Nigerians must resist attempt to cause confusion, hatred through religion – Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday charged Nigerians to resist any attempt to cause confusion, promote hatred and intolerance through religion.

He said these vices are antithetical to the teachings of all religions and therefore counter productive.

The governor spoke at the 2022 International Day for Tolerance with the theme: ‘The Role of Religion in Democratic Governance in Nigeria,’ held in Ikeja, Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Folasade Jaji, said ordinarily, the issue of religion in governance should not give any cause for concern given the fact that the major religions teaches positive virtues such as love, honesty, integrity, transparency, accountability, decency and respect, among others.

“These virtues, if properly imbibed, will no doubt, impact positively on governance which will translate to improved welfare of the people.

“It must however become a cause for concern when religion becomes a tool in the hand, of unscrupulous people to fan the embers of disunity   and chaos in our society to achieve selfish end.

“We have a duty to resist any attempt to cause confusion, promote hatred and intolerance because these are antithetical to the teachings, of all religions and therefore counter productive,” he said.

The governor stated that his government would continue to remain impartial  and protect citizens’ right to practice any religion of their desire and would also remain committed to the promise to create equal opportunities for all citizens without discrimination on the basis of religion, ethnicity, tribe, gender or socio-economic status.

Sanwo-Olu also urged all Lagosians to sustain the spirit of tolerance, understanding and accommodation which Lagos is well known for, especially as “we prepare for another general election in 2023.”

The First Lady of Lagos, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, in her speech, said that the political landscape is becoming toxic with hate speeches, imploring stakeholders in the democratic process to respect opposing views.

Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, said that it was important to spread awareness about the importance of tolerance in the society, especially when various beliefs and faith admonishes tolerance to one another.

“Our religious institutions have a great role to play in educating and enlightening the populace with regards to their civil responsibilities and obligations to national survival,” he said.