NOCRELA Scribe Calls For Appointment Of SSAs On Religious Affairs to President
By Samson Obande, Lafia.
The Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly, NOCRELA, has called on the Federal Government to appoint Senior Special Assistants to the President on Christian and Muslim Religious Affairs, describing the move as “a strategic national necessity” amid rising insecurity and social tension.
In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Rev. Dr. Simon A.S. Dolly-Kif, NOCRELA said the appointments would create direct channels of engagement between government and faith communities, which remain the most influential institutions at the grassroots.
“In a multi-religious and multi-ethnic nation like Nigeria, such appointments are more than a political gesture. At a time like this, they are critical to fostering mutual understanding, promoting peaceful coexistence, and providing informed counsel on matters affecting religion, security and social cohesion,” Dolly said.
He noted that Nigeria is currently grappling with intersecting challenges of insecurity, economic pressure, and growing social tensions — a period in which “trust and dialogue become critical tools of governance.”
According to him, dedicated presidential aides on Christian and Muslim affairs would serve as bridges between government and religious institutions. Their mandate, he added, would include facilitating interfaith dialogue, preventing and mediating conflicts with religious dimensions, and mobilizing faith bodies to support government efforts in humanitarian aid, peacebuilding and national development.
“Religious leaders command moral authority and have reach into communities where government presence is thin,” Dolly quoted a senior cleric as saying. “Engaging them through credible advisers can enhance public trust and reinforce the message that every Nigerian is valued, regardless of faith.”
The statement emphasized that churches, mosques and other religious bodies remain central to daily life in Nigeria, running schools, hospitals and welfare programs, and shaping public opinion on ethics, justice and community welfare.
Harnessing that influence through competent and widely respected SSAs, NOCRELA said, would contribute significantly to national stability, reconciliation and sustainable development. It would also signal inclusive governance and assure citizens that no major constituency is excluded from decision-making.
NOCRELA outlined four key functions for the proposed advisers:
1. Advise the President on policies with religious and social implications
2. Facilitate interfaith dialogue to promote harmony and tolerance
3. Mobilize faith communities to support government programs on peace, health, education, and poverty reduction
4. Serve as early-warning channels to flag tensions before they escalate.
The group described the appointments as “a commendable step toward deepening interfaith harmony and strengthening national unity.”
“As Nigeria strives for peace, justice, and sustainable development, governance that recognizes and engages all major faith communities will reinforce our shared commitment to a prosperous and peaceful nation,” Dolly said.
“It is time to leverage every available asset for nation building — including the moral voice of religion. Let us work together to build a Nigeria where peace, justice, mutual respect, and inclusive leadership prevail for the benefit of all.”
