Blasphemy Allegation: Gov Sule’s Aide Appeals for Calm Amid Rising Religious Tension in Nasarawa
By Our Reporter
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Nasarawa State on Christian Religious Matters, Ven. Jibrailu Yerima Dabong JP, has called for calm and restraint among residents following tension generated by an alleged blasphemous statement attributed to the Executive Chairman of Doma Local Government Council, Hon. Jonathan Okuba Addra.
The governor’s aide said the appeal became necessary to preserve the peace and religious harmony currently enjoyed in the state under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi A. Sule, whom he described as a symbol of religious tolerance and unity.
The controversy stemmed from a statement credited to the council chairman during discussions over the ratified list of local government officials of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The chairman was quoted as saying, “even if the prophet comes, he cannot change the list,” in reference to attempts by some party stakeholders to alter the already approved list.
Ven. Dabong explained that the statement did not specifically mention any particular prophet and therefore should not be interpreted as an insult to any religion. He noted that both Islam and Christianity hold their prophets in high esteem and urged adherents of both faiths not to personalize the remark or escalate tensions.
He condemned the threats reportedly issued by some Muslim youths against the chairman, as well as counter-threats from some Christian youths, warning that such reactions could destabilize the peace being enjoyed in the state.
The SSA emphasized that both Islam and Christianity are religions of peace and called on all citizens to exercise restraint, avoid inflammatory comments on social media, and refrain from actions capable of triggering religious conflict.
He further urged political leaders and public office holders to be mindful of their public statements, stressing that leaders must promote unity and avoid utterances capable of creating division.
Ven. Dabong called on residents to support the peace and stability of Nasarawa State, urging all stakeholders to embrace tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence for the continued progress and development of the state.
