Niger state Governor, Babangida Aliyu, on Saturday reiterated that Boko Haram was not fighting a religious war and did not represent the tenets of Islam.
Aliyu, who expressed sadness over the negative perception some “ignorant and misguided” Nigerians had about Islam, stated that the religion was not only peaceful but democratic and with broad perspective in relating with people of other faiths.
The governor, while speaking as the special guest at the 29th edition of the state’s Quran recitation competition in Bida, said those behind the terrorist group were infected with religious ignorance, adding that Islam is a religion of peace.
Aliyu said the only way to correct the menace of religious ignorance was to encourage Quranic trainings and competitions. He said until ignorance of Islam was completely tackled, mischievous and self-serving people would continue to project the peaceful faith in a negative perspective.
The governor advocated religious harmony in Nigeria, saying it was time to pay attention to the way religious instructions were taught. He added that religion should be used as a tool to moderate actions, encourage unity and foster peace.
He expressed optimism that Nigeria would soon get it right in the area of religious knowledge, harmony and trust towards collective peace and national unity towards collective developmental aspiration. Punch
