Chief Imam, Lagos State University, Professor Amidu Sanni, and Pastor Charles Ighele of Holy Spirit Mission Church, Ikeja, have described President Bola Tinubu’s presence at Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration Mass as a demonstration of religious tolerance.
The clerics spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, yesterday in Lagos.
NAN reports that Tinubu, a Muslim, on Sunday, joined other world leaders to participate in the inauguration mass at St Peter’s Square, Rome.
Sanni said Nigerians should embrace President Tinubu’s religious liberalism and statesmanship to foster unity.
According to him, Tinubu’s participation in the one-hour Mass was encouraging.
“As a Muslim, he demonstrated the fundamental quality of Islamic liberalism, inclusivism and statesmanship.
“He also held a closed-door meeting with the Nigerian Conference of Catholic Cardinals at the end of the inauguration, when he assured them of his readiness to always support their cause.
“He also appealed to the cardinals to join efforts in helping our diversity enhance our unity,” Sanni said.
He noted that the president had continued to show support for pilgrimages to Jerusalem.
“I therefore appeal to Nigerians to see ourselves first as human beings who have the freedom to adopt any religion of choice and to respect that choice without mischief and ill-will or subtle manipulation and coercion, by emulating the president in our conduct with others.
“It shows that tolerance and broad-mindedness are necessary for good leadership which should be emulated at all levels to ensure peaceful coexistence and societal development,” he said.
Commenting, Ighele said he was not surprised that Tinubu was present at the inauguration in Rome.
According to the bishop, Tinubu’s wife, Remi, is a known Christian.
“A man who has not prevented his wife from her church attendance should be appreciated. We should appreciate the president for this.
“His being in Rome for the Pope’s inauguration should be applauded by all. It shows his level of religious tolerance.
“As a preacher of the Word of God, I believe that we should praise someone when the person does what is good.
“I am not a Catholic, but I was happy seeing him on television among other leaders,” he said.
Ighele notex that Tinubu’s action promoted religious harmony.
“There is the need for us as a people to see one another first as humans created by same God.” (NAN)
EFCC Detains 120 Internet Fraudsters In Lagos, Seize Luxury Cars
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 have arrested 120 suspected internet fraudsters.
The EFCC confirmed this in a post shared on its verified X handle @officialEFCC, yesterday.
It stated that the suspects, comprising 95 males and 25 female, were apprehended yesterday.
“The suspects were apprehended,
following credible intelligence and thorough surveillance regarding their alleged involvement in internet-related fraud.
“Items recovered during the coordinated operation include 26 exotic cars and expensive jewellery, smartphones, laptops and several incriminating documents, ” the commission stated.
It said the suspects are currently undergoing further investigation.
According to the commission, the suspects will be arraigned in court, upon conclusion of investigation. (NAN)
