BY Emeka  Mamah

Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State, yesterday, described the attempt by some Muslims to compel non-Muslims to change their religions as unIslamic, saying even Prophet Mohammed related with the Jews of the city of Madinah and the Christian delegation of Najran.

Yakowa spoke while declaring open a meeting of the Central Council of the Jama’atul Nasril Islam, JNI, at the Umaru Yar’Adua Indoor Sports Complex, Murtala Square, Kaduna.

Former Premier of Northern Nigeria and Sardauna of Sokoto, late Sir Ahmadu Bello, set up the JNI in January 1962 with the aim of, among other things, organising the Ulama (Islamic Scholars) as an effective and united body so that they could bring their vast influence to bear on the society more meaningfully and effectively.

Yakowa said: “Undoubtedly, I consider this invitation to declare open the 2012 JNI meeting as an opportunity to meet my brothers and sisters in order to join hands with them to promote love and compassion among the children of one family, that is the family of Adam and Eve.”

‘’Nigeria is a country that comprises both Muslims and non-Muslims according to the wish of God. Had He wanted, He would have made our country, Nigeria, to be inhabited by either only Muslims or non-Muslims. In order to develop our dear country, we have to embrace the spirit of peaceful co-existence as taught by the two major religions practised in Nigeria— Islam and Christianity.

‘’I would like to say that Islam does not approve the use of force or any prejudice in the propagation of religion. Since Allah commands us not to use any kind of compulsion in religion, it is obviously ridiculous to even argue that Islam commands Muslims to kill non-Muslims.

‘’Christianity also protects the right to life and religion. Therefore, both Muslims and Christians should adhere strictly to the teachings of their religion of choice in order to move our country forward.

“The current insecurity pervading our country is one challenge that calls for the contribution of all Nigerians who desire that the nation continues as we inherited it from those who led our independence struggle. I always believe that security is a business of all. Hence, I implore you as religious leaders to make more concerted efforts to bring the aforementioned challenge to an end.

“People in government are not infallible. Consequently, whenever we are perceived to have erred, we should be advised, not attacked.”