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Plateau: Military Cautions Religious Leaders Against Inciting Sermons

Published

3 years ago

October 23, 2023

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Religious leaders in Nigeria have been cautioned against making inciting comments that could threaten the peace of the country.

This warning came during a symposium organized for religious leaders in Plateau by the Special Task Force Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) at Headquarters 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA), Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Rukuba, Jos.

Delivering his keynote address at the event, the Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN and General Officer Commanding 3 Division NA, Major General AE Abubakar, said the aim of the symposium was to outline the importance of religious leaders as key contributors to peace in the society.

He lamented the damages inciting sermons from religious leaders have caused to include fueling tension and anger amongst religious groups.

Abubakar informed the gathering that the symposium was a platform for constructive discussions on how to leverage on sermons to bring permanent peace to Plateau State.

The commander urged the participants to reflect on their sermons and continually preach peace over violence. He further disclosed that the participants were drawn from different religious groups that have shown commitment to a peaceful society.

Delivering a paper on the topic: ‘The Effects Of Incitive Preaching On Peaceful Coexistence On The Plateau,’ the guest speakers, Sheikh Ghazali Ismail, Deputy Chief Imam, Jos Central Mosque; and Reverend Father Boniface Nkum, Director of Studies Saint Augustine Missionary School Jos, said religious leaders have strong potential to influence their followers.

They disclosed that religious stigmatization has caused serious problems in society over the years.

In the paper, the guest speakers agreed that the government must provide an active platform where religious leaders who make inciting statements could be reported and sanctioned accordingly.

The guest speakers maintained that interfaith dialogue and education must be encouraged in order to promote harmonious relationships between different religious groups.

While calling on the religious advisory committee of the State to wake up to its duties, they added that religious leaders must take responsibility for the messages they convey to their followers.

In their separate remarks, the Emir of Wase and Chairman Jamatul Nasir Islam (JNI) Plateau State, Alhaji (Dr) Muhammadu Sambo Haruna, and the Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Plateau State, Reverend Father Polycarp Lubo, said that the government and security agencies must not spare religious leaders encouraging violence by making inciting statements, while maintaining that no one was above the law in the country.

They advised that a similar symposium should be organised at the local levels to educate people on the need for religious tolerance.

On his part, the Special Adviser on Security to Plateau State Governor, Brigadier General GG Shipi (Rtd), disclosed that there must be public condemnation of preachers of inciting statements especially by followers of same faith.

He revealed that the Inter-religious Advisory Council in the State was active to address issues relating to religion and practices.

In his vote of thanks, the Chairman OPSH 55-Man Peace Implementation Committee, Justice Daniel Longji (Rtd), said inciting statements create mob action and urged the participants to promote sermons that encourage unity.

Some of the dignitaries present at the event include; the Emir of Wase and Chairman Jamatul Nasir Islam (JNI) Plateau State, Alhaji (Dr) Muhammadu Sambo Haruna; Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria Plateau State, Reverend Father Polycarp Lubo; Special Adviser on Security to Plateau State Governor, Brigadier General GG Shipi (Rtd); Chairman OPSH 55-Man Peace Implementation Committee, Justice Daniel Longji (rtd), religious leaders of various denominations, Women Wings of CAN/JNI amongst others.

Related Topics:Military Cautions Religious Leaders Against Inciting Sermons plateau

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'Some APC govs, cabinet members will work with Atiku' – Primate Ayodele warns Tinubu

Published

1 hour ago

October 25, 2026

PlateauReports

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against betrayal from some of his cabinet members and some governors within the ruling party.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele made it known that some of the governors in the ruling party are planning to work with former Vice President Abubakar Atiku towards the 2027 presidential election.

He made it known that some top members of the President’s cabinet will also work with the former Vice President.

He also said that Atiku is working with United States politicians.

Primate Ayodele said: “Atiku is planning seriously with the support of America to get victory. He will do a lot of things, and Tinubu shouldn’t be surprised that some governors he believes will work with Atiku secretly. Some members of his cabinet will work with Atiku secretly.”

Furthermore, Primate Ayodele revealed that INEC isn’t ready to conduct a credible election. But according to him, the date of the election isn’t good enough for a credible poll to hold in Nigeria.

Primate Ayodele said the election will be marred by violence and disappointment.

The cleric said that there will be consequences if the election is held on the said date.

He said: “INEC isn’t ready to do credible election, it can be marred with violence and disappointment. The day isn’t yet properly in order for an election that will bring a right president. There will be serious violence and inconclusive results in some states.

"The date isn’t too certain and there will be consequences if it is done. There will be fake ballot papers, and rigging will be the order of the day. INEC will also play their own part.”

Continuing, Primate Ayodele asked the President to do something urgently about the economic situation of the country because it will affect a lot of things.

“The economy hardship will fight harder, and the strategy to fight it isn’t sustainable. Tinubu cannot do this alone; his ministers ought to do something about it, and I see inflation will start rising significantly, and people will not be happy with this. Tinubu should quickly do something about it. They may feel it is not necessary but time will tell," he added.

‘Some APC govs, cabinet members will work with Atiku’ – Primate Ayodele warns Tinubu

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'I will vote for Peter Obi as social media president' – Wike taunts NDC candidate

Published

4 hours ago

October 25, 2026

PlateauReports

Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister Nyesom Wike has taunted the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, saying the former Anambra State governor can only win the coming election on social media.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State on Saturday, Wike said he would vote for Obi if the election were to choose a social media president but insisted that the NDC candidate could not govern Nigeria.

“Truly speaking, I give Obi president of social media. If you were voting for the president of social media, I would vote for him,” he said.

Wike also described Obi as a stingy politician whom the country's economy cannot be entrusted to.

DAILY POST reports that the Minister, who is heading the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential campaign in Abuja and Rivers has always criticized Obi and other candidates.

He had also expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would be re-elected in the January 16 election, dismissing the chances of the opposition.

‘I will vote for Peter Obi as social media president’ – Wike taunts NDC candidate