The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has emphasised the need for increased mutual understanding and cooperation among religious communities to promote peace and coexistence in Nigeria and beyond.

Mr Abubakar, President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), said this when he received Dr Justin Welby, the former Archbishop of Canterbury and former Head of the Worldwide Anglican Communion, on Saturday in Sokoto.

He expressed appreciation for the visit, noting the importance of continued dialogue and mutual respect between religious leaders in promoting peace and strengthening communities.

He reaffirmed his commitment to work towards maintaining and improving the security situation, not just in Nigeria but across the world.

Mr Abubakar praised the Anglican Communion, especially in Nigeria, for its cooperation and commitment to peaceful coexistence.

He acknowledged willingness to work with interfaith organisations and to ensure that peace and security are promoted in Nigeria.

The Sultan, who frowned at the circulation of hate speech among citizens, assured of more collaboration to fight the menace.

He said, “To a large extent, hate speech has been most injurious to peaceful coexistence in the country. It has created what may be described as perceptual crises among faith communities in Nigeria.

“Therefore, there is a need for a strong call on religious and faith communities to work towards checking all forms of hatred, especially the growing and unfortunate phenomenon whereby some individuals openly insult religious leaders who are highly respected in communities.”

According to him, there is a need to curb such behaviour and ensure that people refrain from insulting not only prominent religious figures but also ordinary individuals who equally deserve respect.

Earlier, Mr Welby said the visit aimed to promote mutual understanding and emphasise the need for cooperation among religious and faith communities to promote peaceful coexistence.

Mr Welby also called for proactive measures against hate speech and fake news, which he described as another evil being used to precipitate a lot of trouble in the country.

He said the visit provided an opportunity to meet and discuss issues of common interest, particularly the importance of peace, religious understanding, unity and cooperation among people of different faiths.

He added that the meeting reflects the long-standing importance of interfaith engagement and the role of religious leaders in promoting peace, understanding and unity.

“It is something that we must collectively confront,” he said.

He urged religious leaders and groups to address the overall moral decadence that is holding sway in the world today.

He said, “We are witnessing a great deal of moral degeneration and moral perversion globally, and it is the duty of religious leaders and faith workers to ensure that these challenges are confronted.

“We assure you of our commitment to working towards maintaining and improving the security situation, not just in Nigeria but across the world.”

Both leaders pledged to work to tackle religious disharmony.

On his part, the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammadu Mera, described the meeting as critical towards finding a solution to lingering differences among followers and leaders.

Mr Mera enjoined leaders to strengthen peaceful coexistence through dialogue and increased consultations.

Other personalities that attended the meeting included the Galadiman Garin Sokoto, Alhaji Aliyu Attahiru, the District Head of Wurno, Alhaji Kabir Alhassan, Sokoto State Commissioners for Religious Affairs and Higher Education, Dr Jabir Maihula and Prof. Isah Maishanu.

Others included Professor of Law Prof. Mansur Sa’id, Malam Hussain Mabera, President of the Shari’ah Council of Nigeria, Prof. Bashir Aduku, Rev. Adeojo Michael, Evangelist Steven Ekudebuko, and Mr Benson Nnamdi.

(NAN)