The Secretary General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, on Monday, said the Boko Haram insurgents, waging war against the nation, were anti-Islam.
Oloyede made the remark at the ongoing National Conference in Abuja during a debate on a motion of national importance moved by Bishop Joseph Bagobiri and Seinde Arogbofa.
Bagobiri and Arogbofa, representing Christian Leaders and the South-West respectively, had, on behalf of Christian delegates, moved the motion to felicitate with Muslims on commencement of the holy month of Ramadan.
They urged Muslims to use the holy month to pray for peace and unity in the country.
Responding to the motion, Oloyede acknowledged with gratitude “the message of goodwill expressed by our Christian brothers and sisters.’’
He said the insurgent group in the country was a common enemy and was not representing Islam in any way.
He added, “I will want to seize this opportunity to reassure Christians and indeed all citizens of this country that Muslims in Nigeria are not at war with anybody.
“Muslims in Nigeria are part and parcel of the making of this country and will continue to be so.
“We want to plead with our brothers that we say emphatically that those who wage war in this country in the name of Islam do not represent Muslims. We want our brothers and sisters to be please be gracious enough to accept that we are saying nothing but the truth.’’
Oloyede, who represented Muslim leaders at the conference, said it would be wrong for people to continue to insinuate that the insurgents were Muslims.
The NSCIA secretary pointed out that Muslims were also victims of the insurgency and needed to be protected from attacks just like any group. (NAN)
