Senate President Akpabio and Religious tolerance
By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo
It is often said that one cannot not judge a book by its cover. You can only describe a book after one might have gone through its content in what FR Leavis and Q.D Leavis referred to as the “beautifully woven fabrics of a text ‘.The Leavis are literary critics; they were husband and wife.
Hence, religious tolerance can’t be seen in abstract because it is a practical disposition. One can’t claim emphatically that he or she is religiously tolerant when his actions, transactions and interactions with neighbours, colleagues and friends are in conflict.
It is on this basis, I feel obliged and enticed to talk write about the recent religious tolerance exhibited by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio when he hosted both Muslims and Christians senators for Iftar on Monday, 1st April,2024 in Abuja. As a leader you must work the talk.
In his remarks at the occasion, the Senate president opined that religion cannot divide us,” stressing that it was not a mere coincidence that the Christians Lenten and Muslim Ramadan periods came up again same time. He said despite the different religions, Muslims and Christians have one God.
Mr Akpabio congratulated his colleagues for breaking their fast with him and thanked the Almighty God for enabling them to witness the day alive. He sought for God’s protection and good health for all.
He explained that it was not a coincidence that God is merging the fasting of the Muslims and that of the Christian together. He stressed that it was not the first time the two faiths were observing their fasting the same time.
He stressed the need for them to continue to work together as brothers and sisters of the Almighty God, for the benefit of Nigeria. He asserted that for every human being there is a time to be born and there is a time to go.In his words ” no matter the turmoil, no matter the political disagreement, even families do disagree.
But we must bear one thing in mind, that we are serving humanity through Almighty God and that one day, we shall leave this world to go and account for our deeds while we were on earth.I think that is the guiding principle.”
One may not be far from the truth if one opines that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio was speaking like a clergyman through his admonition to co-senators that were present at the event.
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The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin,thanked Senate President on behalf of other senators for inviting them for Iftar. According to him “we are really grateful. The invitation is a demonstration of the care that you have for all Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We all know you as a very caring leader, someone who cares about the welfare of all Senators.”
He equally said the invitation has reinforced what they know about Senate President and linked it to Hausa adage that says” inviting you to come is more delicious than the food. “Senator Barau also said they were happy about the invitation, because it showed that the Senate president has them in mind.
He prayed to Allah to continue to be their guide and support as they work with the Executive arm of government to face the challenges confronting the country. In his words “..we are going to change the challenges to prosperity”and that Nigeria would become a land of eldorado within a short time by the grace of God.
Religious tolerance is an integral part of National integration; no one can play down its benefit in the peaceful coexistence of Nigeria.
So whenever I see a leader who have proven beyond reasonable doubt that he is religiously tolerant I appreciate the person,just like the way I’m doing it for the distinguished Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
Similarly, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also demonstrated the significant level of religious tolerance by hosting series of Iftar with several religious, political and business community leaders in the country during the holy month of Ramadan.
Interestingly, religious tolerance contributes to robust inter-personal relationships in a pluralistic society like ours.It broadens the society for opportunity in order for a nation to actualize her dream.
It also abrogates suspicion among adherents of different faith and promote love.This is why I can’t look away without writing something about what Senator Akpabio has done recently.
Even as a Governor of Akwa Ibom State for eight years, Akpabio had never been in a news for religious intolerance.This is a greatest feat to his personality and it will continue to resonate across the length and breadth of Nigeria.
Significantly ,I was joyous when I saw my political principal, Senator Saliu Mustapha, the Turaki of Ilorin Emirate sitting by the right hand side of Senate President during the Iftar in Abuja.Senator Mustapha is a top-notch politician when it comes to religious tolerance.
He is from Muslim majority Kwara Central Senatorial district, yet he appointed a Christian as a legislative Aide recently.It is obvious that like minds work together.
In conclusion,no Nation can strive where religious tolerance is relegated to the background, therefore we must as leaders and followers imbibe the culture of inclusivity and religious tolerance for a more United and prosperous country.
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