House of Reps Committed to Ethno-religious Unity in Nigeria—Speaker Abbas
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has said that the Green Chamber will continue to foster ethno-religious unity in the country.
Speaker Abbas noted that the House, christened “The People’s House,” truly represents the diverse ethnic and religious groups in the country.
The Speaker made this known when hosting Multi Faith Network US, a religious body that promotes interreligious unity and harmony across the world.
Led by Evangelist Bob Roberts, the delegation had Daniel Langford, Terry Crist, Joel Rainey, Brian Lightsey, and Dan Carlton.
Speaker Abbas noted that Nigeria needs to be better understood by the global community.
While agreeing with the group’s stance that ethno-religious unity can only succeed with the involvement of people at the grassroots, the Speaker stated that lawmakers are representatives of the people in every nook and cranny of the country and relate directly with constituents at the lower level of society.
The Speaker added that lawmakers have been working together regardless of religious, tribal, and ethnic divides and are achieving great results. He noted that this is possible through mutual respect and tolerance within the legislative chambers.
“The Deputy Speaker is a staunch Catholic—he is a staunch Christian—and we have never, since over three and a half years of working together, had any issues relating to tribe or religion,” he said.
Speaker Abbas stressed that the approach deployed by Multi Faith Network US is similar to what the House has adopted.
Earlier, Evangelist Roberts said Multi Faith Network US is apolitical and focuses on diplomacy and advocacy.
While noting that the group is partnering with several global organisations including USAID, he said the membership is made up of pastors and diplomats who seek to address religious issues across the world.
In Africa, he said, Multi Faith Network US works with the Gates Foundation, visiting hospitals and engaging with doctors, nurses, and patients.
The delegation leader noted that Multi Faith Network US approaches religious freedom from two angles—law and culture—both of which are hinged on sensitisation at the grassroots.
Speaking on religious persecution, Evangelist Roberts said the group had organised meetings and engagements between Christians and Muslims until “they started loving one another.”
While stating that the group’s approach is “trying to humanise religion,” he said Multi Faith Network US ensures that people of different faiths execute community projects together. He added that the approach has led to them “standing up for one another during crisis.”