Defence
THE Chief Imam of the Nigerian Army’s 34 Artillery Brigade Central Mosque, Obinze, Owerri, Col. Sani Bello, has described religious tolerance as an indispensable ingredient for national unity.
Bello said this in a speech at a special Juma’at prayer to commemorate this year’s Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) on Friday.
He spoke on the theme, “Promoting national unity through religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence.”
He described religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence as “essential factors for promoting national unity and development”.
Quoting the Holy Quran (Q 5:2), he called on the Muslim faithful in the country not to allow hatred of others to blindfold them into injustice and intolerance.
Bello described national unity as the bedrock of sustainable national development.
“Islam promotes peaceful co-existence with adherents of other faiths.
“It is therefore pertinent for Muslim adherents to tolerate the rights of others to practice their faith, devoid of aggression.
“This is the crux of Allah’s message to us,” he said.
Bello thanked the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya, “for honouring Imo with the responsibility of hosting the 2022 NADCEL”.
He also called on all the Muslim faithful to pray for the country’s leaders and gallant soldiers to overcome the nation’s security travails.
In a remark, Yahaya hailed the gallant men and officers of the Army for sustaining the tenets of national unity and peace.
He also commended them “for pursuing national cohesion, since the 159 years of the Nigerian Army.
The COAS, represented by Maj.-Gen. J. H. Abdulsalami, a senior official of the Nigerian Army, called on the Muslim faithful to seize the opportunity to pray for the safety and success of the troops.
He reassured the officers of his commitment to their welfare.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Muslim faithful in Owerri and environs converged on the Mosque for the prayers. (NAN)
KN
Tags: COAS Col. Sani Bello Lt.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya Maj.-Gen. J. H. Abdulsalami NADCEL
