"Archbishop John Onaiyekan of Abuja, Nigeria"

"[P]relate says politicians exploit religious differences"


Adapted from this original source: The Catholic World Report, February 2009.


"Archbishop John Onaiyekan of Abuja, Nigeria has charged that political motives, rather than religious conflicts, were the fundamental cause of violence in the northern city of Jos, where at least 200 people were killed and 10,000 driven from their homes as Christians clashed with Muslims in the aftermath of a contested election.

"[T]he archbishop said, It will not be helpful to simply say Christians and Muslims are fighting. After all, we know that the origin of all this is political: the result or non - result of an election. Politicians always find a way to manipulate religion when it suits them, and this is what is happening now.

"[H]e observed, Law - abiding Nigerians could be tempted to take alternative measures for self - defense if they ever feel that they can no longer trust the state to protect them. This must never be allowed to happen...."


Good read!