JNI, CAN In Southern Kaduna Call For Restraint After Defence Minister Accused El-Rufai Of Planning Killings, Say Don’t Allow One Statement To Destroy Christian-Muslim Bonds

Muslim and Christian leaders in Southern Kaduna have called for peace, restraint and mutual understanding following reactions to recent remarks by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), against former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The religious leaders, under the platforms of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), made the appeal during a joint peace meeting in Kafanchan, Kaduna State.

The meeting comes amid controversy trailing Musa’s appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on September 3, where he alleged that El-Rufai “deliberately planned for the killing of our people” and “paid bandits” while in office.

Speaking on the development, Chairman of the Council of Imams, Southern Kaduna, Imam Muhammed Kabir Kasim, described Musa as an experienced military officer and public servant whose comments should be understood in context.

“General Christopher Gwabin Musa is an upright man and a top military brass who should not be mistaken for being a politician,” Kasim said.

He appealed for restraint, particularly on social media where statements could be taken out of context.

“Whatever anybody says, we should always look at the intention and the context. We should not allow social media interpretations to determine our relationship with one another,” he said.

“We have lived together as Christians and Muslims for many years. We should not allow one statement to destroy the bonds that exist between our communities.”

Similarly, Chairman of JNI, Southern Kaduna/Jema’a, Mallam Garba Alhassan Adamu, said his interactions with Musa showed him to be concerned about peace and stability in the region.

“He desires to see peace restored in Southern Kaduna, a region he is coming from,” Adamu said, urging stakeholders to engage the minister constructively rather than through confrontation.

He called on religious leaders to be careful with language on sensitive national issues.

“We must learn to disagree without becoming enemies. Our responsibility as religious leaders is to preach peace and guide our people away from anything that can cause crisis,” Adamu added.

Chairman of CAN, Kachia Local Government Area, Rev Ezekiel Jock, said public officials, like other individuals, could make statements that might be interpreted differently by different audiences.

“No individual can make a statement that will resonate positively with everyone,” Jock said, urging Christians and Muslims to avoid turning disagreements over public comments into religious or regional conflicts.

“We must separate the person from the statement and address issues based on facts. We should not allow emotions to take over because once emotions take over, peaceful dialogue becomes difficult.”

He noted that Southern Kaduna’s diversity required greater responsibility from leaders.

“Southern Kaduna has two major faiths, and we must continue to promote understanding, respect and peaceful coexistence,” he said, cautioning against sharing provocative information.

“Before sharing anything, people should ask whether it will promote peace or create another problem. We have a responsibility to protect our communities from unnecessary tension.”