Shettima: Tinubu ‘ll Protect People’s Rights Irrespective of Religious, Ethnic Leanings
*Applauds efforts to promote peaceful coexistence among different faiths
*Sanusi canvasses support for Tinubu in his bid to develop Nigeria
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Vice President Kashim Shettima has given an assurance that the rights of all Nigerians, regardless of their religious and ethnic beliefs, will be protected under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
This is just as President General of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijjaniyya) and14th Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, implored Nigerians to support Tinubu’s administration to move the country forward.
The vice president has also 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.
Shettima, who spoke in Lagos yesterday during a special prayer organised by the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya of Nigeria in honour of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, assured the gathering that President Tinubu 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 tolerance,” he stated.
Delivering his keynote address on the theme: ‘Searching for a Compass in a Multicultural World,” the vice president expressed gratitude to the Secretary General of the Tijjaniyya International and President of the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya for their exemplary guidance and dedication to preserving moral values.
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 teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) offer a beacon of light, navigating the complexities of our multicultural world,” 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.”
Speaking on the challenges faced by the nation, 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.
The vice president 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,” Shettima said.
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.
Speaking earlier, President General of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijjaniyya), Sanusi, implored Nigerians to support Tinubu’s administration to move the country forward.
The 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.
“We are aware that you have taken over this country in a very difficult time, and at this time all Nigerians need to come behind you to end politics and face governance and move Nigeria forward.
“Every year on this occasion we try to complete at least 4,444 recitations of the Qur’an, with the sole intention of praying for the peace and stability of our country, for the protection of our leaders and our people.
Sanusi thanked the president and the vice president for the donation of an edifice to the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijjaniyya) in Abuja.
Also speaking, 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.
