management efforts in the state.