Mani also advocated prison term for anyone who calls a Christian, “people with faith”, “Arne or Kirdi”, as some are quick to call.
The bishop said it was the right time for government of Borno state, leaders of thought and traditional institutions and elsewhere in the country to work towards ensuring peaceful coexistence between the adherence of the nation’s two prominent religions.
He made the declaration during his speech at the palace of the Shehu of Borno, when he led the delegation of the members of the NOSCEF on a courtesy visit yesterday.
Speaking during the visit, Mani said the group are in the palace to pay homage and also to console and condole with the royal father as the deputy Chairman of the Nigerian Muslim Ummah over the death of the Emir of Kano, Sarkin Ado Bayero, the Emir of Gombe and the Emir of Gwoza as well other Muslims and Christian Clerics who passed away recently.
He said as a group their heart was still grieved and they remain shocked by the failure to rescue the over 200 Chibok schoolgirls abducted by the Boko Haram sect.
He said for over two months now, the families of the abducted Chibok girls, their relations, Borno, and the entire people of Nigeria as well as the international communities are pained by the incident and expressed hope that government would double its effort in the search and rescue these innocent girls and bring them back to their parents.
Mani said now more than ever is the time to allow for unity among the adherents of both Islamic and Christian religions.
The Bishop said, as a matter of fact, one of the issues that remain of concern to the Christian body particularly in Borno state is the use of the concepts of “Arne” and “Kirdi” by some Muslims to refer to Christians. This creates quarrels and fights between adherents of the two religions in buses, markets, schools and other places not mentioned.
