Reverend Yakubu Pam, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Northern Chapter, has identified extremism and hate speech as the primary drivers of religious violence in Nigeria. Speaking on the growing tensions between religious groups, Reverend Pam emphasized the need to monitor the speeches of religious leaders who may incite violence through extremist rhetoric.
In a statement, Reverend Pam reiterated that Nigeria is a secular nation constitutionally guaranteed to uphold freedom of religion and speech. However, he warned that these freedoms must not be exploited to propagate hate or fuel division among citizens.
Hate Speech and Extremism as Key Factors
Reverend Pam pointed out that hate speech against other religions has become a significant contributor to religious violence in the country. He called for increased vigilance and regulation of religious sermons and public statements to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies.
“Hate speech against other religions is a major factor. It is essential to monitor the speeches of some preachers who may be extremists. Nigeria is meant to be a secular country with freedom of religion and speech,” he stated.
The CAN Northern Chapter chair’s remarks come amid rising concerns over religious intolerance and violence in parts of Nigeria, particularly in the northern region. Recent incidents of clashes between religious groups have highlighted the urgent need for dialogue and measures to promote peaceful coexistence.
Nigeria’s Secular Status and Religious Freedom
Reverend Pam emphasized that Nigeria’s constitution enshrines the principles of secularism and guarantees freedom of religion for all citizens. He urged religious leaders and followers to respect these principles and avoid actions or statements that could undermine national unity.
“Nigeria is a secular state, and every citizen has the right to practice their religion without fear or intimidation. However, this freedom must not be used as a tool to spread hate or incite violence,” he added.
Calls for Monitoring and Regulation
To address the root causes of religious violence, Reverend Pam called on government agencies, religious organizations, and community leaders to work together in monitoring and regulating religious activities. He stressed the importance of holding extremist preachers accountable for their actions and ensuring that religious teachings promote peace and tolerance.
“We must not allow a few extremists to hijack our religious spaces and use them to spread division and violence. It is the responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure that religious teachings align with the values of peace, love, and unity,” he said.
Implications for National Unity and Security
Religious violence poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s national unity and security. The country’s diverse religious landscape, with a nearly equal population of Christians and Muslims, makes it particularly vulnerable to conflicts fueled by religious extremism and hate speech.
Reverend Pam’s call for action highlights the need for proactive measures to address these challenges. Failure to curb religious violence could exacerbate existing tensions, leading to further instability and undermining efforts to achieve sustainable peace and development.
Next Steps
As Nigeria grapples with the growing threat of religious violence, stakeholders are urged to prioritize dialogue, education, and community engagement to promote mutual understanding and tolerance. Religious leaders, in particular, have a critical role to play in fostering peaceful coexistence and countering extremist narratives.
The government must also strengthen its efforts to enforce laws against hate speech and religious incitement while ensuring that all citizens can exercise their religious freedoms without fear of persecution.
