Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, an Islamic cleric, has called for peace and mutual respect between Christians and Muslims, while condemning blasphemy and lawlessness.
Gumi denounced both activities as reckless and antithetical to Christian principles in a statement posted to Facebook on Tuesday.
He emphasised that Islam supports order and respect, and that no individual has the authority to impose their own laws.
He also encouraged non-Muslims to preserve Muslim religious beliefs and prevent sacrilege.
Gumi warned that foreign interests may want to incite religious conflict in Nigeria, but he was certain that the majority of Nigerians would not resort to violence.
He further stated that anyone who breaks the law will be held accountable for their conduct.
Gumi stated, “A call to peace for all Christians and Muslims.” Blasphemy and lawlessness are reckless and contrary to all religions.
“Islam, in particular, is a faith that values order and respect. Nobody can take the law into their own hands. We also hope that non-Muslims will respect what Muslims consider sacred and refrain from desecrating those ideals.
“As a nation, we should be aware that there are foreign forces who want to see the country devolve into futile religious conflicts. Nonetheless, we should not be misled, as the bulk of Nigerians will not fight each other. “Any lawbreaker will have only himself to blame.”