We have allowed religious, ethnic sentiment to divide us – Sani Bello

Gov Sani Bello of Niger State

Gov. Sani Bello of Niger has called on Nigerians to eschew religious and ethnic sentiments in their dealings to ensure peace and national development.

He made the call when he received Dr Mathias Echioda, the new Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger chapter in Minna on Wednesday.

“One of the things that has divided us as a nation is religious sentiment. It was never like this in the past and I don’t know why it is like this now.

“We had a better life and better understanding which brought more progress to the country.

“It is time for us to move away from all forms of sentiments. It is not healthy and it is anti progress for the development of the country”, he said.

He added that there was no justification for Christian Religion Studies not be taught in unity schools if the Islamic Religion Studies was being taught.

“If IRS is being taught in schools, what now happens to the Christians students, it means they are being forced to go out and play. That is against our moral value.

“Also, there should be balance in appointment. Sentiments should not dictate it but merit and competence”, he added.

Bello said the state government would continue to support religious bodies, especially officials of both faith, to perform pilgrimage.

Earlier, Echioda said the visit was to commend the state government efforts in rehabilitating the Minna-Suleja road, adding that it had ease hardship and death on the route.

He added that the association would continue to pray for peace and progress of the state and its people. (NAN)