Jangir: Christians Must Resist Extremists, Defend Nigeria’s Pluralism – Independent Newspaper Nigeria

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Nigeria belongs to all of us—Christians and Muslims alike—and no individual, religious group or extremist organisation has the right to make any Nigerian feel like a stranger in his or her own country.

Wisdom Chukwuemeziem Ekete has condemned what he described as inflammatory religious rhetoric capable of deepening distrust and tension between Christians and Muslims, warning that Nigeria must not allow religious extremism to undermine its unity.

According to him, Christians must remain firm in defending their faith and constitutional rights, while making it clear that such a position should never be interpreted as hostility towards Muslims or Islam.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us, Muslims and Christians. ISIS and Boko Haram cannot force us out of Nigeria, and neither should the inflammatory rhetoric of any religious leader make Christians feel unwelcome in their own country,” Ekete said.

He expressed concern over statements attributed to Sheikh Jingir which, he said, could further aggravate Nigeria’s already sensitive religious environment.

Ekete said religious leaders, regardless of their faith, have a responsibility to promote peace, tolerance and national cohesion because their words can influence millions of followers.

He therefore urged the government and relevant authorities to pay close attention to statements capable of provoking religious hostility and to ensure that every Nigerian enjoys equal protection under the law.

“It is unfortunate that Christians are increasingly concerned about attacks and rhetoric directed at their faith. But our response must be guided by courage, wisdom and the law. We must defend our faith without becoming what we condemn,” he said.

Ekete also questioned whether inflammatory religious rhetoric could be exploited for political purposes, particularly against the background of concerns surrounding Nigeria’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.

He, however, stressed that Christians should not allow political differences to turn them against their Muslim compatriots, noting that Christians and Muslims occupy positions of responsibility across Nigeria’s political institutions.

“What we must resist is any attempt to use religion as a weapon for political mobilisation or social division. Nigeria is a constitutional democracy, and every citizen—Christian or Muslim—is entitled to equal rights and protection,” he said.

Ekete warned against complacency among Nigerian Christians, urging them to become more conscious of issues affecting religious freedom, national security and the future of their communities.

He also called on Christian youths to participate

actively in civic and democratic processes rather than retreating from public affairs.

“Christians must be vigilant, but our vigilance must be responsible. We must use the law, democratic institutions, education and peaceful civic engagement to protect our rights and our faith,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria cannot afford a situation in which provocative religious statements are allowed to deepen the divide between its two major faith communities.

He urged both Christian and Muslim leaders to reject extremism and work towards a country where religious differences do not determine who belongs or who deserves protection.

“Nigeria must never become a battleground between religions. We will defend our faith, but we will also defend the right of every Nigerian to practise his or her faith freely. Our strength must come from unity, constitutional rights and peaceful action—not violence,” Ekete said.