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NIREC debunks report alleging police will arrest clerics preaching against FG

By Nkechi Onyedika-Ugoeze, Abuja
03 September 2021   |   4:08 am
The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) has debunked reports alleging the police will clampdown on clerics preaching against the Federal Government.

FILE PHOTO: Officers of the Nigerian Police force. /Getty Images

The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) has debunked reports alleging the police will clampdown on clerics preaching against the Federal Government.

The report claimed Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, on Friday, August 27, declared that from September 2021, the Federal Government, through the Nigerian Police Force, would begin the arrest of bishops and pastors using their pulpit to preach against the Federal Government.

In a statement, yesterday, in Abuja, Executive Secretary of NIREC, Prof. Cornelius Omonokhua, said: “NIREC calls on Nigerians to disregard the propaganda of Bishop Dr. Olabode Daniel TLD and work graciously towards the realisation of a peaceful nation.

“This rejoinder is necessary to correct the erroneous information published by Bishop Dr. Olabode Daniel TLD, the Interfaith Human Rights Activist and Constitutional Justice Administrator.

“NIREC, under the Co-chairmanship of His Eminences, Rev. Dr. Samson Olasupo A. Ayokunle, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, hereby, states that in the just-concluded third quarter meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, held from August 25-27, 2021 at Reiz Continental Hotel, Abuja, the SGF, Boss Gida Mustapha, while declaring the meeting open, said, “Leaders that are fond of making statements that do not in any way bring succour and comfort to our people but rather further deepen discord, ought to be cautioned’.”

“During his address, the SGF did not mention anything about bishops or pastors. For the avoidance of doubt, the full video clip of his address can be accessed on NIREC YouTube.”

Omonokhua said NIREC is committed to the peaceful co-existence of Nigerians, adding that the Federal Government, through the office of the SGF, supports NIREC to achieve this noble mission and vision.

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