The Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Samuel Uche, has called for peace and tolerance among Christians and Muslims.

On Sunday, Uche appealed to the two parties while speaking with journalists on the sideline of the induction of Evans Onyemara, the Christian Council of Nigeria’s General Secretary, at the Methodist Cathedral of Peace and Excellence, Lagos.

The prelate stated that his appeal was premised on the crisis brewing over the wearing of hijab by Muslim female students in Kwara.

“I don’t think Christians should close their schools to Muslim girls over hijab-wearing.

“Also, Christians who go to Muslim schools should not also be forced to wear hijab.

“This is a matter of religious tolerance,” he said.

The prelate stressed the need for peace, unity, and tolerance among Nigerians, irrespective of religion or tribe. He added that the gatemen in his house were Muslims.

“We should also know that there are criminals among Christians and Muslims, and I advise we all fish out those criminals so that the law can catch up with them.”

Mr Uche appealed to adherents of Christianity and Islam in Nigeria not to envy or kill one another in the name of religion, as “we are all one.”

Earlier in his sermon, President of the Christian Council of Nigeria, Benebo Fubara-Manuel, said everyone needed to be strong and courageous.

Mr Fubara-Manuel urged the newly inducted general secretary to be steadfast and courageous in the task ahead, praying that God will be with him.

Mr Onyemara, while speaking with journalists, assured the church and the council that he would ensure financial and infrastructural development.

“I have been called to service during this critical period, and a lot of ideas are in my head. I pray God will give me the grace to execute them, and we will not be disappointed,” he said.

(NAN)