From Shuaibu Zubair Tatu, Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi Government has urged religious leaders in the state to concentrate on preaching moral values, peace and unity, rather than engaging in partisan politics from the pulpit.
The state Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sani-Aliyu made the call on Sunday while briefing newsmen in Birnin Kebbi, following a recent political statement allegedly made at a religious gathering by a cleric, Malam Bashir Jega.
He advised clerics to desist from using mosques, churches and other places of worship to incite their congregations against the government.
He, however, noted that religious leaders who wished to participate in politics retained the constitutional right to do so openly, by contesting elective positions.
“They are Nigerians and have the constitutional right to contest for political offices if they so desire.
“However, they should leave the pulpit and come out openly to participate in politics, rather than using religious platforms to incite their followers against the government,” he said.
Sani-Aliyu further urged religious leaders to champion truthfulness, peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding among citizens.
“Religious leaders should guide their followers towards peace, unity and mutual understanding, which are core teachings of all religions,” he stated.
