In a move aimed at promoting unity and tolerance in the country’s diverse society, the Vice President emphasised the importance of inclusivity and respect for religious freedom in a nation with a population of over 200 million people divided along religious and ethnic lines.
VP Shettima made the pledge in Lagos on Saturday during a special prayer organized by the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya of Nigeria in honour of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
The Vice President assured the gathering that President Bola Tinubu is guided by the message of the day, and is committed to protecting the rights and freedom of all Nigerians, regardless of their beliefs.
“The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) serve as a compass guiding us through the complexities of a multicultural world. He left us a template to manage a diverse society fairly. He taught us ways to build peace and resolve conflicts through dialogue, through kindness and through tolerance,” he stated.
Delivering his keynote address, the Vice President expressed gratitude to Secretary General of the Tijjaniyya International and President of the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya for their exemplary guidance and dedication to preserving moral values.
Accountability
He called for accountability in deeds and actions, urging all individuals to uphold the Prophet’s message of fairness and inclusivity in their daily interactions.
The VP said; “The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) offer a beacon of light navigating the complexities of our multicultural world,” VP Shettima noted, adding that the Holy Prophet left behind “a roadmap for managing diversity with fairness, building peace through dialogue, and resolving conflicts with kindness and tolerance.”
Addressing the challenges faced by the nation, VP Shettima acknowledged the burden of trust bestowed on President Tinubu by the Nigerian people.
He called for reflection and prayer for the President and other leaders, urging all citizens to remember their purpose in a world filled with trials and distractions.
On behalf of the President and Nigeria’s over 200 million people, the VP expressed deep appreciation for the special prayer session held by the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya, where the Quran was recited 4,444 times for Nigeria and its leader.
“In our diverse nation, it is our duty to ensure every Nigerian can practice their religion freely without fear or discrimination. We extend a hand of friendship to the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya, commending your efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence among different religious communities,” he stated.
Transformation
VP Shettima also spoke about the importance of internal transformation as a prerequisite for societal change, saying “as Allah instructed in the Qur’an, we can only guarantee change in our condition if we change that which is within us.”
He urged all Nigerians to lead by example, recognizing their intellectual, spiritual and moral capabilities.
His words: “We are all in search of our roads to redemption. Here, we are offering to build a nation that upholds the dignity of each person, recognizes the rights of each group, and emphasizes the essence of tolerance.”
The Vice President called for collective action, stressing the need to build a nation with the bricks of compassion, justice and fairness.
He implored Nigerians to join hands in the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood in fulfilling the nation’s obligations to its people and embracing the Prophet’s timeless teachings.
Earlier, President General of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijjaniyya), Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II, implored Nigerians to file behind the Tinubu administration to move the country forward.
Specifically, the 14th Emir of Kano and Khalifa of Tijjaniyya in Nigeria called on politicians, the business community, religious scholars and traditional rulers to focus on Project Nigeria, and work towards rebuilding the nation.
Sanusi particularly thanked the President and the Vice President for the donation of an edifice to the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijjaniyya) in Abuja.
“We will not forget it. We pray to Allah to guide our leaders to give good direction so that they are able to implement policies that, as a nation, will move us forward,”he said.
Also, the International Secretary of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijjaniyya) Worldwide, Sheikh Mohammed Lamin Inyass, stressed the need for unity among the Muslim community, adding that Islam commands all Muslims to honour humanity irrespective of tribe or religion.
According to him, a true Muslim is a brother to his fellow Muslim, irrespective of their sect or whatever understanding.
Dignitaries who attended the event include Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; National Secretary of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijjaniyya), Saiyadi Yahaya Al-Qasim, former Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Barr. Mukhtar Abdullahi Mohammed; Sheikh Siraj Inyass; Sheikh Maulud Fall Murtania; Sheikh Buba Inyass, Sheikh Tijjani Sani Auwal and Khalifa Danlami Agege.
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