Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on Thursday warned political office seekers to desist from dividing the country along ethnic and religious biases.
The governor issued the warning during the National Inter-Religious Conference held at the Coronation Hall of Government House, Kano.
Ganduje revealed that churches and mosques, are not perfect places for electioneering campaign, thereby cautioning political parties and their candidates not build their campaigns on religious biases while seeking votes from the electorate ahead of the 2023 election.
He said the Kano state government organised the conference to ensure “greater interaction and lay the foundation for sustainable development and peace in the country.”
He further explained that the series of interfaith engagements have promoted unity between various faiths and ethnic groups in Kano, stating that since his tenure as Kano Governor has witnessed no religious violence.
“The enduring peace witnessing in Kano state today is a positive testimony of the achievements of this initiative,” he stated.
Ganduje said: “The aim of the conference is to promote religious understanding in the society and enhance peace and unity in Nigeria. Sometimes, religion is used to instigate crisis and division. This is contrary to the tenets of both faiths.
“This is the reason why leaders of various religions should ensure mutual understanding and dialogue to prevent trouble before it escalates. We have to use the power of faith to deepen our unity and prevent those intended to be used for selfish interest,” Ganduje said.
