NIREC Urges Adamawa Politicians to Reject Religious, Tribal Sentiments.

The Adamawa State chapter of the Nigeria Inter Religious Council (NIREC) has called on politicians and other stakeholders to refrain from using religious and tribal sentiments to divide the people of the state for political gains.

The council made the call when its Co Chairmen, Alhaji Gambo Jika and Rev. Joel Manzo, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri at the Government House, Yola.

NIREC commended the Fintiri administration for its efforts in promoting peace, security and development across the state, noting that the stability enjoyed in Adamawa remains essential to its continued progress.

The council expressed concern over the spread of inflammatory messages on social media and attempts to mobilise citizens along religious and ethnic lines, warning that such actions could undermine the existing peace and unity in the state.

It urged Christians and Muslims, as well as people from different ethnic backgrounds, to work together for the development of Adamawa, stressing that no single religious or ethnic group can develop the state in isolation.

The council called on citizens to reject hate speech, bigotry and divisive rhetoric and instead embrace dialogue, tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

NIREC also commended Governor Fintiri for what it described as his fairness and inclusiveness towards people of different faiths, assuring the administration of its continued support for initiatives aimed at strengthening peace and unity.

Responding, Governor Fintiri emphasised that peace, unity and peaceful coexistence remain fundamental to the development of Adamawa State.

The Governor appreciated NIREC for its partnership with the government and urged religious leaders to remain united and continue using their influence to promote tolerance, understanding and harmony among residents.

NIREC further announced plans to strengthen its structures across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state in order to take its campaign for religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence directly to communities.

The council stressed that Adamawa cannot afford to lose its relative peace, noting that the progress recorded across the state is closely connected to the stability and peaceful coexistence enjoyed by its people.