Shettima assures Nigerians of rights, freedom protection

Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Saturday assured Nigerians that their rights, regardless of their religious and ethnic beliefs, would be protected under the current administration.

The Vice President Shettima spoke in Lagos during a special prayer organised by the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya of Nigeria in honour of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, added that at the event the President General of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijjaniyya) and 14th Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II, implored Nigerians to file behind the Tinubu administration to move the country forward.

The statement noted that Vice President emphasised the importance of inclusivity and respect for religious freedom in a nation with a population of over 200 million people divided along religious and ethnic lines.

The Shettima assured the gathering that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was guided by the message of the day, and is committed to protecting the rights and freedom of all Nigerians, regardless of their beliefs.

“The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) serve as a compass guiding us through the complexities of a multicultural world. He left us a template to manage a diverse society fairly. He taught us ways to build peace and resolve conflicts through dialogue, through kindness and through tolerance,” he said.

Delivering his keynote address on the theme of the programme, “Searching For A Compass In A Multicultural World,” the Vice President expressed gratitude to Secretary General of the Tijjaniyya International and President of the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya for their exemplary guidance and dedication to preserving moral values.

He called for accountability in deeds and actions, urging all individuals to uphold the Prophet’s message of fairness and inclusivity in their daily interactions.

Shettima said, “The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) offer a beacon of light navigating the complexities of our multicultural world. The Holy Prophet left behind a roadmap for managing diversity with fairness, building peace through dialogue, and resolving conflicts with kindness and tolerance.”

Addressing the challenges faced by the nation, Shettima acknowledged the burden of trust bestowed on President Tinubu by the Nigerian people.

He called for reflection and prayer for the President and other leaders, urging all citizens to remember their purpose in a world filled with trials and distractions.

The VP expressed appreciation for the special prayer session held by the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya, where the Quran was recited 4,444 times for Nigeria and its leader.

“In our diverse nation, it is our duty to ensure every Nigerian can practice their religion freely without fear or discrimination. We extend a hand of friendship to the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya, commending your efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence among different religious communities,” he said.

Shettima also spoke about the importance of internal transformation as a prerequisite for societal change, saying, “As Allah instructed in the Qur’an, we can only guarantee change in our condition if we change that which is within us.”