Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has called for continued unity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among the people of the state, warning against the politicisation of religion and ethnicity to create division.
Governor Fintiri made the call on Tuesday, August 11, when he received the leadership of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Dialogue Council (NIREC), Adamawa Chapter, at the Government House in Yola.
The meeting focused on concerns over attempts to exploit religious and ethnic sentiments for political purposes, particularly as the country moves towards another election cycle.
Fintiri said both the government and NIREC share a common concern over the use of religion and ethnicity to stir emotions, influence voters or create divisions among communities.
The governor stressed that Adamawa belongs to all its citizens, irrespective of their religious, ethnic or cultural backgrounds, urging residents to protect the peace that has been built over the years.
He also called on political actors, religious leaders and community stakeholders to avoid actions and rhetoric capable of heightening tensions or undermining peaceful coexistence.
NIREC Adamawa has similarly raised concerns over attempts to manipulate public opinion along religious lines, particularly through social media, and urged citizens to reject inflammatory messages and divisive narratives. The council reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and cooperation between Christians and Muslims in maintaining peace across the state.
The delegation was led by NIREC Adamawa Co-Chairman and Chairman of the State Muslim Council, Gambo Jika, alongside the state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Joel Manzo, who also serves as co-chairman of the inter-religious platform.
Fintiri said maintaining peace and social cohesion remained a collective responsibility, stressing that the people of Adamawa must resist attempts to exploit their differences for political gain.
He urged residents to continue embracing mutual understanding and respect, saying the state’s diversity should remain a source of strength rather than a tool for division.