The Sa’ad Abubakar III has firmly dismissed claims of a planned Islamisation of Nigeria, describing such narratives as baseless, divisive and impossible. He made this known on Wednesday while speaking at the First Triennial Meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council in Abuja.
The Sultan, who also serves as President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Co Chairman of NIREC, stressed that Muslims have no agenda to undermine Christians. According to him, both religions coexist by divine design and must continue to live together in mutual respect and understanding.
Highlighting the importance of dialogue, he described NIREC as a critical platform for fostering peace and unity in the country. He noted his personal commitment, stating that in over 20 years of involvement with the council, he has never missed a meeting.
The monarch emphasized that peaceful dialogue remains the most effective way to address religious differences. He urged Nigerians to acknowledge and respect their diversity rather than allowing it to become a source of conflict.
Addressing concerns about religious literacy, the Sultan warned against the rise of unqualified clerics who lack proper theological training. He explained that fluency in Arabic alone does not make one an Islamic scholar, just as Christian pastors in some regions preach in Arabic without it defining their expertise.
He also condemned the growing trend of linking criminal activities to religion, insisting that bandits and terrorists should not be profiled based on faith. According to him, any individual who s in the name of religion is acting against its teachings and will face divine consequences.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the Sultan called for stronger trust between religious leaders and their followers. He maintained that national progress depends on unity, cooperation and sustained interfaith engagement.
He further commended collaborations between NIREC and international partners aimed at promoting peace and finding local solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.
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