TheCable

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos state governor, has called on religious leaders to use their platforms to preach peace and desist from making derogatory comments that could stir up violence.

Speaking at the 2021 Lagos State Interdenominational Divine Service (IDDS) on Saturday, Sanwo-Olu said a crisis in Nigeria would be catastrophic for Africa.

The governor said the COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide protests had caused a downturn in the economy, adding that it is time for citizens to unite and give Nigeria a new beginning.

“It is time for sober reflection that must bring a new beginning for our nation. We have all witnessed the challenges of our country, but we need to be careful not to turn the observed crises into an ethnic or religious war,” he said.

“We need to guide against utterances that may stereotype anyone or their tribe. We have duty to isolate criminals in our communities, rather than introducing tribal spin into every crime.

“Nigeria is the largest country in Africa. Where will we go to? That’s why I said we need a new beginning and there are no other people that can help us lower the temperature and calm the frayed nerves than our religious leaders whose voices are well respected.

“As a nation, we have several battles to fight but we must refrain from adding political instability to the issues.”

Sanwo-Olu said the crises bedeviling the nation require collective action from every segment of the country.

He thanked religious groups across the state for sustaining Lagos with prayers, while hailing the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for its spiritual support towards his administration.