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‘Well-Deserved’, Buhari Congratulates Imam Abdullahi On US Religious Freedom Awards

  Advertisement President Muhammadu Buhari has described the international Religious Freedom Award conferred on Imam Abubakar Abdullahi by the U.S. Department of State as a … Continue reading ‘Well-Deserved’, Buhari Congratulates Imam Abdullahi On US Religious Freedom Awards


 

President Muhammadu Buhari has described the international Religious Freedom Award conferred on Imam Abubakar Abdullahi by the U.S. Department of State as a ‘well-deserved honour’.

The 83-year-old Muslim cleric who hails from Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, was honoured yesterday for bravery after he risked his life and that of his family to save the lives of hundreds of Christians, fleeing from attacks by suspected bandits.

According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity, Garba Shehu, President Buhari is elated that Imam Abdullahi has written his name in gold and his deeds will always be a point of reference around the world.

“The President believes the recognition bestowed on the 83-year old Muslim cleric is towering and befitting for the patriot who risked his own life and that of his family on June 23, 2018 to save the lives of hundreds of Christians, fleeing from attacks by suspected bandits in Yelwan Gidin Akwati, Swei and Nghar villages in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

“President Buhari is, therefore, elated that a Nigerian national has written his name in gold in the international arena and his deeds will resonate wherever and whenever there are discussions on religious tolerance, cordiality between Christians and Muslims in the country and around the world.”

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The statement added that President Buhari used the virtues of Imam Abdullahi as a point of reference to all other clerics, to promote peace across the country.

“The President recommends the sterling virtues of Imam Abdullahi to all clerics and Nigerians in general.

“He also strongly affirms the commitment of this administration to freedom of religion and worship for all Nigerians, as guaranteed by the Constitution, stressing that under no circumstance will any religion or faith be imposed on the nation.”