Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has hailed an 83-year-old Muslim Cleric, Imam Abdullahi Abubakar who was responsible for saving the lives of a lot of people that escaped attacks by suspected bandits in Yelwan Gindi Akwati, Swei and Nghar villages in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau.
He described him as a hero.
Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, revealed the vice president gave the praise when he received the cleric at the Presidential Villa.
Yemi Osinbjo also begged politicians to stay away from using religion and tribal sentiment to divide the people. He urged them to see how Imam Abdullahi Abubakar’s actions should be emulated by Nigerian leaders.
His words, “I commend you for your wonderful act.
“Imam Abubakar has demonstrated one of the most courageous acts any man can possibly do, by offering his own life, for those who are not people of his own tribe.
“I have heard a lot of stories in our country, but this is one of the most compelling stories.
“The love an individual can show for others not from their own tribe or religion, especially in a society like ours where tribe and religion often come to play.”
“It is far easier for people to create religious tensions between Christians or Muslims through their acts or words.
“And in a community where people have lived together in harmony and peace for so long, it shows how much a little of such tension created, in a matter of hours, can destroy harmony and peace built over the years.”
“When people have been wronged, it is always easier for people to accept that revenge or vengeance is the right approach.
“But as you know, vengeance breeds bitterness and hatred and doesn’t solve the problems created, but causes more deaths and harm.”
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