MURIC Commends Sultan of Sokoto for Bold Warning on NIREC’s Relevance

MURIC Commends Sultan of Sokoto for Bold Warning on NIREC’s Relevance

Abuja, 11th December 2025 – The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has praised the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, for his candid warning that the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) risks losing its relevance unless faith leaders embrace sincerity, accountability, and genuine dialogue.

The remarks were made during the Second Tri-Annual Meeting of NIREC in Abuja on Wednesday, 10th December 2025. The Sultan, who also serves as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Co-Chair of NIREC, highlighted the need for honesty among faith leaders, questioning whether members truly practice the values they espouse in public.

Quoted in a statement by MURIC, the Sultan said:
“We sit down and say so many good things to one another, knowing God owns everything. Yet, when we go out, away from our comfort zone, we begin to say negative things about one another. Are we really honest with ourselves?”

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Reacting to the Sultan’s statement, MURIC described it as “frank, truthful and bold,” and expressed concern that NIREC has become “a mere talk shop, an elephant in the room and a gangrene polluting the religious anatomy of the nation.”

MURIC further criticised Christian members of NIREC for allegedly undermining trust within the council, citing reports of a purported Christian genocide submitted abroad without prior discussion within NIREC. The group argued that such actions demonstrate “bad faith, ill will and betrayal” toward Muslim members of the council.

Despite these tensions, MURIC lauded the Sultan for continuing to engage in dialogue with his Christian colleagues. The organisation described his commitment to peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and patience as exemplary, warning against any attempts to associate him with terrorism.

MURIC’s Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said the Sultan’s efforts underscore the importance of dialogue in maintaining religious harmony in Nigeria and urged all faith leaders to follow his example.

The press release concluded with a call for continued cooperation within NIREC to ensure peace, progress, and mutual understanding across the nation.

MURIC Commends Sultan of Sokoto for Bold Warning on NIREC’s Relevance