Stay out of politics, Abubakar tells religious leaders

Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), has cautioned religious leaders to stay out of politics to maintain their integrity.

Abubakar gave the advice at weekend in Abuja at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at (AMJ) Nigeria’s maiden National Peace Symposium, themed: “Religion, Peace and National Unity” and the 4th Northern Region Jalsa Tarbiya.



He was represented by the National Chairman of the National Conscience Party (NCP) and chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Dr. Yunusa Tanko, who also received the National Peace Award bestowed on him by the National Amir (President) of the AMJ Nigeria, Dr. Mashhud Adenrele Fashola at the event.

“Religious leaders should stay away from politics and politicking as they are known to be revered people in order to maintain their integrity, but can as well challenge any perceived misdemeanor in the polity. Religious leaders should run away from any message that may lead to disharmony and misunderstanding,” Abubakar said.

He quoted several passages in the Qur’an and Bible that denounce violence but promote peace at all times, adding that if the people continue to preach such messages, there would have been little work to do in uniting the people towards peace and unity of the country.

According to him, “The major concern of the local and international community was the fear of violence before, during and after the elections. This brings us to the important role our faith-based organizations have to play considering the fact that, Nigerians listen to sermons from the Imams and Pastors dish out from the altar.”

Fortunately, none of the religions preaches hate or violence.”