A human rights organization, Christian Solidarity World Wide Nigeria, says religious intolerance, especially in the northern part of the country, had greatly affected the economic and social life of the citizens.
Chief Executive Officer of the organisation in Nigeria, Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, made this known during a training workshop organised for journalists across the northern part of the country in Kano on Thursday.
He called for religious tolerance among the faithful for the peace and development of the country.
“It is no longer news that some communities are lacking in basic social amenities due to the religious intolerance existing among residents who are supposed to be united and doing things together for the common good.
“Discrimination and hostility to one another due to religious differences are against section 38 (1) of the 1999 Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
“This is the more reason why journalists need to rise to the occasion to enlighten people on the Freedom of Religion or Belief contained in the constitution,” he said.
He also said that for 16 years, the organisation had been carrying out advocacy programmes, meeting leaders of various religious bodies, community leaders and political office holders, on the best ways of harmonising better working relationships.
He, however, called on those whose rights are being trampled upon to feel free to contact the organisation for assistance, no matter how serious or little the matter is, for immediate address to give room for peace and progress.
The training workshop which began on June 3 will end on June 6.
