Former Imam of Lagos State University, Prof. Amidu Sanni, has urged Nigeria’s two major faith bodies to speak out in unison against the misconception of targeted killings of followers of any particular religion in the country.
Prof. Sanni made the call while speaking with journalists on Tuesday against the backdrop of concerns raised by U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
According to him, joint efforts by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) to condemn such misinformation would go a long way in calming international concerns and reinforcing Nigeria’s unity.
“They should tell the world that Nigerians are united against all forms of human rights violations, irrespective of religion or belief,” he said.
“They should also make it clear that Nigerians are ready to support any policy that improves the lives and safety of ordinary citizens.
“Both faith bodies must boldly reject President Trump’s stance on Nigeria, especially as the current government is already addressing related issues through various reforms. Any form of external aggression under the guise of religion is unacceptable.”
Prof. Sanni further urged Nigerians to remain patriotic and supportive of their government.
“This is the time for Nigerians to rally around their government and inspire it to take decisive steps against new forms of imperialism,” he added.
Expressing regret over Nigeria’s absence of substantive ambassadors in key world capitals, he described the situation as “bad diplomacy.”
He also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take full advantage of international platforms such as the United Nations General Assembly, the G20, and other global fora to tell Nigeria’s true story and rebrand the nation’s political and economic image.
Prof. Sanni further called for the resuscitation of the Presidential Media Chat to enable the president to communicate more directly with citizens and receive feedback on national issues.
