The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, have urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate and prosecute corrupt Nigerians, including religious leaders, without fear or favour. This call was made during a meeting at the Barcelona Hotel in Abuja, where the council discussed the pervasive corruption in the country, including within religious circles. According to the EFCC, many pastors and imams are facing corruption charges.
The Sultan, who is the co-chairman of NIREC, emphasized that religious leaders have a duty to fight corruption as it is against God's will. He stated that using public or corrupt money for religious purposes, such as sending people on pilgrimages, is unacceptable. The Sultan stressed that anyone involved in corruption, regardless of their religious status or personal connections, should face the law. He urged the EFCC to remain impartial and not be swayed by politics or political leaders.
The Sultan's position was supported by the outgoing Executive Secretary of NIREC, Fr. Prof. Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua, who warned that a wrong concept of God can lead to the emergence of fake and professional pastors and imams who mislead their followers. He emphasized the need for Christian and Islamic faithful to live in peace and unity and condemned statements that contradict peace and human dignity.
The Director-General of the Islamic Council, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, noted that the EFCC's anti-corruption manual should serve as a moral compass for Nigerians, particularly in religious centres and educational institutions. He emphasized the importance of promoting a corruption-free society.
The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Rev. Daniel Okoh, also urged religious leaders to use their platforms to preach peace and unity. He emphasized the need for religious leaders to work together to build bridges of understanding and promote peaceful coexistence.
The EFCC has reported that many ordained pastors and imams are undergoing investigation over fraud and misappropriation of funds. The commission's efforts to tackle corruption have been commended by NIREC and the Sultan, who emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to fighting corruption.
The meeting at the Barcelona Hotel in Abuja was attended by various religious leaders, who reiterated their commitment to working together to promote peace, unity, and a corruption-free society in Nigeria. The EFCC's anti-corruption manual is expected to play a key role in this effort.
Key points
- NIREC and Sultan of Sokoto call on EFCC to investigate corrupt Nigerians without fear or favour.
- EFCC reports many pastors and imams facing corruption charges.
- Religious leaders emphasize need for peace, unity, and a corruption-free society.
