Cleric Urges Religious Tolerance, Unity

The Chief Imam of Aba Central Mosque,  Alhaji Bashir Idris, has urged Muslims and Christians in the country to maintain close ties for tolerance and unity.

Speaking with  newsmen in Aba, Abia,  State recently, Idris said that a closer tie between Christians and their Muslim counterparts would foster understanding and promote peace in the country.

“There is a need for Christians and Muslims to come together to understand each other because if you are very far from somebody, you may not know what he is doing. You may call it Boko Haram, this or that; but when you come closer, understanding is established. We have to remember that Islam is the closest religion to Christianity. There are lots of misconceptions about us, the Muslims. Every year, we visit some churches in Aba to interact with them to show how Islam and Christianity can work together,’’ Idris said.

The cleric stressed the need for closer ties, particularly during crisis periods.

“If you look at the Mosque, some say we pack bombs and other weapons, but you have observed that we are even staying on the bare floor, no mat. “But if you are far, you will still be thinking like others. You can help us educate our Christian brothers, let them come closer,’’ Idris said.

He commended the Abia governor, Chief Theodore Orji, for ensuring that the era of insecurity became a thing of the past in the state.

He called on the security agencies to remain alive to their responsibilities, saying they should not spare evil doers.