President Muhammadu Buhari Monday in Abuja expressed the strong
determination of his administration to forge a strong, united nation
from the diverse religious and ethnic communities in the country.
Receiving the Tijjaniyya Muslim Religious Movement at the State House,
President Buhari lauded the prevalence of mutual understanding among the
followers of the two major religions in the country, Islam and
Christianity.
“It is generally said that differences divide people. We in Nigeria
understand that there is no way a misunderstanding can cause division
among us. We are one people,” he said.
President Buhari told leaders of the delegation, mostly Senegalese,
that the Tijjaniyya religious order was not new to him or to Nigerians,
citing specific communities around him who practised its ways and
commended them for being orderly, peaceful and constructive.
“The requirements of our people, whatever religion they follow, and to
whatever ethnic group they belong in Nigeria is the same.
”They need security, education and participation in an inclusive
economy. On this, we are being very fair to all Nigerians,” he said.
The Nigerian leader welcomed the prayers of the religious group for his
wellbeing and for the peace and progress in Nigeria.
He urged them to convey his best wishes to President Macky Sall of
Senegal, saying: ” I assure you that I am very close to your President.
He addresses me as ‘Baba’,”.
The leader of the delegation, Sheikh Muhammad Lamin Inyas, son of one of
the greatest Muslim religious Leaders in West Africa, Sheikh Ibrahim
Inyas said their father brought them up to love and appreciate his large
following in Kano and Nigerian cities.
“We are part of this country. We have come here to renew ties and the
bonds of relationship. This is our reason for the homage,” he said.
The delegation prayed for the realization of best wishes and aspirations
of President Buhari, and for unity and solidarity among the universal
followers of the religion.