EASTER MESSAGE

30th March, 2013 EASTER MESSAGE: CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS MUST COME TOGETHER FOR NATION BUILDING Christians all over the world are currently marking the Easter season which began on Friday as Good Friday and will end on Monday with Easter Monday. The occasion marks the Christian belief in the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus. The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) greets Nigerian Christians on this memorable occasion. We assert the inalienable right of our brothers in Christendom to worship, to practice, to manifest and to celebrate their festivals as at when due and wherever they may be in the country. In conformity with the lessons embedded in the life of Jesus, we call for more tolerance, greater spirit of forgiveness and deeper understanding of the teachings of our different religions. In addition, MURIC urges all Nigerians to demonstrate genuine respect for the manner of worship as well as the culture of other religions. In view of the threat of insecurity that is facing Nigeria, there is an urgent need for the adherents of the various faiths in the country, particularly Christians and Muslims, to forge unity of purpose in nation-building. This they can achieve by sinking their differences and evolving closer ties. Above all, they must eschew past acrimonies, rancor and bitterness. Only thus can Nigeria be saved from the threat of division and war currently hanging over our heads like the sword of Damocles. We warn that the major motive of trouble-makers as exemplified in the bombing of passengers in Kano last week is to ignite war between the North and the South. We therefore call for soberness and patience in the face of the challenges facing us as a people. Finally, we charge religious leaders in the country to avoid making inflammatory statements. We urge the political class to go back to the school of statesmanship where they can learn the art of nation-building, self-sacrifice and service to the people. Professor Is-haq Akintola, Director, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), 234-818-211-9714 234-803-346-4974 Professor Is-haq Akintola,  Lagos State University, P.O. Box 10211, LASU Post Office, HO 102 101, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria. Tel. 234-803-346-4974        234-818-211-9714 Website: www.ishaqakintola.com Blog: drishaqakintola.blogspot.com Twitter:  ishaqakintola Facebook: facebook.com/ishaqakintola Twitter: ishaqakintola   I remain oppressed untill the hungry are fed, the naked clothed, the sick healed and the homeless sheltered