‘Religious stigmatization’ caused by ‘incitive preaching’

by Christiana Gokyo, Jos

A general observation has been made, that, religious stigmatization has caused serious problems in society over the years. Religious leaders have strong potential to (positively or negatively) influence their followers.

At a symposium, recently organized to address the burning issue of “The Effects of Incitive Preaching On Peaceful Coexistence On The Plateau,” this topic was widely disclosed by guest speakers, namely, Very Rev Fr Boniface Nkum (Director of Studies of St. Augustine Major Seminary, Jos) and Sheikh Ghazali Ismail (Deputy Chief Imam Jos Central Mosque).

They called on government to provide an “active platform” where religious leaders, who make inciting statements, could be reported and sanctioned accordingly. 

In line with this, the leaders maintained that the interfaith dialogue and education must be encouraged, in order to promote harmonious relationship between different religious groups. 

They also called on the Religious Advisory Committee of the State to wake up to its duties, adding that ‘religious leaders must take responsibility for the messages they convey to their followers.’ 

Also speaking 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 government and security agencies must not spare religious leaders encouraging violence by making inciting statements.

They stressed that, “No one is above the law in the country,” and advised that similar symposium should be organised at the local levels to educate people on the need for religious tolerance. 

Speaking also, the Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN-cum General Officer Commanding 3 Division NA, Major-General AE Abubakar, urged religious leaders to desist from making inciting comments that could threaten the peace of the country.

Maj-Gen Abubakar made the remarks, while speaking at the symposium organised for religious leaders on the Plateau by the Special Task Force of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) at Headquarters 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Rukuba Jos. 

He said the aim of organizing the symposium was to outline the importance of religious leaders as key contributors to peace in the society. 

While lamenting the damages inciting sermons from religious leaders have caused, which he said, include “fueling tension and anger” amongst religious groups. 

General Abubakar also stated that the symposium was a platform for constructive discussions on how to leverage on sermons to bring permanent peace to Plateau State, and 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. 

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. 

The Chairman OPSH 55-Man Peace Implementation Committee, Justice Daniel Longji (Rtd), noted that, “Inciting statements create mob action,” and urged the participants to promote sermons that encourage unity.  Those in attendance 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, and Women Wings of CAN/JNI, amongst others.