By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Former Imo governorship candidate, Mr Uche Nwosu, has urged public figures to make responsible comments on religion and politics to promote understanding and peaceful coexistence.
Nwosu, who served as Chief of Staff to former Imo Governor Rochas Okorocha, made the call in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, urging caution when addressing sensitive national issues.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the call followed remarks by Plateau-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Sani Jingir, at a gathering in Kano on political participation and the 2027 general elections.
The event was organised by the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) and attended by the governors of Kano and Jigawa states.
Jingir spoke in support of President Bola Tinubu’s Muslim-Muslim ticket, saying Muslims should be free to support candidates of their choice.
Nwosu said Nigeria’s diversity required tolerance, mutual respect and understanding among citizens of different backgrounds.
He said religious and community leaders had an important role to play in promoting peaceful engagement through their public statements.
Nwosu urged public figures to exercise caution when commenting on sensitive national issues and avoid statements that could create unnecessary tension.
He also called on the Federal Government to address public utterances capable of affecting peaceful coexistence, in accordance with the law.
Nwosu appealed to Nigerians to approach discussions on religion, politics and other sensitive issues with restraint and respect for differing views.
He urged citizens to promote dialogue, tolerance and unity in the interest of peace, stability and national development.
NAN reports that the remarks have generated discussions as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to unfold.
The development has also renewed calls for responsible public communication on issues capable of affecting national cohesion. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
