Abuja: The Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCRELA) has called on the Federal Government to appoint Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) on Christian and Muslim Religious Affairs to bridge gaps and build grassroots trust. The Secretary-General of the association, Rev. Simon Dolly-Kif, stated in a release that such appointments would foster unity and peace in the country.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dolly-Kif emphasized that appointing dedicated aides is a strategic national necessity to utilize the moral authority of faith institutions in solving everyday human challenges. He highlighted that, amidst economic pressures, insecurity, and social tensions testing the resilience of families across Nigeria, these appointments go beyond mere political gestures.
He pointed out that in many communities across the country, where government presence is minimal, churches and mosques serve as primary lifelines for citizens by running health clinics, community schools, and welfare programs. Religious leaders, with their moral authority and deep community reach, can enhance public trust and reinforce the message that every Nigerian is valued, regardless of faith.
Dolly-Kif further stressed that presidential aides on Christian and Muslim affairs would act as human bridges to facilitate constructive interfaith dialogue and mediate local conflicts before they escalate. He outlined that the proposed advisers would be tasked with advising the President on policies with social and religious impacts on citizens.
Their responsibilities would include facilitating ongoing interfaith dialogue to deepen tolerance and mutual respect, mobilizing faith-based institutions for public health, literacy, and poverty reduction programs, and serving as early-warning channels to identify and defuse local religious friction before it leads to violence.
The NOCRELA scribe underscored that harnessing the ethical influence of respected faith leaders is a critical, untapped asset for national healing and stability. As Nigeria strives for peace, justice, and sustainable development, governance that recognizes and engages all major faith communities will reinforce the shared commitment to a prosperous nation. He concluded that it is time to leverage every available asset, including the moral voice of religion, for nation-building.