The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has described as unnecessary a denial issued by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) concerning an invitation extended to him for the planned groundbreaking event of an ecumenical chapel at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The Sultan, in a statement sent to Naija News by his media team, stressed that the Sultan’s presence at a Christian ceremony would foster inter-religious peace and harmony, noting his position as Co-Chairman of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC).
The statement, signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka, also observed that it is not an uncommon global practice for religious leaders to participate in activities outside their faith traditions without negative consequences.
Naija News reports that the defence follows an earlier dismissal by CAN through its media office in Abuja, which made it clear that it did not send any invitation to the Sultan for the event. It explained that the information being circulated did not come from CAN and should not be linked to the body.
CAN stated that the document causing the confusion originated from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). It said that at no time did it issue or approve any message inviting the Sultan in connection with the chapel project.
The body said it was necessary to correct the impression quickly because its name had been wrongly attached to the claim.
The Sultan’s media team also acknowledged that the document generating public confusion originated from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), adding that the invitation also listed the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, as Distinguished Guest of Honour, and Senator Oluremi Tinubu as Mother of the Day.
