As a way of curbing the menace of religious extremism and violence in the nation, a Professor of History of Religion, Prof Afisa Jaja, has stressed the need to establish an agency for inter religious dialogue.
In an exclusive chat with The Tide, Prof. Jaja who is a senior lecturer in Ignatius Ajuru University of Education said if the agency is established, it will promote dialogue, unity among the different religious groups in the country.
He suggested that the agency should be formed in such a way that the major religious groups will lead rotationally.
The professor averred that without dialogue and understanding, the current religious extremism in the North and lack of tolerance among the religious groups in the country will worsen over time.
Jaja was of the view that Boko Haram constitutes religious extremism because Islam abhors violence and killings.
Blaming politicians for fuelling the rising religious intolerance, Jaja stated that some political leaders have exploited the situation to brainwash their followers as a way of fighting perceived opposition.
“As far I am concerned, Islam and Christianity have one thing in common. They preach love and they believe in one God, and so for me, they should tolerate each other”, he said.
He maintained that no religion can claim superiority over another, hence, the need to see each other as brother.

By: Kevin Nengia