Okoh Advocates for Resuscitation of NIREC
The Primate of the Anglican Communion, Dr. Nicholas Okoh, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, have advocated for the resuscitation of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, (NIREC).
The Primate of the Anglican Communion, Dr. Nicholas Okoh, said NIREC was one of the highlights of their discussion during his visit to the Sultan’s palace.
Okoh spoke to our correspondent during his visit to Sokoto to dedicate the newly- completed St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Sokoto.
According to the Christian cleric, the revival of the council is to hasten more understanding between religious leaders, which will trickle down to the grass roots and cement peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.
While thanking him for his fatherly role in the sustenance of peace, the Primate said the Sultan mentioned that “we need to revive the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council.”
According to Okoh, NIREC was very helpful in talking over differences among the people in the country and understanding one another better.
Okoh added, “In fact, he (Abubakar) emphasised that he doesn’t believe in tolerance, but would like people to understand one another, instead of tolerating one another.
“He illustrated that the understanding at our levels as religious leaders goes a long way in our relationship and I quite agree with him.
“When NIREC was viable, there was a plan of how Christian and Muslim leaders will work together to ensure that whatever decision at NIREC will go down through sub-groups established at the state and local government levels,” he added.
