Ndume urges Nigerians to rise above religious divisions

 

Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume has called on Nigerians to reject religious bigotry and embrace unity, stressing that faith should never be a source of division in the country.

Ndume said both Islam and Christianity promote values such as kindness, patience and mercy, noting that no genuine belief system encourages hatred or hostility among people.

The senator spoke at a Christmas luncheon organised for Christian Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Centre in Wulari Ward, Maiduguri, Borno State.

According to him, Nigerians share common hopes, fears and aspirations regardless of their religious affiliations, urging citizens to see one another first as human beings rather than labels.

“Religion should never stand between one human heart and another. We all breathe the same air, and our dreams are more alike than they are different,” Ndume said.

He warned that conflicts often escalate when people are reduced to religious or ethnic identities, adding that those who exploit religion for selfish interests do so out of fear of unity.

“No belief system teaches hatred of one’s neighbour. Every major faith preaches compassion, patience and mercy. Those who twist religion for personal gain are serving their own ambitions, not God,” he added.

Ndume urged Nigerians to place humanity above religious differences in their daily interactions, noting that empathy, dialogue and mutual respect would weaken the influence of those who profit from division.

“Unity is not weakness. A society that stands together will always be stronger than one torn apart by fear. Humanity binds us more deeply than any differences we may have,” he said.