The youth wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states has called on both Islamic and Christian clerics to desist from passing uncomplimentary comments capable of jeopardising the unity and stability of the country.

This is contained in a statement issued by the chairman of the group, Evang Misal, in Yola on Wednesday.

Mr Misal described the recent comments credited to a popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Abubakar Gumi, against the FCT minister, Nysome Wike, as ‘unfortunate and unislamic’.

According to him, Muslims and Christians are their brothers’ keepers, hence the need for religious tolerance, especially in appointments into public positions.

“We too, as Christians, will not condone a situation where a Christian fellow will be denigrating our Muslim brothers, as they are our brothers.

“Nysome Wike is a leader with track records of achievements in all the positions he has held,” he added.

Mr Misal condemned any attempt aimed at causing disunity, disaffection and mutual suspicion among Nigerians, irrespective of religious, tribal or sectional considerations.

“Nigeria needs positive inputs from both religious groups to enable it to grow and achieve economic and political development, as divisive comments will only throw a spanner in our development,” he said.

(NAN)