Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, yesterday, condemned the violence that has engulfed different parts of the North and admonished adherents of all faiths in the country to respect one another and work towards building bridges of understanding among the people.
Speaking during a church service at St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Koroma, Tai Local Government Areas of Rivers State, Tambuwal pointed out that several communities had lived together in harmony for ages, and as such, no one should seek to undermine that peace and harmony.
Tambuwal was in the church to honour invitation of one of his colleagues’, Hon Barinada Mpigi, who had a thanksgiving ceremony in his constituency.
He stressed that the religion of Islam respects the sanctity of human life and places of worship, and added that Prophet Muhammad places high premium on respect for churches and monasteries during his life time and has enjoined his followers to do the same.
According to him, in theory and orientation, Islam and Christianity are not antagonistic to each other.
“In Damascus, I saw the tomb of John the Baptist inside a mosque. Few metres away from there lay the grave of the grandson of our holy prophet Muhammad (SAW). I think we have a lot to learn from that,” the Speaker added.
In his remarks at the occasion, Bishop of Ogoni Diocese of Anglican Communion,? Rev Solomon Gberegbara, commended Tambuwal for addressing the congregation and said that for the first time in his Episcopal life, he listened to a Muslim address his congregation in church.
While describing the Speaker as an exceptional man, the bishop urged Nigerians to live in peace with one another for development.
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