Garba Shehu, presidential
spokesman, says security forces are working tirelessly to secure the release of
all the captives in custody of Boko Haram.
Shehu said this in reaction to
the allegation of the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) that Christian
faithful were being persecuted and are the primary targets of the insurgent
group.
The Christian body also alleged
that the government had failed to secure the release of Leah Sharibu and some
other Christian captives “because of her religion”.
Reacting in a statement on
Tuesday, Shehu said the government trusts the security agencies to secure the
release of all the captives.
He accused some leaders of
seeking political gains from religious differences, warning that “the
politicisation of religion has no place in Nigeria”.
He added that the government
would not tolerate any act of religious intolerance and called on Nigerians to
unite against the “terror group and see the sect members for what they are”.
Shehu said: “The security forces
of Nigeria are working continuously to return those taken hostage by Boko Haram
to their families, friends and communities. In doing this, the government has
full confidence in their ability to accomplish the task.
“On its own part, government has
condemned some of the appalling acts of terror, especially following the
festive period. Yet, to continue to see these happenings solely in religious
terms – removed from social, economic and environmental factors – simplifies
complexities that must be heeded. Not seeing them as they should be is exactly
what the terrorists and groups wish: they want Nigerians to see their beliefs
as reason to turn against one another.
“On the contrary, Christians and
Muslims alike are united in their opposition to Boko Haram and the hatred for
decency that the infamous group stands for.
“Nigerians must continue to be
united in ensuring that they do not subscribe to the terrorists’ message of
division. Unfortunately, some leaders and politicians seek to make political
capital from our religious differences. As we fight Boko Haram on the ground,
so too must we tackle their beliefs: stability and unity in face of their
hatred is itself a rejection of their worldview.
“This government shall never
tolerate religious intolerance. We clearly and unambiguously restate our
support for the freedom to practice whichever belief you wish. The
politicisation of religion – as forbidden by the constitution – has no place in
Nigeria.”
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