Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has said religion without tolerance was inhumanity, adding that tolerance should be a hallmark of religious understanding.
Tunji-Ojo in a press release issued by Ozoya Imohimi, Director, Press and Public Relations of the Ministry stated this while hosting the National Executive of Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fathi Society of Nigeria, NASFAT, on a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Interior in Abuja.
He noted that religious leaders have a big role to play in fighting radical extremism and that the Ministry was ready to partner with NASFAT in the areas of advocacy, awareness and capacity building.
He noted that the fight against radical extremism can be fought both in kinetic and non kinetic ways saying that the kinetic approach in particular can be deployed to counter extreme ideology with superior ideology.
According to him, religious leaders have a key role to play in this vein.
Hence, he said, “Religious leaders have a role in making sure we hand over banners to our children without a stain.”
He explained that for him, he is never attached to the office but always attached to responsibilities saying that it is the responsibilities that make the office worthwhile, and he acknowledged NASFAT’s profound impact on the lives of humanity, and that is why he could passionately identify with the Society.
The Secretary of NASFAT Board of Trustees, Oloye Remi Babalola, who led the delegation to the Ministry said they came to appreciate the Minister for his good work to Nigeria and pray for him to succeed on the mission given to him by President Bola Tinubu.
He also sought for partnership between NASFAT and the Ministry, especially on capacity building, advocacy to Custodian centres and appreciated the Minister on the assistance he rendered to its branch in Ondo State.
NASFAT, a Muslim prayer group, at the end of the visit offered prayers for the Minister and the nation at large.