Religion Must Never Be Used To Divide Or Oppress Others – Buhari

The Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammed Buhari, (retd), yesterday, said religion should not be used to divide the country, but should rather strengthen the corporate existence of Nigeria.

The former Head of State spoke at the 8th edition of the Annual Lagos Thanksgiving Service under the administration of Governor Babatunde Fashola, in Ikeja.

“This is how it should be. Religion must never be used to divide or oppress others or gain unfair advantage. All my life, I have always held the belief that all Nigerians must be fee to worship God according to their beliefs,” he said.

“I am honoured to participate in this year’s edition of the Lagos Thanksgiving Service. And commended Fashola and his wife, Mrs Abimbola Fashola for this kind invitation.

“I am glad to know that this year’s service has brought together Nigerians of all faiths just to thank and praise the Almighty God for his mercies.”

Speaking further, Buhari noted that “The duty of government is not religion, the duty of government is to ensure peace, security of all Nigerians ,regardless of tribe, race or religion. And this is a commitment all of us must make in this service.”

Also speaking, Fashola said it was high time the people focused more on their common humanity and those things that they share together and focus less on their differences.

“Our languages, our religion, our ethnic origins are accidents of our birth and not the essential content of our humanity. If our creator wanted us to be the same it is not difficult for him to do so.

“Your faith is not better than mine, and if you think it is, I cannot quarrel with your opinion. You must respect my right to practice mine. That is why we gather today in the Centre of Excellence to thank and praise God together, Christians of different denominations, Moslems with different affiliations and traditionalists, because we are all grateful. That is the Spirit of Lagos,” Fashola said.