THIS was first set up in 1987, and called “NIREC”, but which apparently has not been able to check-mate these religious upheavals decisively and permanently. Appropriate legislation should back it up to make it function effectively this time. Let me add here other suggested guidelines or code of conduct for encouraging and strengthening good relationships between Christians and Moslems in Nigeria:

(1). All Nigerians must respect other people’s freedom within the law to express their beliefs and convictions. (2). We should learn to understand what others actually believe and value, and let them express this in their own terms. (3).We should respect the convictions of others about food, dress and social etiquette and not behave in ways which cause needless offence. (4). We should recognise that all of us at times fall short of the ideals of our own tradition and never compare our own ideals with other people’s practices.(5). We should always work to prevent disagreement from leading to conflict.(6).We should always seek to avoid violence in our relationships. (7).When we talk about matters of faith with one another, we need to do so with sensitivity, honesty and straightforwardness. Avoid condemning either of the two religious leaders or their books (i.e. Bible or Qur’an).(8).We should always do to others as we want them to do to us.(9). All appointments must be based on merit and not solely on religious sentiments. (10) We should hold the religious leaders responsible for the misdemeanours of their adherents henceforth.

Finally, we should realize that God in His eternal wisdom has designed Nigeria to be a religiously pluralistic nation, like the developed countries where the various religions have always co-existed peacefully and harmoniously. Therefore, equal liberty should be given to people of different faiths to stand by their own faiths and opinions in order to avert religious crises and make for harmony and peaceful co-existence. Let us all join hands to pray fervently, both individually and collectively, for an enduring peace and religious harmony in our beloved country, Nigeria. May the merciful Lord God help us, in Jesus’ name. Amen.