By Uzair Adam
The Sultan of Sokoto and Co-Chair of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), HRH Abubakar Sa’ad III, on Wednesday warned that the Council risks losing relevance unless religious leaders embrace sincerity, accountability and genuine engagement.
His remarks came as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) renewed calls for stronger government action on insecurity, while the Federal Government dismissed global claims of religious persecution in the country.
These exchanges took place at NIREC’s Second Tri-Annual Meeting in Abuja, where the Sultan, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, delivered some of their most direct assessments of Nigeria’s security challenges and interfaith relations.
Speaking candidly, the Sultan said NIREC had drifted from its founding vision, stressing the need to confront internal contradictions that undermine its credibility.
He lamented that some religious leaders preach unity during meetings but make divisive statements outside, a pattern he said weakens interfaith harmony.
“We sit down and say good things to one another, knowing God owns everything. Yet when we leave this room, we begin to say negative things. Are we really honest with ourselves?” he asked.
He urged the Council to decide whether to continue with its current approach, undergo reforms, or return fully to its founding principles. He also commended Cardinal John Onaiyekan for his consistency and sincerity since NIREC’s early days.
The Sultan noted that many members fail to communicate NIREC’s resolutions to their communities, leaving the public unaware of decisions that could reduce tension.
He emphasised that dialogue—rather than force—remains the surest path to peace.
Turning to security, CAN President Archbishop Okoh warned that Nigeria faces a dangerous phase of violence marked by mass abductions, banditry and extremist attacks.
“The daily loss of innocent lives is alarming and heartbreaking. Communities are being deserted and citizens are fearful,” he said.
While acknowledging existing government efforts, he urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen responses proportionate to the scale of the crisis. He also stressed that faith institutions remain vital to peacebuilding due to their grassroots influence.
He insisted that justice must underpin peace: “Those who perpetrate or finance violence must be held accountable, and victims must be supported.”
In his remarks, SGF Senator George Akume rejected global claims that Nigeria is experiencing religious genocide, arguing that such narratives misrepresent the country’s complex security issues. He noted that both Christian and Muslim communities have suffered devastating attacks.
He announced plans for a US–Nigeria Joint Working Group on Security, where religious leaders will contribute to policy discussions.Akume urged delegates to speak frankly and work in unity, saying: “Let us collectively silence the merchants of hatred and disunity.”
The meeting ended with a consensus that Nigeria’s fragile peace requires renewed honesty, deeper collaboration and a united moral front between religious leaders and the government.