Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, and Most Rev. Dr Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), have issued a joint appeal to Nigerians to abandon hate speech in favor of constructive dialogue. They emphasized that Nigeria’s religious variety should be a foundation for unity rather than a catalyst for discord. This call to action coincided with the introduction of the Interfaith Code of Conduct (ICoC) in Abuja, a new initiative designed to improve religious leadership and curb the rise of inflammatory messaging.
Represented by Prof. Muhammad Isah Maishanu and Most Rev. Dr Benebo Fubara-Manuel respectively, both leaders urged their colleagues to prioritize reconciliation. The Sultan stressed that religious figures hold a significant responsibility to guide their followers away from conflict, noting that hate speech is a primary driver of instability. Archbishop Okoh described the launch of the ICoC as a vital step in addressing the underlying reasons for intolerance, encouraging stakeholders to integrate these principles into daily sermons and community activities rather than viewing them as mere suggestions.
The Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP), alongside CAN, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, and the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, hosted the event in collaboration with the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID). The ICoC establishes ten essential values, including integrity, justice, and the explicit rejection of hate speech. Supporters aim to embed these standards within schools, places of worship, and media outlets to foster long-term national cohesion.
